Festive Chilled Wild Rice & Spinach Salad
This vibrant and refreshing salad is the perfect centerpiece for any festive gathering, especially New Year's celebrations. Combining nutty wild rice with the earthy sweetness of dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and fresh baby spinach, this dish is both nutritious and visually appealing. The wild rice is cooked with an orange juice infusion instead of plain water, enhancing its flavor and adding a subtle citrus note. Tossed in a zesty dressing made from fresh orange juice, honey, and mustard, this salad delivers a delightful balance of sweet and savory. It's versatile enough to be prepared a day in advance, making it an excellent choice for busy hosts. Simply add the dressing just before serving to ensure the spinach stays crisp and fresh. Whether you choose to keep it vegan by substituting the honey with barley malt or rice syrup, everyone will appreciate this elegant salad at the table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
wild rice
1 cup (rinsed)
water
2 cups (for cooking the rice)
orange juice
1 cup (for cooking the rice)
dried cranberries
1/2 cup (none)
pecans
1/2 cup (toasted and coarsely chopped)
baby spinach
3 cups (rinsed, stems removed, and cut into ribbons)
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh orange juice
2 tablespoons (none)
honey
1 tablespoon (or substitute with barley malt or rice syrup for vegan option)
canola oil
1 tablespoon (none)
onion powder
1/8 teaspoon (none)
Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon (or use brown mustard)
garlic powder
1 dash (to taste)
cayenne
1 dash (to taste)
salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Start by checking the cooking instructions for your wild rice, noting the recommended cooking ratio and time. For this recipe, bring 2 cups of water and 1 cup of orange juice to a boil in a medium saucepan.
2
Once boiling, add 1 cup of wild rice and allow it to return to a boil before reducing the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 60 minutes, checking at the 45-minute mark. If the liquid is running low, add a little more water.
3
While the wild rice is cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spread the pecans onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Toast them for 5-7 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned. Once done, allow them to cool and roughly chop the pecans.
4
Rinse and clean the baby spinach and remove any tough stems. Then, stack the leaves and slice them into ribbons that are about 1/2 inch thick.
5
After the wild rice has finished cooking, remove it from heat and let it cool for approximately 20 minutes. This will slightly wilt the spinach when combined but will not cook it.
6
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled wild rice, spinach ribbons, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. If serving the salad the same day, you can keep it on the counter; if preparing in advance, store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
7
For the dressing, whisk together cider vinegar, fresh orange juice, honey, canola oil, onion powder, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cayenne, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until well combined.
8
About 30 minutes before serving, toss the salad with the dressing and let it sit at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Chilled Wild Rice & Spinach Salad?
It is a vibrant, refreshing salad that combines nutty wild rice, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh baby spinach in a citrusy dressing.
What occasion is this salad best for?
This salad is an ideal centerpiece for festive gatherings, particularly New Year's celebrations.
How is the wild rice flavored in this recipe?
The wild rice is infused with citrus flavor by cooking it in a combination of water and orange juice.
What is the liquid ratio for cooking the wild rice?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of water and 1 cup of orange juice for 1 cup of wild rice.
How long does the wild rice take to cook?
It takes approximately 60 minutes to cook, but you should begin checking for doneness at the 45-minute mark.
How do I prepare the pecans for the salad?
Toast the pecans on an ungreased cookie sheet at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, then coarsely chop them once cooled.
How should the baby spinach be cut?
Rinse the spinach, remove any tough stems, and slice the leaves into ribbons about 1/2 inch thick.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply substitute the honey in the dressing with barley malt or rice syrup.
What are the ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing consists of cider vinegar, fresh orange juice, honey, canola oil, onion powder, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt.
When should I add the dressing to the salad?
Toss the salad with the dressing about 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld without making the spinach too soggy.
Can I prepare this salad a day in advance?
Yes, the rice and other ingredients can be combined ahead of time and refrigerated; just add the dressing right before serving.
Why must the rice cool for 20 minutes before mixing?
Cooling the rice ensures it only slightly wilts the spinach ribbons rather than cooking them.
What should I do if the rice liquid runs low while cooking?
If the liquid is running low before the rice is tender, add a small amount of extra water to the saucepan.
What type of mustard can be used in the dressing?
The recipe recommends Dijon mustard, but brown mustard is a suitable substitute.
What type of fruit is in the salad?
The salad includes dried cranberries and is flavored with orange juice.
Is there any onion in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/8 teaspoon of onion powder in the dressing for a subtle onion flavor.
How much spinach is required?
The recipe uses 3 cups of baby spinach.
Does the recipe use oil?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of canola oil is used in the dressing.
Is the salad spicy?
It contains a dash of cayenne and Dijon mustard, providing a very mild zing that can be adjusted to taste.
What is the first step in preparing the rice?
Rinse 1 cup of wild rice and bring 2 cups of water and 1 cup of orange juice to a boil.
What temperature should the oven be for toasting nuts?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the pecans.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients total, including spices and the dressing components.
What is the texture of the wild rice?
Wild rice has a characteristic nutty and slightly chewy texture.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, salt is added to the dressing to taste.
What kind of vinegar is best for the dressing?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar.
Can I use a different nut?
While the recipe calls for pecans, you could substitute other toasted nuts if preferred.
Does the recipe use garlic?
A dash of garlic powder is included in the dressing for flavor.
Is this a hot or cold salad?
It is intended to be a chilled or room-temperature salad.
How do I know when the pecans are done?
They are finished when they are fragrant and have become lightly browned.
What is the best way to clean the spinach?
Rinse the baby spinach thoroughly and remove any tough or woody stems before slicing.