Rainbow Wild Rice Medley
Brighten up your meal with this vibrant Rainbow Wild Rice Medley, a perfect blend of nutty wild rice, crunchy vegetables, and delicious fruits. This salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a side dish or a light main course. Ideal for meal prep, you can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. Simply refrigerate and serve chilled for a refreshing addition to any table. Whether it's a family gathering, picnic, or simply a weekday dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone's palate.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
wild rice
1 cup (uncooked)
shredded carrots
2 cups
green onions
3 (chopped)
olive oil
1/4 cup
red wine vinegar
1/4 cup
salt
1/2 teaspoon
dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, cherries, blueberries)
1 cup (or fresh fruit)
pecans or walnuts
1 cup
honey
1/2 tablespoon
Instructions
1
Rinse wild rice under cold water and cook according to package instructions, omitting any butter, oil, or additional seasonings.
2
Once the rice is cooked, drain it well and let it cool completely in the refrigerator.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled wild rice, shredded carrots, and chopped green onions, mixing thoroughly.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt until well combined.
5
Pour the dressing over the wild rice mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is well coated.
6
Add in your choice of dried fruit and nuts, stirring gently to incorporate.
7
Drizzle honey over the salad, mixing again until evenly distributed.
8
For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving. If using dried fruit that has been plumped in warm water, be sure to drain it before adding.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rainbow Wild Rice Medley?
It is a vibrant and nutritious salad made with nutty wild rice, crunchy vegetables, fruits, and nuts tossed in a simple vinaigrette.
How do I cook the wild rice for this recipe?
Rinse the wild rice under cold water and cook according to the package instructions, ensuring you omit any butter, oil, or extra seasonings.
Can I use a different type of rice?
While wild rice provides a specific nutty texture, you could substitute it with a wild rice blend or brown rice if needed.
What vegetables are included in the medley?
The recipe calls for two cups of shredded carrots and three chopped green onions.
What are the ingredients in the dressing?
The dressing is a simple whisked mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for meal prep as the flavors meld together beautifully when stored in the refrigerator.
How long should the salad chill before serving?
For the best flavor, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before you serve it.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian.
Is this recipe vegan?
As written, it contains honey. To make it vegan, you can substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
Which dried fruits work best in this rice medley?
You can use raisins, dried cranberries, dried cherries, or dried blueberries.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried?
Yes, the recipe allows for the substitution of fresh fruit for the dried fruit component.
What kind of nuts should I add?
The recipe suggests using either pecans or walnuts for a delicious crunch.
How much honey is added to the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, simply omit the pecans or walnuts to make this dish safe for those with nut allergies.
Do I need to cook the carrots?
No, the carrots should be shredded and added raw to maintain their crunch.
Should the rice be warm when I add the other ingredients?
No, the rice should be cooled completely in the refrigerator after cooking before mixing with the other ingredients.
Can I substitute the red wine vinegar?
Yes, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar would be suitable substitutes.
How should I prep the dried fruit if it is too hard?
You can plump it in warm water, but ensure you drain it thoroughly before adding it to the salad.
What is the purpose of rinsing the wild rice?
Rinsing removes any debris and excess surface starch, leading to a better texture once cooked.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Wild rice is naturally gluten-free. Ensure your red wine vinegar and other ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will this salad stay fresh in the fridge?
It will typically stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 5 days when properly refrigerated.
Can I add extra protein to this dish?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu would all make great additions to turn this into a more filling meal.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This medley is designed to be served chilled or at room temperature.
What if I don't have olive oil?
You can use another neutral oil like avocado oil or grape seed oil as a replacement.
Can I use different onions?
If you don't have green onions, finely diced red onions or chives can provide a similar flavor profile.
Does this recipe require a lot of salt?
It only requires 1/2 teaspoon of salt, though you can adjust to your personal preference.
Can I freeze Rainbow Wild Rice Medley?
Freezing is not recommended as the fresh vegetables and fruit may become mushy upon thawing.
Is this dish healthy?
Yes, it is packed with fiber from the wild rice, vitamins from the carrots and fruit, and healthy fats from the nuts and olive oil.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients: wild rice, carrots, green onions, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, dried/fresh fruit, nuts, and honey.