Savory Wild Rice and Asparagus Medley
Experience the delightful blend of textures and flavors in this Savory Wild Rice and Asparagus Medley. This dish marries the earthiness of wild rice with the crispiness of asparagus and the rich, umami flavor of portabella mushrooms. With the added sweetness of craisins and a satisfying crunch from toasted pine nuts or almonds, this salad can be served warm or chilled, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Share it at your next gathering or enjoy it as a nutritious weekday lunch!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
long grain and wild rice blend
2 (5 ounce packages)
onion
1 (chopped (yellow works best))
garlic cloves
2-4 (minced)
asparagus
3 cups (chopped into 1.5-inch pieces)
portabella mushrooms
14 ounces (chopped)
chicken broth
1 (8 ounce can)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons
garlic salt
to taste
pine nuts or sliced almonds
1/2-1 cup
craisins
1 cup
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the wild rice blend according to package instructions. About 2 minutes before the rice is done, stir in the craisins and allow them to plump up as the rice finishes cooking.
2
2. While the rice cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken broth, chopped garlic, and onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
3
3. Add the chopped asparagus to the skillet. Sauté until the asparagus is tender-crisp, then incorporate the portabella mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
4
4. Once the rice is cooked, drain any excess broth from the skillet. Gently fold the onion, mushroom, and asparagus mixture into the rice and craisins until well combined.
5
5. Drizzle the red wine vinegar and olive oil over the mixture. Season with garlic salt to taste. Toss to combine thoroughly.
6
6. If using nuts, place them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown, being careful not to burn them. Once toasted, mix them into the salad.
7
7. Serve warm or refrigerate to enjoy cold. This dish makes for a wonderful side or a hearty main course.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Wild Rice and Asparagus Medley?
It is a nutritious dish combining wild rice, asparagus, portabella mushrooms, craisins, and toasted nuts, which can be served either warm or chilled.
What are the primary ingredients needed for this recipe?
The main ingredients include long grain and wild rice blend, onion, garlic, asparagus, portabella mushrooms, chicken broth, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic salt, nuts, and craisins.
How do I cook the wild rice blend for this dish?
Cook the rice according to the package instructions, but stir in the craisins about 2 minutes before it finishes cooking to allow them to plump up.
When should I add the craisins to the recipe?
Add the craisins to the pot of wild rice approximately 2 minutes before the rice is fully cooked.
How do I prepare the vegetables for the medley?
Chop the onion, mince the garlic cloves, cut the asparagus into 1.5-inch pieces, and chop the portabella mushrooms.
What is the best type of onion to use?
Yellow onions work best for this recipe due to their balanced flavor.
How do I sauté the aromatics?
Heat a skillet over medium heat with chicken broth, then add the garlic and onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
At what stage do I add the asparagus?
Add the chopped asparagus to the skillet after the onions have become translucent, and sauté until tender-crisp.
How long should the portabella mushrooms be cooked?
Once added to the skillet with the asparagus, cook the mushrooms for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
What constitutes the dressing for this wild rice salad?
The dressing is a simple mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and garlic salt to taste.
How do I toast the pine nuts or almonds?
Place the nuts under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown, being careful to watch them closely so they do not burn.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be served warm immediately or refrigerated and enjoyed as a cold salad.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, the flavors meld well over time and it can be eaten cold, making it an excellent choice for weekday lunches.
How many garlic cloves are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using 2 to 4 minced garlic cloves depending on your preference.
What is the recommended size for the asparagus pieces?
The asparagus should be chopped into pieces approximately 1.5 inches long.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
Yes, if you want to make the dish strictly vegetarian or vegan, you can substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
Should I drain the skillet before mixing with the rice?
Yes, you should drain any excess broth from the vegetable skillet before folding the mixture into the cooked rice.
How much wild rice is needed?
You will need two 5-ounce packages of long grain and wild rice blend.
What kind of mushrooms are used in this medley?
The recipe specifically calls for 14 ounces of chopped portabella mushrooms for a rich, umami flavor.
What provides the 'crunch' in this recipe?
Toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds provide the satisfying crunch in this medley.
How much asparagus is required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of chopped asparagus.
What provides the sweetness in the dish?
One cup of craisins (dried cranberries) provides a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe featuring whole grains and fresh vegetables.
What kind of vinegar is used?
Red wine vinegar is used to provide acidity and brightness to the salad.
Can I use different nuts if I don't have pine nuts or almonds?
Yes, while pine nuts or almonds are suggested, you can use other toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Is this dish a side or a main course?
It is hearty enough to be served as a main course, but also works wonderfully as a side dish for gatherings.
How do I ensure the asparagus stays crisp?
Sauté the asparagus only until it is tender-crisp rather than mushy, then immediately move to the next step.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 11 distinct ingredients used in this recipe.
How do I incorporate the dressing?
Drizzle the red wine vinegar and olive oil over the combined rice and vegetable mixture, then toss thoroughly.
Should I season the rice while it is cooking?
The recipe suggests seasoning with garlic salt at the end when tossing the entire mixture to ensure the flavor is balanced.