Snoqualmie Harvest Wild Rice and Apple Salad
This vibrant Snoqualmie Harvest Wild Rice and Apple Salad combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with crisp tart apples, sweet currants, and crunchy pecans. Inspired by the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Snoqualmie Valley, this salad celebrates local ingredients and seasonal bounty. Perfect as a side dish for gatherings or a light main course, it pairs well with grilled meats or as a standalone meal. The refreshing balsamic dressing ties the ingredients together, while the colorful presentation makes it a feast for the eyes. Enjoy this nutritious and satisfying salad that evokes the essence of the Pacific Northwest!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
wild rice
1 1/3 cups (uncooked)
water
3 cups (for cooking rice)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (for cooking rice)
tart apples
1 1/2 cups (chopped into 1 inch pieces (Granny Smiths are recommended))
red bell pepper
1/2 cup (diced)
currants
1/2 cup
pecans
1/2 cup (toasted and chopped)
red onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons
olive oil
2 tablespoons
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for dressing)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for dressing)
dried cranberries
optional, 1/4 cup (if desired)
Instructions
1
Rinse the uncooked wild rice under running water for about 2 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, 3 cups of water, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for approximately 35 minutes, or until the rice is tender but still al dente. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary depending on the wild rice variety, and not all water may be absorbed.
4
After cooking, drain any excess water and transfer the rice to a large mixing bowl.
5
Add the chopped tart apples, diced red bell pepper, currants, toasted pecans, and chopped red onion to the warm rice. Gently stir to combine the ingredients evenly.
6
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and fresh ground pepper until well combined. This will be your dressing.
7
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
8
For optimal flavor, serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 4 hours. If time allows, chilling the salad for at least an hour before serving enhances its taste. Toss again before serving.
9
Optional: For an extra pop of flavor, add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries along with the other ingredients.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main components of the Snoqualmie Harvest Wild Rice and Apple Salad?
The salad features wild rice, tart apples, red bell pepper, currants, toasted pecans, and red onion, all tossed in a balsamic dressing.
How long should I rinse the wild rice before cooking?
Rinse the uncooked wild rice under running water for approximately 2 minutes before draining.
What is the correct ratio of water to wild rice for this recipe?
Use 3 cups of water for 1 1/3 cups of uncooked wild rice.
How long does it take to cook the wild rice?
The rice should simmer for about 35 minutes, or until it is tender but still al dente.
Should the rice be cooked covered or uncovered?
After the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan to simmer.
What should I do if there is excess water after cooking the rice?
After the 35-minute simmer, you should drain any excess water that was not absorbed before adding the rice to the mixing bowl.
What kind of apples are recommended for this salad?
Tart apples are recommended, specifically Granny Smith apples for their crisp texture and flavor.
How should the apples be prepared?
The apples should be chopped into approximately 1-inch pieces.
What ingredients are used to make the balsamic dressing?
The dressing consists of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground pepper.
Can I add dried cranberries to this recipe?
Yes, adding 1/4 cup of dried cranberries is an optional way to add an extra pop of flavor.
How do I prepare the pecans?
The pecans should be toasted and chopped before being added to the salad mixture.
Should the salad be served warm or cold?
It can be served immediately while the rice is warm, or refrigerated for a chilled presentation.
How long can the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad can be refrigerated for up to 4 hours, though chilling for at least one hour is recommended to enhance the flavors.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this Snoqualmie Harvest Wild Rice and Apple Salad is a vegetarian dish.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Snoqualmie Valley and the Pacific Northwest.
What type of bell pepper is best for this salad?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of diced red bell pepper to provide color and crunch.
How much red onion should I add?
Use 1/4 cup of chopped red onion for a balanced flavor.
What texture should the cooked wild rice have?
The wild rice should be tender but still al dente, meaning it has a slight bite to it.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper together in a small separate bowl until well combined.
What should I do right before serving the chilled salad?
If the salad has been refrigerated, you should toss it again right before serving to redistribute the dressing.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this dish?
The dish features nutty flavors from the rice and pecans, tartness from the apples, and sweetness from the currants.
Does this recipe include any salt during the rice boiling process?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to the water when boiling the wild rice.
Can I use this salad as a main course?
Yes, it is suitable as a light main course or a nutritious side dish for gatherings.
What does this salad pair well with?
It pairs excellently with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a standalone meal.
Are currants necessary for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of currants to provide sweetness, though they can be substituted or omitted if needed.
What total quantity of salt is used in the recipe?
A total of 3/4 teaspoon of salt is used: 1/4 teaspoon for the rice and 1/2 teaspoon for the dressing.
Is the wild rice variety important for cooking time?
Yes, cooking times can vary depending on the specific variety of wild rice used.
Is olive oil the only oil recommended?
The recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the dressing.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including the optional dried cranberries.
What is the serving suggestion for the dressing?
Drizzle the whisked dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.