Wild rice salad is one of those dishes that manages to be rustic, elegant, and incredibly satisfying all at once. It brings together earthy flavors, bright pops of freshness, and a hearty texture that makes it just as fitting for a festive table as it is for a simple weekday meal. At the heart of the salad is wild rice, a grain with a nutty aroma and a pleasantly chewy bite. Once cooked, the grains open slightly and reveal a tender interior that absorbs flavors beautifully, creating a perfect base for layers of color and crunch.
What makes this salad shine is the way it balances textures. Crisp vegetables like celery, sliced carrots, or thinly shaved red onion add freshness. Dried fruits, especially cranberries or chopped apricots, bring gentle sweetness that pairs naturally with the earthy rice. Toasted nuts, such as pecans or almonds, contribute depth and a warm crunch, turning the salad into a complete sensory experience. Herbs like parsley or dill brighten every bite, while a citrusy vinaigrette ties everything together with light acidity. The dressing soaks into the rice, giving it a lively, refreshing quality that improves even more as the salad sits.
This dish is beautiful as a standalone lunch, but it also works wonderfully as a side. Its sturdy texture and bold flavors complement rich proteins like grilled chicken, turkey, or grilled salmon. If you’re planning a holiday spread, wild rice salad fits right in, offering something hearty yet vibrant that contrasts heavier dishes. It also holds up well at room temperature, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, or buffet style gatherings.
When it comes to drinks, a crisp white wine is a natural companion. Sauvignon Blanc enhances the herbal notes and citrus dressing, while Pinot Grigio highlights the salad’s delicate sweetness and fresh vegetables. For a slightly richer pairing, Chardonnay with subtle oak can echo the nuttiness of the wild rice.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a fresh addition to your weekly meal rotation, this wild rice salad delivers color, nourishment, and a satisfying mix of flavors in every forkful. It’s simple, versatile, and always a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, add the wild rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the water.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the cooled wild rice to the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Nutrition
I forgot to buy the parsley and it messed the whole thing up! 🤦♀️
This is just a bunch of veggies and rice, pretty basic 😒
Took me a while to cook the rice but it’s worth it! Mostly. 🙃
This salad is so refreshing! Perfect for summer picnics. 🌞
I totally agree! This salad is a great way to stay cool in the summer heat. 😍
But, like, wild rice? Isn’t that kinda weird for a salad? I usually just use regular rice. 🤷♂️
I don’t like wild rice, is there a substitute? 🤔
Not sure about the olive oil… it might be too much? 🤷♂️
I don’t understand what wild rice is… is it even normal rice? 😅
Soo good! I added feta cheese and it was even better. 😋
Delicious and easy to make! Def making it again! 👍
I tried this recipe last week, and it was a hit! So fresh and tasty. Can’t wait to make it again!