Nutty Rice Salad

Nutty Rice Salad Recipe - A Delicious and Wholesome Dish from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Nutty Rice Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of brown rice and wild rice with the sweetness of golden raisins and the crunch of pecans. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

The origins of Nutty Rice Salad are not clear, but it is believed to have been inspired by traditional rice salads from various cultures around the world. The combination of rice, nuts, and dried fruit is a popular one in many cuisines, and this recipe puts a unique twist on that classic flavor profile.

Ingredients

3 cups of cooked brown rice
1 cup of cooked wild rice
0.5 cup of sliced green onion
0.5 cup of chopped pecans
0.5 cup of golden raisins
0.5 cup of thawed and undiluted frozen orange juice concentrate
1 tbsp of olive oil
0.5 tsp of salt

How to prepare

In a large bowl, combine rice, wild rice, green onion, pecans, and raisins.
Whisk together orange juice concentrate, oil, and salt. Stir the dressing into the rice mixture.
Chill the mixture before serving.

Variations

You can substitute almonds or walnuts for the pecans in this recipe.
Add some diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
For a vegan version, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey in the dressing.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions to ensure that it is the right texture for the salad.

- Toasting the pecans before adding them to the salad will enhance their flavor and crunch.

- For a more intense orange flavor, you can add some orange zest to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

Nutty Rice Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a light lunch on its own. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a good Nutty Rice Salad is to cook the rice properly and to let it cool completely before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will ensure that the salad has the right texture and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have wild rice, you can use all brown rice in this recipe. You can also use dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots instead of golden raisins.

Make Ahead Tips

Nutty Rice Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Nutty Rice Salad in a large bowl garnished with some fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro. You can also sprinkle some extra pecans on top for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Nutty Rice Salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken or pork, as well as with seafood dishes like grilled shrimp or salmon. It also goes well with a glass of chilled white wine or a fruity iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Nutty Rice Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a minute or two until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Nutty Rice Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Nutty Rice Salad contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Nutty Rice Salad contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Nutty Rice Salad contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Nutty Rice Salad is a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the orange juice concentrate in the dressing. It also contains iron, magnesium, and potassium from the rice and nuts.

Alergens

Nutty Rice Salad contains nuts (pecans) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Nutty Rice Salad is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Nutty Rice Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. With a mix of rice, nuts, and dried fruit, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Nutty Rice Salad. It was many years ago, back when I was a young woman just starting to explore the world of cooking. I had always loved to cook, but I had never tried anything quite like this before.

I had just moved to a new city, and I was eager to make a good impression on my new neighbors. One day, while I was out running errands, I bumped into an elderly woman named Mrs. Thompson. She was a sweet lady with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eye.

As we chatted, Mrs. Thompson mentioned that she was hosting a potluck dinner for the neighborhood that weekend. She invited me to come and bring a dish to share. I was thrilled at the opportunity to show off my cooking skills, but I was also a bit nervous. What should I make that would impress everyone?

Mrs. Thompson must have sensed my hesitation because she reached into her purse and pulled out a tattered old recipe card. She handed it to me with a knowing look and said, "Why don't you try making this Nutty Rice Salad? It's always been a hit at our potlucks."

I looked down at the recipe card and saw a list of ingredients that I had never heard of before: wild rice, pecans, dried cranberries, and a homemade vinaigrette. It sounded exotic and delicious, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I thanked Mrs. Thompson profusely and rushed home to gather the ingredients. I followed the recipe carefully, measuring each ingredient with precision and mixing everything together in a large bowl. The aroma of the toasted pecans and cranberries filled my kitchen, and I knew I was onto something special.

When the Nutty Rice Salad was finally assembled, I took a small taste and was blown away by the flavors. The nutty rice provided a hearty base, while the sweet cranberries added a burst of tartness. The homemade vinaigrette tied everything together perfectly, creating a dish that was both savory and sweet.

I proudly brought the Nutty Rice Salad to Mrs. Thompson's potluck dinner that weekend, and it was a huge hit. The other guests raved about the unique flavors and begged me for the recipe. I was thrilled to share it with them, knowing that I had discovered a new favorite dish.

Over the years, I continued to make the Nutty Rice Salad for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Each time, it was met with rave reviews and requests for seconds. I even won a few cooking competitions with the recipe, solidifying its place as one of my signature dishes.

As I grew older, I realized that the Nutty Rice Salad had become more than just a recipe to me. It was a reminder of that fateful day when Mrs. Thompson had introduced me to a world of new flavors and possibilities. It was a symbol of friendship, community, and the joy of sharing good food with others.

Now, as I pass the recipe down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will feel the same sense of wonder and excitement that I did when I first discovered it. I hope that they will continue to make the Nutty Rice Salad for years to come, creating new memories and traditions along the way.

And so, as I sit here reminiscing about the past, I can't help but feel grateful for the simple recipe that brought so much joy into my life. The Nutty Rice Salad will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the power of good food and the bonds that it can create between people.