Wild Rice Salad with Apples and Dried Cherries

Wild Rice Salad with Apples and Dried Cherries - Vegan Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Wild Rice Salad with Apples and Dried Cherries is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the nutty taste of wild rice with the sweetness of apples and the tartness of dried cherries. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party.

History

Wild rice has been a staple food for Native American tribes for centuries. The Ojibwe people of the Great Lakes region were known for harvesting wild rice, which they called "manoomin," meaning "good berry." This recipe takes inspiration from traditional Native American ingredients and flavors, combining them in a modern and delicious way.

Ingredients

6.25 oz (177 g) of fast-cooking wild rice
1 cup of unpeeled and chopped apple
1 cup of chopped green bell pepper
0.5 cup of chopped celery
0.67 cup of chopped dried cherries
2 tbsp of soy sauce
2 tbsp of water
2 tsp of sugar
2 tsp of cider vinegar

How to prepare

1. Cook the rice following the instructions on the package. Do not add butter or margarine if it is included in the instructions.
2. Spread the cooked rice evenly on a cookie sheet and let it cool for about 10 minutes.
3. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the apple, green bell pepper, celery, and cherries.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, water, sugar, and vinegar until the sugar dissolves.
5. Add the soy sauce mixture and rice to the bowl with the apple mixture. Toss the ingredients until they are well-coated.

Variations

Add toasted nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for extra crunch and flavor.
Substitute dried cranberries or raisins for the dried cherries for a different twist on the recipe.
Mix in some cooked chicken or tofu for added protein.

Notes

Cook Time:
Serves: 8

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the wild rice according to the package instructions to ensure that it is tender and fluffy.

- Let the cooked rice cool on a cookie sheet before adding it to the salad to prevent it from becoming mushy.

- The soy sauce mixture adds a savory umami flavor to the salad, so be sure to mix it well with the other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete and balanced meal. It also makes a great addition to a picnic or potluck spread.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to rinse the wild rice before cooking to remove any excess starch and debris.

- Use a sharp knife to chop the apples, bell pepper, and celery into uniform pieces for a visually appealing salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown rice or quinoa instead of wild rice if desired.

- Maple syrup or honey can be used in place of sugar in the soy sauce mixture.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving to redistribute the flavors.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it in a decorative bowl or on a bed of lettuce for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes nicely with a light beer or sparkling water with a splash of citrus.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for 1-2 minutes or enjoy it cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

180

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 38g

- Dietary Fiber: 3g

- Sugars: 14g

Fats

- Total Fat: 1g

- Saturated Fat: 0g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 30% DV

- Iron: 6% DV

Alergens

Contains soy

Summary

This Wild Rice Salad with Apples and Dried Cherries is a nutritious dish that is low in fat and calories. It is a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, making it a satisfying and healthy option for a meal.

Summary

Wild Rice Salad with Apples and Dried Cherries is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its unique combination of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Wild Rice Salad with Apples and Dried Cherries. It was a crisp autumn day, and I had just returned from a visit to the local farmers market. As I unpacked my bag of fresh produce, I came across a hand-written recipe card tucked inside a bundle of vibrant red cherries.

The recipe was simple yet intriguing, calling for a combination of wild rice, crisp apples, and sweet dried cherries. I had never tried anything quite like it before, and I knew I had to give it a go.

I immediately set to work, boiling the wild rice until it was tender yet slightly chewy. The nutty aroma filled my kitchen, and I knew this dish was going to be something special. As the rice cooked, I chopped up crisp apples and soaked the dried cherries in warm water to plump them up.

Once everything was prepared, I tossed the rice with the apples and cherries in a tangy vinaigrette made with apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a touch of honey. The flavors melded together beautifully, creating a dish that was both refreshing and satisfying.

As I sat down to taste my creation, I was transported back to my childhood. I remembered the long summer days spent in my grandmother's kitchen, watching her cook up a storm with ingredients she had grown or foraged herself. She taught me the importance of using fresh, seasonal produce and how to let the natural flavors shine through in every dish.

I realized that this recipe for Wild Rice Salad with Apples and Dried Cherries was a perfect reflection of the lessons my grandmother had passed down to me. It was a celebration of the bountiful harvest of the season and a reminder of the joy that can be found in simple, wholesome ingredients.

Over the years, I have made this dish countless times, each time adding my own twist or variation. Sometimes I swap out the apples for pears or toss in some toasted nuts for extra crunch. No matter how I choose to make it, the flavors always come together in perfect harmony, just like they did on that crisp autumn day when I first discovered the recipe.

I have shared this dish with friends and family, passing on the recipe and the story behind it. It has become a staple at holiday gatherings and potluck dinners, always eliciting oohs and aahs from those who taste it for the first time.

As I write this, I can't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that has led me to this moment. From my grandmother's kitchen to the farmers market where I found that fateful recipe card, each step has shaped me into the cook I am today.

So here's to wild rice salads, to crisp apples and sweet dried cherries, and to the memories and stories that make each dish we create truly special. And most of all, here's to the joy of cooking and sharing good food with those we love.