Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad Recipe

The Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad is a vibrant celebration of flavors and textures, balancing sweet, tart, and savory ingredients in every delicious bite. Imagine tender wild rice tossed with juicy orange segments, crisp grapes, toasted walnuts, and chewy dried apricots—all brightened by a zesty vanilla-date balsamic vinaigrette. This salad brings a refreshing twist to your table, perfect as a showstopping side or a light, nourishing main. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but comes together with easy, wholesome ingredients, making healthy eating truly joyful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every component in this salad pulls its weight, from the earthy wild rice to the sweet pop of fruit and the crunch of nuts. These simple, colorful ingredients mingle together to create a dish that’s not just tasty but truly beautiful on the plate.

• Wild Rice: Earthy and nutty, wild rice brings toothsome texture and a deep, rustic flavor—be sure not to skip the steaming step for the perfect finish.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavor of each element; salt the water generously for the rice.
• Navel Oranges: The sweet, tangy flesh and fragrant zest add irresistible brightness and juicy bites throughout the Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad.
• Olive Oil: Provides velvety richness and helps carry all the wonderful flavors in the dressing.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice lends extra citrus vibrance to the salad’s dressing.
• Vanilla & Date Balsamic Vinegar: Adds a tangy, subtly sweet note that balances the fruit and enriches every bite—if you can’t find this exact vinegar, a mix of date syrup and regular balsamic works beautifully.
• Seedless Green Grapes: Halved grapes offer bursts of juiciness and a gentle sweetness that contrasts deliciously with the savory elements.
• Walnuts (toasted): Toasting the walnuts brings out their nutty aroma and addictive crunch—don’t skip this step for the ultimate texture.
• Diced Dried Apricots: Chewy, tangy, and sweet, apricots add color and a wonderful bite to the salad.
• Scallions: The mild onion flavor of scallions weaves in a subtle sharpness, keeping things fresh and lively.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: A little pepper rounds out the flavors and adds gentle warmth.
• Butter Lettuce: Tender butter lettuce leaves make the perfect base or scoop for serving this gorgeous Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad.

How to Make Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad

Step 1: Cook and Steam the Wild Rice

Start by bringing the wild rice and a generous pinch (2 teaspoons) of kosher salt to a boil in 4 cups of water. Simmer uncovered for 50 to 60 minutes—patience is key for tender grains. Once the rice is pleasantly tender and some grains have begun to burst, drain it well. Pop the rice back into the hot pot, cover, and let it steam for 10 minutes. This step gives the wild rice its soft, pillowy texture, making the eventual salad a pleasure to eat.

Step 2: Prepare the Fruit & Dressing

As the rice is resting, grab your oranges. Remove the zest from one, then peel away all the bitter white pith from both with a sharp knife. Slice the oranges into bite-sized pieces—you want those citrus jewels to glisten in your salad bowl. In a mixing bowl, combine the orange zest, olive oil, fresh orange juice, and that magical vanilla & date balsamic vinegar. This mixture will be your vibrant, aromatic dressing base.

Step 3: Combine with Fruits, Nuts, and Aromatics

Once the wild rice has finished steaming, transfer it to a large bowl while still warm. Add the orange segments, the prepared dressing, the halved grapes, toasted walnuts, diced dried apricots, and chopped scallions. Sprinkle in another 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and add a generous twist of freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that every grain and piece is coated with flavor and color.

Step 4: Let the Flavors Mingle

Now, the hardest part—waiting! Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes at room temperature. This time allows the flavors to meld, the rice to soak up the dressing, and the fruits and nuts to share their essences. Trust me, this patience pays off, and your Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad will be brightly flavored and perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Taste and Serve

Right before you’re ready to serve, give the salad a good toss and a taste. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Arrange butter lettuce leaves on a platter or individual plates, and gently mound the wild rice salad over top or inside the leaves for a stunning, edible presentation.

How to Serve Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad

Garnishes

For an extra pop of color and flavor, sprinkle the finished salad with a few more sliced scallions, a scatter of extra orange zest, and a final handful of toasted walnuts. A drizzle of good olive oil or a hint more balsamic on top is always welcome for added shine and depth.

Side Dishes

Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad shines next to simple roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a thick slice of fresh sourdough, letting its bold flavors complement without overwhelming. For a vegetarian spread, serve it alongside a platter of marinated feta or a tangy yogurt dip.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your salad into beautiful lettuce cups by spooning generous servings of the wild rice mixture into sturdy butter lettuce leaves—ideal for potlucks or finger food at a garden party. Or, serve individual portions in small glass jars for a charming picnic, letting the rainbow of ingredients show through.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad stays fresh for up to three days; in fact, the flavors continue to mingle, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

While wild rice itself freezes well, the fresh fruit components in this salad don’t hold up as beautifully after freezing. For best taste and texture, enjoy within a few days of preparing, though you can freeze cooked wild rice separately for future salads.

Reheating

This salad is most delicious served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t needed. If you prefer a barely warm salad, let it sit out of the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Wild rice is key for its nutty bite and earthy flavor, but you could substitute a blend of wild and brown rice in a pinch. Just remember, the texture and taste will change a bit, but the Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad will still be delightful.

What if I can’t find vanilla & date balsamic vinegar?

No worries! Try mixing a quality balsamic vinegar with a teaspoon of date syrup or fig jam and a dash of vanilla extract for a homemade version that brings similar sweet, tangy notes to the dressing.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! All the ingredients in this Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad are naturally vegan, so it’s a perfect dish for plant-based eaters and omnivores alike.

Are there nut-free alternatives?

Definitely. Substitute toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for the walnuts to maintain a satisfying crunch while keeping everything nut-free.

Can I make this recipe ahead for a party?

Yes! In fact, the salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, making it a host’s best friend. Just wait to add the butter lettuce and any extra garnishes until right before serving for the freshest presentation.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something about gathering family or friends around a bowl of Fruit & Nut-Filled Wild Rice Salad that brings happiness to the table. It’s a celebration of color, flavor, and wholesome ingredients—simple enough for weekday lunches, special enough for festive occasions. Give this recipe a try and let it work its magic in your kitchen!

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