Arugula, cucumber, spring onions, and mint are just a few of the seasonal fresh greens used in the wild rice and arugula salad, which also has dried cranberries and the nuttiness of wild rice. It's flavorful and refreshingly straightforward.
A Tasty Wild Rice Salad
I absolutely love salads, especially during the spring season. As the temperature rises, I tend to opt for lighter and more refreshing meals. That’s why you will find several salad recipes on my website this season. Among all the salads I have been experimenting with, the one that has been my absolute favorite is the wild rice and arugula salad. It's so simple and easy to make that I find myself making it over and over again.
The only thing that requires cooking is the wild rice, and after that, it's just a matter of tossing everything together in a bowl.
What is Wild Rice?
The flavor and texture of wild rice are earthy, nutty, and somewhat chewy. It offers an excellent quantity of nutritional fiber and is also rich in vitamins and minerals. Although having the word "rice" in its name, wild rice is very different from ordinary white or brown rice. It's a completely distinct species, in fact. In North America's lakes and streams, a tall grass that grows wild produces wild rice (mainly). Hence, it is essentially marsh grass seed.
How to Cook Wild Rice
When it comes to cooking wild rice, it's important to keep in mind that it takes longer to cook than white or brown rice. For every cup of wild rice, you'll need around 3 cups of water. However, I prefer to cook wild rice by boiling a medium pot of water, adding the rinsed wild rice, and then draining it once fully cooked. This usually takes about 40-50 minutes and saves the hassle of measuring out the exact amount of water needed. Overall, it's a simple process that yields delicious and nutritious results.
How to Make This Wild Rice and Arugula Salad
I love creating salads during the springtime because they are so refreshing and light. Lately, I've been craving the combination of wild rice and arugula because the nuttiness of the rice pairs perfectly with the peppery flavor of arugula. To add some seasonal flavors to the mix, I like to include cucumber and green onion, along with a touch of chopped mint. To begin preparing the salad, I start by cooking the wild rice.
Wild rice takes a bit longer to cook than white or brown rice, so I make sure to plan accordingly. For every cup of wild rice, I use about 3 cups of water. I add the rinsed wild rice to a medium pot of boiling water and let it cook for about 40-50 minutes until it is fully cooked. Once it is done, I drain the rice and add it to a large bowl along with the arugula and other greens. To give the salad a bit of sweetness and crunch, I like to add some dried cranberries (although raisins or other dried fruit would also work well) and sliced almonds.
After seasoning the salad with some salt and pepper, I drizzle it with my homemade lemon vinaigrette, which is a simple combination of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard.
How to Refrigerate Wild Rice and Arugula Salad:
Wild rice and arugula salad may be kept in the fridge for up to 3–4 days by placing it in an airtight container. To prevent making the greens mushy, wait to add the dressing until you're ready to serve.
How to Freeze Wild Rice and Arugula Salad:
Wild rice and arugula salad shouldn't be frozen because it contains fresh greens that can lose their flavor and texture after thawing.
How to Reheat Wild Rice and Arugula Salad (If Required):
There is no need to reheat this salad because it is normally served cold. The wild rice can, however, be heated separately and then added to the chilled greens right before serving if you want a little warmer salad.
FAQs
Can I make this salad with a different kind of rice?
While other varieties of rice can also be used, wild rice is suggested because of its nutty flavor and texture. For instance, brown rice might be a good addition to this salad.
Can I substitute store-bought dressing with homemade dressing?
Absolutely, if you would prefer, you may substitute a store-bought dressing. Yet, homemade dressings are frequently tastier and healthier.
Conclusion
A wonderful and healthful alternative for a light dinner is a salad made with wild rice and arugula. It is simple to create and versatile in that different vegetables, fruits, nuts, and dressings may be added. Keep it chilled when keeping it, and add the dressing right before serving.
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