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Wild Rice Salad

Wild rice salad with arugula, pecans, goat cheese, and pomegranate seeds in a white bowl.
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This wild rice salad is a vibrant, festive dish made with nutty wild rice, sweet cranberries, juicy pomegranate, creamy feta, peppery arugula, and crunchy pecans, all tossed in a simple white wine vinaigrette. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or healthy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (150g) wild rice, uncooked
  • 120g baby arugula (rocket), roughly chopped
  • 1 pomegranate, seeds only
  • 100g soft feta cheese, crumbled
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 3/4 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup green onions, sliced
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil 1 liter (1 quart) of water in a large saucepan. Add wild rice, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 40–45 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and let it steam dry completely.
  2. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
  3. Cut the pomegranate in half and remove seeds by hitting the back with a wooden spoon over a bowl.
  4. Roughly chop the arugula and slice the green onions.
  5. Make the dressing by shaking together white wine vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper in a jar. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked wild rice, arugula, cranberries, toasted pecans, and green onions. Add half the feta and pomegranate seeds.
  7. Pour in most of the dressing and toss gently to combine.
  8. Transfer to a serving dish and top with remaining feta and pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately or refrigerate.

Notes

  • Cool the wild rice completely before mixing to prevent sogginess.
  • Store dressing separately if making ahead.
  • Great for meal prep and can be served cold or at room temperature.
  • Use goat cheese instead of feta for a creamier texture.
  • Add roasted vegetables or avocado for variation.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/wild-rice-salad-recipe-2025/