This Pine Nut & Orange Wild Rice salad offers a delightful balance of earthy, sweet, and tangy flavors. The chewy texture of the wild rice blend is perfectly complemented by plump golden raisins and crunchy toasted pine nuts. Zest and fresh juice from an orange lift the dish, adding a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the olive oil. It is an excellent choice for a light side dish at a summer barbecue, a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, or a healthy addition to a potluck spread. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a versatile option that pairs well with roasted poultry or grilled fish. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, this recipe brings a touch of Mediterranean elegance to your table without requiring complex techniques.
Pine Nut & Orange Wild Rice
Description
This Pine Nut & Orange Wild Rice salad offers a delightful balance of earthy, sweet, and tangy flavors. The chewy texture of the wild rice blend is perfectly complemented by plump golden raisins and crunchy toasted pine nuts. Zest and fresh juice from an orange lift the dish, adding a refreshing brightness that cuts through the richness of the olive oil. It is an excellent choice for a light side dish at a summer barbecue, a sophisticated starter for a dinner party, or a healthy addition to a potluck spread. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a versatile option that pairs well with roasted poultry or grilled fish. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, this recipe brings a touch of Mediterranean elegance to your table without requiring complex techniques.Ingredients
Directions
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Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until golden and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
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Combine golden raisins and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan.
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Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 3 minutes to plump the raisins.
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Remove raisins from heat and let them cool in the water.
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Drain the raisins well and set aside.
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Cook the long-grain and wild rice blend with 2 cups of water according to package instructions (typically simmering for 40-50 minutes) until tender. Fluff with a fork.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, plumped raisins, toasted pine nuts, chopped parsley, olive oil, grated orange rind, orange juice, and ground pepper.
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Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 257.4kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.5g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.1g1%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 8.4mg1%
- Total Carbohydrate 64.2g22%
- Dietary Fiber 2.5g10%
- Sugars 44.4g
- Protein 3.5g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making it taste even better the next day.
For extra crunch, add some chopped walnuts or slivered almonds along with the pine nuts. You can also add a handful of fresh mint leaves for a different herbal note.
Make sure to zest the orange before juicing it, as it is easier to grate dry peel. If using a rice cooker for the wild rice, follow the manufacturer's instructions for the "wild rice" setting if available.
