Apples & Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
If there’s one dish I never get tired of sharing with friends and family, it’s this vibrant Wild Rice Salad with Dried Cranberries, Apples & Orange Vinaigrette. Every forkful sparkles with juicy apples, chewy cranberries, and nutty wild rice, all brought to life by a citrusy homemade vinaigrette that’s downright crave-worthy. This salad isn’t just pretty on the table, it’s a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite—and honestly, the Apples & Orange Vinaigrette is what ties it all together in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these fresh, wholesome ingredients is such a joy, because each one plays a starring role. The combination of earthy, hearty rice, sweet-tart fruits, lightly toasted nuts, and the dazzling Apples & Orange Vinaigrette guarantees a salad that’s just as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
- Wild rice (1 cup, uncooked): The base of our salad, it adds wonderful chew and a nutty depth that stands up to the bold dressing.
- Water (2 cups): Essential for perfectly cooking the wild rice to fluffy, tender grains.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon): Divided for both cooking the rice and seasoning the vinaigrette, it brings all the flavors to life.
- Apple (1 medium, diced): Adds crisp sweetness and a fresh bite that sings with the citrusy dressing.
- Dried cranberries (1/2 cup): Bursts of tart-sweetness that make every mouthful a little celebration.
- Pecans (1/2 cup, chopped, toasted): For irresistible crunch and a subtle buttery note—feel free to sub with walnuts if you like.
- Green onions (2, sliced): Their gentle sharpness brightens up the whole dish without overwhelming.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, chopped): Herbaceous and green, this gives the salad its fresh finish and a pop of color.
- Fresh orange juice (1/4 cup): The star of our Apples & Orange Vinaigrette, it brings lush, fragrant citrus flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Smooths out the dressing, lending richness and body.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 tablespoon): A tangy lift that complements the sweet and savory elements.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Brings gentle sweetness and helps the vinaigrette emulsify beautifully.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and ties the vinaigrette together with a bit of creamy zest.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little warmth and depth, because every good salad needs that classic touch.
How to Make Apples & Orange Vinaigrette
Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice
Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold water to wash away any dust or impurities. Then, in a medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon salt to a boil. Add the wild rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when some grains have beautifully split open, and it’s wonderfully tender. Drain any lingering liquid, and let the rice cool down completely—this will keep your salad from turning soggy later on.
Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients
While the rice is cooling, take a moment to dice the apple (go for small even pieces so there’s a little in every bite), toast your pecans to bring out their best flavor, slice up the green onions, and chop the parsley. This is the fun part: all the colors and fragrances should have you excited for the main event!
Step 3: Make the Apples & Orange Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. You want a silky, well-emulsified dressing that’s bursting with the sunny flavors of Apples & Orange Vinaigrette—the honey and juice really make it sing, so don’t skimp on the whisking!
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooled wild rice with the diced apple, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, green onions, and parsley. Pour the Apples & Orange Vinaigrette over everything, and toss thoroughly so each grain, nut, and piece of fruit gets a shimmering coat. This is when all the magic happens!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This short resting time lets every flavor mingle, resulting in a salad that tastes even better than when freshly tossed. Serve chilled or at room temperature—whichever you prefer.
How to Serve Apples & Orange Vinaigrette
Garnishes
A flurry of extra chopped parsley or a few extra toasted pecans scattered on top always seals the deal for me. If you want an extra wow factor, try adding crumbled feta or goat cheese just before serving—the creamy, tangy bite pairs beautifully with the Apples & Orange Vinaigrette.
Side Dishes
This salad is a star on its own, but it’s also a fantastic companion for roast chicken, grilled steaks, or alongside a spread of holiday classics. It’s hearty enough for a vegetarian main, but also shines as part of a larger feast thanks to those lively apple and orange notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in a big wooden salad bowl for rustic charm, or spoon into individual clear glasses for an eye-catching appetizer at parties. For picnics, try packing the wild rice base with toppings and the Apples & Orange Vinaigrette in a separate jar—combine just before serving for maximum freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover salad keeps like a dream! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, and the wild rice holds up well without getting mushy, even after a couple of days.
Freezing
While wild rice freezes well on its own, this complete salad isn’t the best candidate for the freezer. The delicate apples and cranberries can get watery and soft after thawing, and the fresh herbs might lose their vibrant color and aroma.
Reheating
This salad is at its best chilled or at room temperature, but if you want a warm version, gently heat in a skillet over medium-low heat just until softened—don’t overdo it or the apples will lose their crunch and the vinaigrette’s brightness may fade.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad, Side Dish
Absolutely! While wild rice brings a unique flavor and chewy texture, you can use brown rice or a wild rice blend in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and check the texture so it’s not too soft.
Is the Apples & Orange Vinaigrette very sweet?
It’s beautifully balanced—fresh orange juice and honey add gentle sweetness, but the Dijon, vinegar, and pepper keep it vibrant and not cloying. If you prefer less sweetness, cut back on the honey or add a little extra vinegar for zing.
Can I make Apples & Orange Vinaigrette in advance?
Definitely! The vinaigrette will keep in a jar in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake or whisk before using, as natural separation may occur.
Is the salad suitable for special diets?
Yes! As written, the salad is vegetarian and gluten-free. For a vegan version, simply swap out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar in the Apples & Orange Vinaigrette.
Can I add extra protein to make it a full meal?
Of course! This salad is amazing topped with grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier lunch, and the Apples & Orange Vinaigrette pairs well with most proteins.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, once you try this Wild Rice Salad with its irresistible Apples & Orange Vinaigrette, you’ll keep coming back for more. It’s the kind of recipe that turns a simple gathering into a celebration and brings color and flavor to any table. Give it a try and make it your new go-to for every season!
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Apples & Orange Vinaigrette Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
This Wild Rice Salad with Dried Cranberries, Apples & Orange Vinaigrette is a flavorful and wholesome dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of nutty wild rice, sweet cranberries, crunchy apples, and a zesty orange vinaigrette creates a deliciously satisfying salad.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 medium apple, diced
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Orange Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse Wild Rice: Rinse wild rice under cold water.
- Cook Wild Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring water and salt to a boil. Add wild rice, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until tender.
- Prepare Salad: Combine cooled wild rice with apple, cranberries, pecans, green onions, and parsley in a bowl.
- Make Vinaigrette: Whisk together orange juice, olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and Chill: Pour vinaigrette over the salad, toss to coat, and chill for 30 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans or add crumbled feta for extra flavor.
- This salad keeps well and is great for meal prep or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
