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wild rice cranberry kale salad

Wild Rice Cranberry Kale Salad

This wild rice cranberry kale salad is hearty, fresh, and full of flavor. With nutty rice, sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a tangy dressing, it’s a perfect side dish or light meal that works for holidays or everyday dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 5 people
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Holiday-friendly
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup uncooked wild rice
  • 3 cups kale stems removed and chopped
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • ½ cup toasted pecans walnuts, or almonds
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese optional
Dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cook the wild rice. Rinse 1 cup wild rice. Add it to 4 cups water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 45–50 minutes until most grains split open. Drain extra water. Let it cool slightly.
  2. Massage the kale. Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Massage with your hands for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  3. Toast the nuts. Place your choice of nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir for 5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Let cool.
  4. Make the dressing. Whisk olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  5. Assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, kale, cranberries, nuts, and green onions. Pour dressing over and toss well.
  6. Finish. Sprinkle feta cheese on top before serving.

Notes

  • This salad tastes even better if you let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours.
  • If you’re making ahead, keep nuts and feta separate until just before serving so they stay crunchy.
  • For a vegan version, skip the feta or use a dairy-free option.