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I have been looking for a way to incorporate good carbohydrates into my diet during the hot summer months. Enter WILD RICE…. It is high in protein and B vitamins and has a fantastic chewy texture and nutty flavor. It’s actually part of the grass family.

This salad has a bright citrusy dressing made with lemons and oranges. I’ve also added a ton of nuts for a protein-packed crunchy punch. And the mustardy arugula and chewy cranberries just bring it all together.

Every bite is simply scrumptious and oh so good for you. Add feta or goat cheese to it if you love dairy as much as I do. Enjoy

xxx Chef MM

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Nutty Wild Rice & Arugala Salad

  • Author: Melissa Mayo

Ingredients

Scale

FOR THE DRESSING

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 TBS red wine vinegar
  • 1 lemon – zest and juice
  • 1 orange -zest and juice
  • 4 tspn finely chopped shallot
  • Coarse salt and black pepper to taste

FOR THE SALAD

  • 2 cups wild rice
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup toasted pecans
  • 1/2 cup of Marcona almonds
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 bag of arugula
  • Coarse salt and black pepper to taste
  • Good olive oil to serve

Instructions

Whisk all of the ingredients for the salad dressing together and set aside.

Soak the rice in cold water for 10 minutes to wash off the dirt. Strain off the water and add the rice to a small pot. Add the water and bring it to a boil. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to low.

Simmer undisturbed until the rice has absorbed most of the water and the grains have swollen (30-60 minutes) depending on the size of the rice kernels.

Drain off the water in a colander. Return the rice to the pot and cook on low heat till any excess water evaporates (1 minute).

Place the rice in a large bowl. Add the cranberries, pecans, Marcona almonds, and arugula. Pour in the dressing, toss well, and season to taste with additional salt and pepper to taste. Set the salad aside for 10 minutes before serving, to give the rice time to soak up some of the dressing.

SERVES 6-8

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I'm Melissa, your host & tour guide.

A Food Network chef, author, mamma, eternal optimist, wannabe-mermaid, spice mixologist, and “dough therapist” (yep, it’s a thing)—

I'm also the founder of Susina Cucina, the gorgeous, Italian cooking school I manifested into my reality. I’m obsessed with Aperol spritzes, travel, and mouthwatering food… especially pizza and pasta.

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