1. Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad
This festive salad combines nutty wild rice with tart dried cranberries, crunchy nuts, and fresh herbs. The chewy texture of wild rice pairs beautifully with sweet-tart berries, while a light vinaigrette ties everything together. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this colorful dish offers nutritious whole grains with vibrant flavors.
Full recipe: click here.
2. Wild Rice Apple Salad
Crisp apple chunks add refreshing sweetness to earthy wild rice in this autumn-inspired creation. Toasted pecans or walnuts provide crunch while celery adds freshness. A honey-dijon dressing complements the fruit and grain combination, creating a balanced side dish that transitions beautifully from fall through winter celebrations.
Full recipe: click here.
3. Wild Rice Grape Salad
Juicy grapes bring bursts of sweetness to this unique salad featuring chewy wild rice. The contrast between plump grapes and textured grains creates interesting mouthfeel, while toasted almonds add crunch. Light and refreshing yet satisfying, this unexpected combination works wonderfully for picnics or potlucks year-round.
Full recipe: click here.
4. Wild Rice and Lentil Salad
Protein-packed powerhouse combining wild rice with lentils for a hearty, nutritious vegetarian option. Both ingredients offer earthy flavors and satisfying textures while providing complete plant-based protein. Fresh vegetables, herbs, and lemon vinaigrette create a wholesome salad perfect for meal prep or meatless Monday dinners.
Full recipe: click here.
5. Wild Rice Chicken Salad
Hearty main-dish salad featuring tender chicken pieces mixed with wild rice, vegetables, and creamy or vinaigrette dressing. This protein-rich combination offers satisfying texture contrasts and makes excellent use of leftover chicken. Grapes, nuts, or apples often enhance this versatile salad suitable for lunch or light dinner.
Full recipe: click here.
6. Wild Rice Artichoke Salad
Mediterranean-inspired combination featuring wild rice with tender artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Feta cheese and fresh herbs add brightness while lemon vinaigrette ties the flavors together. This sophisticated salad works beautifully as a side dish or vegetarian main, offering complex flavors and textures.
Full recipe: click here.
7. Kale Wild Rice Salad
Nutrient-dense superfood salad combining hearty kale with chewy wild rice for maximum health benefits. Massaging the kale tenderizes leaves while dried fruit and nuts add sweetness and crunch. This trendy, wholesome dish delivers vitamins, minerals, and fiber in every flavorful bite, perfect for health-conscious diners.
Full recipe: click here.
8. Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
Classic combination featuring toasted pecans and dried cranberries creating sweet-nutty harmony with wild rice. The pecans add buttery richness while cranberries provide tart contrast. Green onions and fresh parsley brighten the dish, making this elegant salad perfect for Thanksgiving tables or holiday buffets throughout the season.
Full recipe: click here.
9. Wild Rice Waldorf Salad
Creative twist on the classic Waldorf combining wild rice with traditional apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts. Creamy dressing binds the ingredients while maintaining the original’s signature crunch and sweetness. This innovative adaptation transforms the retro favorite into a more substantial, grain-forward salad with nostalgic appeal.
Full recipe: click here.
10. Chicken Wild Rice Salad with Grapes
Elegant main-dish salad pairing tender chicken with wild rice and sweet grapes for delightful flavor contrasts. Toasted almonds or pecans add crunch while celery provides freshness. A light, creamy dressing coats everything beautifully, creating a sophisticated lunch option perfect for showers, luncheons, or special occasions
Full recipe: click here.
11. Wild Rice Quinoa Salad
Superfood duo combining nutty wild rice with protein-rich quinoa for ultimate nutrition. Both ancient grains offer complete texture and complementary flavors while providing excellent nutritional profiles. Vegetables, dried fruit, and nuts complete this power-packed salad ideal for meal prep, offering sustained energy and wholesome satisfaction.
Full recipe: click here.
12. Wild Rice Brussel Sprout Salad
Trendy combination featuring roasted Brussels sprouts with wild rice creating hearty, flavorful depth. Caramelized sprouts add sweetness while wild rice provides chewy texture. Bacon, cranberries, and pecans often enhance this autumn-winter favorite that transforms Brussels sprouts skeptics into believers with every delicious, nutritious bite.
Full recipe: click here.
13. Ina Garten Wild Rice and Orange Salad
The Barefoot Contessa’s elegant recipe features wild rice with fresh orange segments, scallions, and toasted pecans. Orange juice and zest brighten the vinaigrette while dried cranberries add chewy sweetness. This sophisticated yet simple salad showcases Ina’s talent for elevating humble ingredients into dinner-party-worthy presentations.
Full recipe: click here.
14. Wild Rice Arugula Salad
Peppery arugula contrasts beautifully with earthy wild rice in this fresh, vibrant salad. The tender greens wilt slightly when mixed with warm rice, creating perfect texture. Parmesan shavings, toasted pine nuts, and balsamic vinaigrette complete this Italian-inspired dish that’s light yet satisfying for any season.
Full recipe: click here.
Final Thoughts
Wild rice salads offer endless versatility, combining nutty grains with fresh ingredients for nutritious, flavorful dishes. Whether featuring sweet fruits, crunchy nuts, or hearty proteins, these salads work beautifully as sides or mains. Their make-ahead nature and crowd-pleasing appeal make them perfect for gatherings, while their wholesome ingredients satisfy health-conscious diners seeking delicious, satisfying options.