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Jamie Oliver’s Wild Rice Salad Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Wild Rice Salad Recipe

So I have to confess…I really am hooked on Jamie Oliver’s wild rice salad recipe!

This dish is a vibrant mix of wild rice, fresh herbs, and colorful veggies that will make any meal feel special.

Cook the rice just right so that it’s tender but still has a little bite—it’s the perfect texture!

Don’t rush marinating the veggies; it’s a game-changer for flavor.

This recipe is so versatile—you can serve it with anything from grilled meats to fish, or just enjoy it on its own!

How to Make Jamie Oliver’s Wild Rice Salad

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Wild Rice
  • 1/2 lb Green Beans (trimmed)
  • 1 Lemon (juiced and zested)
  • 1 Orange (juiced and zested)
  • 1 Shallot (minced)
  • 4 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Mixed Nuts (roughly chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (basil and mint, roughly chopped)
  • 1/4 cup Dried Apricots (roughly chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Cook 1 cup of wild rice in a pot of boiling salted water for 35 to 40 minutes, or until tender.

Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 2:

Blanch 1/2 lb of trimmed green beans in boiling water for 4 minutes.

Immediately transfer the beans into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3:

In a large bowl, mix the juice and zest of one lemon, the juice and zest of one orange, shallot, and olive oil.

Add Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 4:

Add the cooked wild rice to the bowl with the dressing and mix well.

Let it cool down for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 5:

Add the blanched green beans, mixed nuts, fresh herbs, and dried apricots to the rice mixture.

Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

jamie oliver wild rice salad ingredients

Use a Mandolin for Uniform Shredding

Using a mandolin to shred vegetables like the green beans ensures they are uniform in size, which helps them to cook evenly.

Prep Ingredients in Advance

Preparing all your vegetables and dressing ingredients before starting makes the process smoother and quicker.

Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Always taste the salad before serving.

You might want to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.

Fresh Herbs Matter

Using fresh herbs like basil and mint makes a big difference.

They add vibrant and fresh flavors that dried herbs simply can’t match.

Let the Salad Sit

Allowing the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld together for a richer taste.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Wild Rice Salad Recipe

Grilled Veggies

Grilled asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini complement the earthy flavors of the wild rice salad.

The smokiness of the grill adds a wonderful dimension to the dish.

They’re easy to prepare and very versatile.

Roasted Chicken

Tender and juicy roasted chicken pairs beautifully with the textures of the salad.

The warm, savory notes of the chicken provide a cozy contrast to the fresh ingredients in the salad.

Season the chicken with herbs and lemon for an extra twist.

Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Stuffed portobello mushrooms bring a hearty but light touch to your meal.

Fill them with a mixture of cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs for an umami-packed side.

These mushrooms are easy to make and provide a meaty texture without the meat.

Fresh Berries and Yogurt

Serve a simple mix of fresh berries with a dollop of yogurt on the side.

This refreshing combo adds a burst of color and a light sweetness to balance the savory elements of the wild rice salad.

Drizzle some honey on top for extra flavor.

Garlic Bread

A side of garlic bread is an unexpected but delightful pairing.

The crunch of the bread with its buttery garlic flavor makes a tasty contrast to the chewy rice and fresh veggies in the salad.

Make sure to serve it warm for the best experience.

Variations and Substitutions

Swap the Grain

You can replace wild rice with brown rice, farro, barley, or even lentils.

Each of these grains offers a unique texture and flavor.

Experimenting with different grains can keep your salad exciting!

Change the Nuts

Instead of mixed nuts, try pecans, walnuts, or almonds for different crunch.

Roasted or raw, each type of nut brings a unique taste to the dish.

Mix and match to find your favorite combo.

Alternate Fruits

Dried apricots work great, but you can also use dried cranberries, raisins, or dates.

Each dried fruit adds its own level of sweetness.

Feel free to experiment based on what you have on hand.

Add Seasonal Veggies

Adding roasted squash or sweet potatoes can make the dish heartier.

You could also incorporate fresh green beans like in Jamie Oliver’s variation.

These additions not only add flavor but also enhance the nutritional value.

Dress It Up Differently

If you don’t have lemon, you can use apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar.

These alternatives keep the salad tangy and delicious.

Adjust the acidity to your taste preferences.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your ingredients!

How to Store Leftover Wild Rice Salad

Cooling Rapidly

After you’ve enjoyed your wild rice salad, you’ll want to cool leftovers quickly.

Spread the salad out on a baking sheet to cool it faster.

Once it’s at room temperature, you can move on to storing it.

Refrigeration

Store the wild rice salad in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Make sure to place the container in the refrigerator.

This helps maintain the salad’s texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to keep the salad for more than a few days, freezing is a good option.

Transfer the wild rice salad to a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag.

Label the container with the date so you know when you made it.

When freezing, try to consume it within a month for the best quality.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Wild Rice

Wild rice can quickly go from perfectly tender to mushy if overcooked.

Make sure to watch the rice and follow the package instructions closely.

Drain the rice as soon as it’s done and spread it out to cool to prevent further cooking.

Not Prepping Ingredients Ahead

Chopping and prepping ingredients before starting can save time and stress.

Have the herbs, nuts, and other veggies ready and set aside in separate bowls.

This helps everything come together seamlessly and allows you to enjoy the cooking process more.

Skimping on Seasoning

Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors in your wild rice salad.

Don’t forget to use sea salt and fresh black pepper to taste.

Drizzle with a quality olive oil to enhance the overall flavor of the salad.

jamie oliver wild rice salad recipe hdr

Jamie Oliver's Wild Rice Salad

This dish is a vibrant mix of wild rice, fresh herbs, and colorful veggies that will make any meal feel special.
Cook the rice just right so that it’s tender but still has a little bite—it's the perfect texture!
Don't rush marinating the veggies; it's a game-changer for flavor.
This recipe is so versatile—you can serve it with anything from grilled meats to fish, or just enjoy it on its own!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Salad
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Wild Rice
  • 1/2 lb Green Beans trimmed
  • 1 Lemon juiced and zested
  • 1 Orange juiced and zested
  • 1 Shallot minced
  • 4 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Mixed Nuts roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs basil and mint, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup Dried Apricots roughly chopped

Instructions

  • Cook 1 cup of wild rice in a pot of boiling salted water for 35 to 40 minutes, or until tender.
  • Drain and set aside to cool.
  • Blanch 1/2 lb of trimmed green beans in boiling water for 4 minutes.
  • Immediately transfer the beans into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
  • Drain and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix the juice and zest of one lemon, the juice and zest of one orange, shallot, and olive oil.
  • Add Dijon mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
  • Add the cooked wild rice to the bowl with the dressing and mix well.
  • Let it cool down for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the blanched green beans, mixed nuts, fresh herbs, and dried apricots to the rice mixture.
  • Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.

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