Friday, February 17, 2012

Wild Rice Pilaf


This is a wonderful, light and versatile dish that can be served as a side dish or main entree. Serve it inside a baked acorn squash, on the side of a pork tenderloin or make it the main dish by adding some baked chicken. The original recipe called for canned mandarin oranges, but since oranges were in season, I thought fresh would be so much better. I also substituted dried cranberries for fresh grapes. I just love the sweet and tart flavor of dried cranberries.


Recipe:

1 8 oz. package wild rice, cooked according to directions on package
3 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
2 small oranges peeled and sliced

Dressing:
1/4 cup orange juice
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt&pepper
  
Directions:
In a small bowl combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, orange juice and salt and pepper. Stir together. In a large bowl, combine wild rice, green onions, walnuts, oranges and dried cranberries. Drizzle dressing over ingredients in the large bowl and mix well.


Enjoy!

18 comments:

  1. ooh, yum! this looks absolutely delicious. will definitely have to try it soon!

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  2. The picture has me captivated. I love any recipe that can help me add a twist to the typical wild rice side dish. Like Amy, I will definitely be truing this one asap! Thanks for sharing the recipe and tips. I may even add blood oranges instead of mandarin. Hmmm.

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  3. Amy - It is healthy so I don't feel bad eating the whole bowl:) Sometimes I add store bought rotisserie chicken so my husband doesn't feel like he is eating like a bird.

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  4. Ally - Blood oranges would be a great addition. The nice thing is that you can much add any fruits or veggies you like to the wild rice.

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  5. Oh, perfect, perfect! Wild rice is one of my favorite sides, and I just happen to have some leftover dried cranberries that I wasn't sure what to do with. Yay!

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  6. Mary - I'm glad you like it. I love dried cranberries. I've been trying out some lighter dishes lately.

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  7. Wild rice is considered a local ingredient where I live - cool, huh? I love it combined with the sweet/tart cranberries and crunch of the walnuts. Yummers.

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  8. What a fabulous combo of flavors and textures...love this! Stay dry tonight...

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  9. Wendy - Thanks! This is definitely movie watching weather:)

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  10. I love your picture. Sounds like a lovely side AND entree. Yummy.

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  11. Maggie - I appreciate it. I love to eat it as a side, entree and a snack:)

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  12. What a wonderful and healthy recipe. I love that you substitute fresh fruit that are in season. :) I agree, they are so much better than canned ones.

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  13. Yum! This sounds delicious. Must try it.

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  14. Birdwoman - Thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your comment.

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  15. Amy - I definitely try to use any organic, local and in season produce I can get my hands on.

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  16. This looks super tasty - I just pinned it to try sometime!

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