Cherry Walnut Rice Salad

Rice seems like such a simple and easy food to serve. This Cherry Walnut Rice Salad recipe is loaded with nutrients and vitamins and minerals.

I never imagined that rice, in all it's simplicity, is low in saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium. It is a source of insoluble fiber, B vitamins and minerals. It is also a complex carbohydrate which is absorbed slowly so it's a good source of energy, and it is gluten free.

Wild Rice

Wild rice is unrelated to white rice, is lower in carbohydrates and has more protein, zinc and iron than white rice. This Cherry Walnut Rice Salad is prepared with a mixture of brown rice and wild rice. I recommend this salad for it's nutritional value and all the great flavors and textures.

You can add or eliminate any ingredients based on your preferences. Add thinly sliced mushrooms and leave out the cherries.

Serve this salad either warm or at room temperature. It is the perfect addition to a buffet.

Cherry Walnut Rice Salad

Ingredients

• 1 4 oz. pkg. each brown and wild rice mix
  
• 1 TBL. chopped onion
  
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  
• 1 can pitted dark sweet cherries drained
  
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber that has been seeded and peeled
  
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
  
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
  
• 1/2 cup chopped water chestnuts (canned)
  
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
  
• 1/2 tsp. grated orange peel
  

Directions

#1. Prepare the rice according to the package directions (except leave out the butter or salt).


#2. While rice is cooking, toss the remaining ingredients in a large bowl to blend.


#3. When rice is tender, blend with the remaining ingredients and serve warm, or at room temperature.

WINE PAIRING: A Semillon or Viognier will be a nice match with this Cherry Walnut Rice Salad.

If you prefer red wine, add mushrooms to the salad and pair it with Pinot Noir. Its earthiness will match nicely with mushrooms.

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