Best 8 Cranberry Rice Salad Recipes

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Cranberry Rice Salad is a delightful side dish that offers a unique blend of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. Featuring cooked rice, tart cranberries, crunchy walnuts, creamy goat cheese, and a refreshing dressing, this salad is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even as a light and satisfying meal on its own. With its vibrant colors and contrasting textures, Cranberry Rice Salad is sure to impress your taste buds and add a touch of festivity to any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a dish to wow your guests at your next gathering, this versatile salad is a must-try.

Here are our top 8 tried and tested recipes!

WILD RICE, QUINOA & CRANBERRY SALAD



Wild Rice, Quinoa & Cranberry Salad image

This fragrant salad is a vitamin and protein powerhouse. Toss in leftover cooked turkey to make it a meal the next day. -Jerilyn Korver, Bellflower, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h20m

Yield 12 servings (3/4 cup each).

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups uncooked wild rice
2 cartons (32 ounces each) reduced-sodium chicken broth, divided
1-1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed
1 medium onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium navel oranges
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley flakes
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons minced fresh thyme or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Rinse wild rice thoroughly; drain. In a large saucepan, combine rice and 5 cups broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 60-70 minutes or until rice is fluffy and tender. Drain if necessary., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring remaining broth to a boil. Add quinoa. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 15-20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat; fluff with a fork., Place a large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer., Finely grate enough peel from oranges to measure 2 teaspoons; place in a large bowl. Cut a thin slice from the top and bottom of each orange; stand orange upright on a cutting board. With a knife, cut off peel and outer membrane from orange. Working over the same large bowl with orange peel to catch juices, cut along the membrane of each segment to remove fruit. Cut orange sections in half; stir into orange juice and peel. Add cranberries, almonds, parsley, rice, quinoa and onion mixture., In a small bowl, whisk oil, thyme, vinegar, salt and pepper until blended. Pour over rice mixture; toss to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 317 calories, Fat 9g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 595mg sodium, Carbohydrate 51g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 11g protein.

WILD RICE, CRANBERRY AND WALNUT SALAD



Wild Rice, Cranberry and Walnut Salad image

Wild rice is actually the seed of an aquatic grass, native to North America. High in protein and carbohydrates and low in fat, it has a distinctive nutty taste and dark brown colour, and is often added to rice mixes for visual appeal and flavour. To cook rice in the microwave, place rice in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 cups of hot water. Microwave on high (100%) for 11 to 14 minutes or until liquid has mostly evaporated. Stir rice with a fork to separate grains.

Provided by Sonya01

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup basmati rice pilaf (we used Tilda brand, see tip)
1 cup dried cranberries
2 sticks celery, thinly sliced
1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Steps:

  • Cook rice in a large saucepan of boiling water, following packet directions, until tender. Drain. Set aside to cool (see note).
  • Combine rice, cranberries, celery and walnuts in a bowl.
  • Place oil and vinegar in a screw-top jar. Season with salt and pepper. Secure lid. Shake to combine. Drizzle over salad. Toss to combine. Serve.

CRANBERRY WILD RICE SALAD



Cranberry Wild Rice Salad image

I first tried this recipe at a luncheon during a holiday home tour. Since cranberries grow well in this area, I love to use the dried variety to give recipes like this hearty salad color and tang. It's a thrill to make it for visitors. -Lyn Graebert, Park Falls, Wisconsin

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 10m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 cups cooked wild rice
1 can (8 ounces) sliced water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup thinly sliced celery
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions
1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
1/3 cup cranberry juice
1/3 cup vinegar
2 teaspoons olive oil
3/4 teaspoon dried basil
3/4 teaspoon sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt, optional
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup chopped pecans, optional

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, combine the first eight ingredients. In a small bowl, combine cranberry juice, vinegar, oil, basil, sugar, salt if desired and pepper; mix well. Pour over rice mixture and toss to coat. Refrigerate overnight. Just before serving, stir in pecans if desired.

Nutrition Facts :

CRANBERRY RICE SALAD



Cranberry Rice Salad image

Our home economists devised this make-ahead recipe with the hectic holidays in mind. Cranberries and green onions add a bit of color.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup uncooked long grain rice
3/4 cup dried cranberries
2 green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried minced onion
1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
2 tablespoons canola oil
3/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Steps:

  • Cook rice according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, combine the rice, cranberries and green onions. , In a small bowl, combine the sugar, minced onion, poppy seeds and paprika; whisk in the vinegars and oil. Drizzle over rice mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Just before serving, stir in the almonds.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345 calories, Fat 13g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 3mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (18g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

TURKEY, WILD RICE AND CRANBERRY SALAD



Turkey, Wild Rice and Cranberry Salad image

This is something great to do with that leftover turkey. My friend Gail makes this with fresh cooked turkey.

Provided by Mirj2338

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 cups water
1 tablespoon water (in addition to the above)
1 cup wild rice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup cranberries
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup diced carrot
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
salt and pepper
3/4 lb cooked turkey, , shredded (, about 2 cups)
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup raisins
green leaf lettuce

Steps:

  • Bring 3 cups water, wild rice and 1/2 tsp salt to boil in heavy medium saucepan.
  • Cover and cook over medium-low heat until rice is tender and water is absorbed, about 55 minutes.
  • Cool rice completely.
  • Set aside.
  • Combine cranberries and remaining 1 tbsp water in heavy small saucepan.
  • Cook over medium-low heat until cranberries just begin to soften, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes.
  • Add sugar and cook over high heat until sugar is dissolved and cranberries are tender, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer to plate and refrigerate until chilled.
  • Steam carrots until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.
  • Rinse carrot with cold water to cool.
  • Whisk olive oil, lemon juice and garlic to blend in small bowl.
  • Season dressing with salt and pepper.
  • Combine rice, carrot, turkey, celery, parsley, onion and raisins in large bowl.
  • Pour dressing over.
  • Add cranberries and toss thoroughly.
  • (Can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate.) Line 6 plates with lettuce leaves.
  • Divide salad among plates and serve.

WILD RICE & ORZO CRANBERRY SALAD



WILD RICE & ORZO CRANBERRY SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Side

Yield 15+ people

Number Of Ingredients 15

3.5 cups chicken stock for cooking of rice
3.5 cups water (or chicken stock) for orzo
1 cup (dry) wild rice
2 cups (dry) orzo
1/8 cup chopped italian parsley
1.5 cup chopped green onion (using plenty of green portion)
1.5 cups chopped pecans
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups dried cranberries
3/4 cup fruity wine (white zinfandel works well)
Dressing:
1/4 cup OJ concentrate
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1/16 cup or 1.5 Tbsp grated fresh ginger

Steps:

  • Bring chicken stock for rice to boil and add wild rice simmer for 55 minutes covered. In separate saucepan, add cranberries and wine, bring up to boil and continue cooking on medium-low for 5 minutes and put in a bowl to cool. Next, bring water to boil for orzo, add orzo and cook pasta for 9 minutes. Note when done you won't need to drain orzo as it should absorb most of the liquid and you may need to add a bit more. You will likely have time to chop other ingredients while rice finishes. When rice done, put in a large bowl with orzo and combine well. Add celery, onion, parsley, pecans, and cranberries and mix well again. Add dressing and mix well again and chill.

FETA, CRANBERRY AND WALNUT RICE SALAD



FETA, CRANBERRY AND WALNUT RICE SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Side     Quick & Easy     Healthy     Simmer

Yield 4 people

Number Of Ingredients 10

One 4 oz. package Farmhouse® Long Grain & Wild Rice Herb & Butter
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup walnut pieces, toasted
1/2 cup scallions, thinly sliced
One 11 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
3 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing:
1/3 cup olive oil
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon pepper

Steps:

  • Prepare rice according to package directions. Cool. In small bowl, place cranberries and cover with hot water. Let stand for 5 minutes; drain. In separate small bowl, combine dressing ingredients. Combine cranberries, walnuts, scallions, oranges and feta cheese. Add to rice. Add dressing and toss. Chill at least 20 minutes for flavors to blend.

FLAVORFUL CRANBERRY RICE SALAD



Flavorful Cranberry Rice Salad image

I came up with the recipe because I wanted something different to take to picnics beside potato or macaroni salad. It goes great with grilled chicken or fish.-Jennifer Addotta, New Freedom, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice
1/2 cup uncooked brown rice
1 celery rib, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
3 tablespoons fat-free mayonnaise
4-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh parsley
4-1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup slivered almonds
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • Cook long grain rice and brown rice according to package directions. Transfer to a large bowl; cool. Add the celery, onion and cranberries., In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, parsley, oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Stir into rice mixture. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. , Just before serving, stir in almonds and sprinkle with paprika.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 191 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 1mg cholesterol, Sodium 267mg sodium, Carbohydrate 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor. Frozen cranberries can also be used, but they should be thawed before adding them to the salad.
  • If you don't have any celery, you can substitute another crunchy vegetable, such as cucumbers or radishes.
  • For a sweeter salad, add a tablespoon or two of honey or maple syrup to the dressing.
  • If you want a more tangy salad, add a tablespoon or two of lemon juice or white vinegar to the dressing.
  • This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Cranberry rice salad is a delicious and refreshing salad that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its combination of sweet, tart, and crunchy flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck.

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