Craving a mouthwatering salad that transforms leftover turkey into a culinary masterpiece? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Wild Rice Turkey Salad - a dish that's not just a meal, but a flavor explosion waiting to happen! Imagine tender shredded turkey nestled among nutty wild rice, bursting with sweet cranberries and crunchy walnuts, all brought together with a creamy mayonnaise dressing that will make your dinner guests beg for the recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris or excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice with 2 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer the rice for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has split open.
- Once cooked, remove the rice from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- While the rice is cooling, chop the celery into small, uniform pieces and roughly chop the walnuts.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled wild rice, shredded cooked turkey, chopped celery, dried cranberries, and chopped walnuts.
- Add mayonnaise to the mixture and gently fold all ingredients together until well combined.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and taste, adjusting seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Pro Tips for Perfect Wild Rice Turkey Salad:
- Rice Perfection: Rinse your wild rice thoroughly to remove any excess starch and ensure a fluffy, separate grain texture.
- Cool Down Strategy: Allow the rice to cool completely before mixing to prevent a mushy salad and help ingredients retain their distinct textures.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Protein Flexibility: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted turkey for a quick and easy preparation.
- Texture Tip: Toast the walnuts lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch.
- Customization Option: Add diced green onions or fresh herbs like parsley for an extra layer of freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 45mg
