She Strengthens

Summer’s Perfect Salad

When the sun shines bright, and outdoor gatherings beckon, a refreshing, wholesome salad is just what you need. This wild rice masterpiece checks all the boxes: quick to prepare, packed with nutrients, and addictively delicious.

The Essential Base: Wild Rice

Before you start, make sure you’ve cooked your wild rice according to package instructions. This step is crucial, so don’t skip it!

A Medley of Flavors and Textures

This salad boasts an impressive 13 ingredients, each carefully chosen to create a symphony of flavors and textures. You’ll need:

• 1/2 cup blanched slivered almonds
• 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
• 4 cups cooked wild rice
• 3 medium scallions, thinly sliced
• 2 cups shelled cooked edamame, thawed if frozen
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and small dice
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar, plus more as needed
• 2 teaspoons honey
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Toasting the Nuts and Seeds

In a medium frying pan over medium heat, toast the almonds, stirring often, until golden brown (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer them to a large heatproof bowl. Next, add the sesame seeds to the pan and toast, stirring often, until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes). Join the almonds in the bowl.

Assembling the Salad

Add the cooked wild rice, scallions, edamame, carrots, and cranberries to the bowl with the almonds and sesame seeds. Toss to combine.

The Dressing

In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, and a pinch each of salt and pepper until combined. Drizzle the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, and vinegar.

Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together. When you’re ready, serve and enjoy!

This salad yields 6-8 servings (about 7 cups) and takes approximately 40 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour of chilling time. With its ease of preparation and impressive flavor profile, it’s sure to become your new go-to dish for outdoor gatherings and beyond!