Wild Rice and Arugula Salad with Pomegranate and Feta
Fresh, Vibrant, and Packed With Bold Flavors
This Wild Rice & Arugula Salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. 🌿✨ The peppery bite of arugula, the tangy burst of pomegranate, and the creamy saltiness of feta come together in perfect harmony. Topped with crunchy pecans and a zesty apple cider vinaigrette, it’s a salad that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or bringing a dish to impress at your next dinner party, this one’s a winner. Let’s make it!
What You’ll Need:
Salad Ingredients:
✔️ 1 cup cooked Monark Wild Rice
✔️ 2 cups chopped arugula
✔️ Seeds from 1 pomegranate
✔️ ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
✔️ ½ cup dried cranberries
✔️ ½ cup chopped & toasted pecans
✔️ ¼ cup sliced scallions
✔️ 1 cup seeded & diced cucumber
Dressing Ingredients:
✔️ 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
✔️ ⅓ cup avocado oil
✔️ 1 garlic clove, minced
✔️ 1 tsp honey or agave
✔️ Salt & pepper to taste
How to Make It!
1️⃣ Cook the Wild Rice
Cook the wild rice on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. Pro Tip: Use vegetable broth instead of water for extra depth of flavor. Let the rice cool to room temperature before assembling the salad. (You can do this step a day ahead to save time!)
2️⃣ Toast the Pecans
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the chopped pecans until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. Watch closely—they burn fast! Set aside to cool.
3️⃣ Whisk Up the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, avocado oil, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to your taste—it should be perfectly balanced between tangy, sweet, and savory.
4️⃣ Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, arugula, pomegranate seeds, feta cheese, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, scallions, and cucumber.
5️⃣ Dress & Toss
Drizzle the homemade vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss everything together. Make sure each bite gets a good coating of that delicious dressing!
6️⃣ Taste & Adjust
Before serving, do a quick flavor check—a little extra salt or vinegar can make everything pop!
7️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
This salad is fantastic fresh but even better after chilling for an hour, letting the flavors meld together. Serve it as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or alongside grilled protein for a complete meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Wild Rice Salad
✔️ Make it heartier – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein!
✔️ Swap it up – Try baby spinach instead of arugula for a milder flavor.
✔️ Make-ahead magic – This salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Made with Monark Wild Rice – Naturally Nutritious & Delicious
Wild rice isn’t just another grain—it’s a nutrient powerhouse packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Every bite of this salad is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that fuel your body and taste amazing.
Tried this recipe? Tag @MonarkWildRice on social media—we’d love to see your creations!
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