Whole grain rice makes a delicious side dish full of flavor and fiber. This version is tossed with dried fruit and nuts and then dressed in a slightly sweet dressing. Feel free to use a wild rice mix with brown rice or other varieties. Other grains, such as quinoa or wheat berries, can also be substituted for the rice in this salad.

Yield: 6 servings

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Refrigeration time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup dry wild rice or wild rice mix, cooked per package directions
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup chopped unsweetened dried apricots
• ¼ cup chopped unsalted, toasted pecans
• 2 green onions, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh orange juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp pure maple syrup
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

Directions

1. Combine the cooled, cooked rice, cranberries, apricots, pecans, and green onions in a medium bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the orange juice, olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the rice. Toss to coat and mix all ingredients.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Lori Rice, M.S., is a nutritional scientist and author with a passion for healthy cooking, exercise physiology, and food photography.