Brown and Wild Rice, Walnuts and Dried Cranberry Salad

Serves 8

1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
2 cups water
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup brown rice and wild rice blend
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp minced orange zest
2 tsp grainy Dijon mustard
2 tbsp orange juice concentrate
1/4 cup sherry vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 red pepper, quartered lengthwise, thinly sliced
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup snow peas, sliced 1/4-inch on the diagonal

Directions

  1. In dry skillet, toast walnuts over medium-high heat for 1 to 2 minutes or until lightly browned.
  2. In medium saucepan, bring water and salt to boil. Add rice, stir well, cover and reduce heat to simmer.
  3. Cook for 40 to 45 minutes or until rice is tender and all water has been absorbed.
  4. Remove from heat. Let stand 10 minutes. In small bowl, combine garlic, orange zest and mustard; blend well. Whisk in orange juice concentrate and vinegar.
  5. Slowly whisk in oil and salt. Transfer cooked rice to large bowl. Add half the orange mixture and toss gently to coat well. Cool to room temperature.
  6. Add walnuts, cranberries, red pepper, green onions and snow peas just before serving. Toss.
  7. Add remaining dressing to lightly coat vegetables. Toss again and serve.

Recipe adapted from and photo by the California Walnut Board