Gran Gran'S Kentucky Rice Salad

Prep: 15 min Cuisine: American

A vibrant, flavorful rice salad featuring wild rice, relish, eggs, and mayonnaise, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual gatherings that enjoy a touch of tang and creaminess.

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Ingredients

  • 3 c. wild cooked rice
  • 1 c. sweet pickle relish
  • 4 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
  • 1/2 c. finely chopped onion
  • 2 Tbsp. chopped pimiento
  • 1 1/2 c. mayonnaise or salad dressing

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.
  2. Toss thoroughly to mix.
  3. Chill the salad thoroughly before serving.
  4. Garnish with egg slices before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or salad dressing. You can also substitute the wild rice with brown rice for a different texture. Adding diced celery or bell peppers can enhance the crunch. If you want extra flavor, try mixing in a teaspoon of celery seed or dill. This salad is inspired by traditional American recipes, making it a great side dish for family gatherings.

Serving Suggestions

Gran Gran's Kentucky Rice Salad makes a delightful side for barbecues or picnics. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or fried chicken, and you can serve it alongside No Bake Marshmallow Rolls for dessert. Consider a light green salad or coleslaw as a refreshing complement to balance out the richness of the dish.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover rice salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It's best served chilled, so you can enjoy it straight from the fridge. If the salad thickens, mix in a little extra mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice to refresh the texture before serving.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Gran Gran'S Kentucky Rice Salad contains roughly 877 calories, with 17g protein, 164g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), iron (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1320mg per serving (57% of the Daily Value).

877 kcal 44% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.3g 35% DV
Total Fat 20g 26% DV
Carbs 164.2g 60% DV
Fiber 5.1g 18% DV
Sugar 30.4g 61% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1319.8mg 57% DV
Potassium 837.9mg 18% DV
Cholesterol 266.7mg 89% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 129.6mcg 14% DV
Vitamin C 3mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 262.3mg 20% DV
Iron 4.4mg 24% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Egg

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this rice salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Just make sure to cover it tightly and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a good stir before serving, and add a bit more dressing if needed.

Is there a vegetarian-friendly option for this recipe?

Absolutely! The salad is already vegetarian, but for a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative. You can also add chickpeas or black beans for added protein and texture.

What can I do if I don’t have wild rice?

If you don’t have wild rice, feel free to use brown rice or a blend of wild and brown rice. Both options will work well and provide a different flavor profile while maintaining the salad's integrity.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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