Ham And Wild Rice Salad
A vibrant ham and wild rice salad featuring tender rice, diced ham, fresh herbs, dried apricots, and a tangy sherry vinegar dressing, perfect for light lunches or picnics.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine water and wild rice in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour or until rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, diced cooked ham, minced celery, chopped parsley, chopped purple onion, and dried apricot halves.
- In a small bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, sherry vinegar, and Dijon mustard to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting turkey for the diced cooked ham, which still provides great flavor while reducing fat. You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and nutrition. If wild rice is unavailable, brown rice can be a suitable substitute, though the texture will vary. Make sure to rinse your wild rice before cooking to enhance its nuttiness.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at dinner. It pairs beautifully with Honey Baked Ham And Noodle Casserole for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. It also makes a great picnic dish, served chilled.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Ham And Wild Rice Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the salad becomes dry, add a splash of water or extra dressing to refresh it before serving. Avoid freezing the salad as the texture of the vegetables may suffer upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Wild Rice Salad contains roughly 569 calories, with 47g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (231% of the Daily Value), iron (204% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (160% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 977mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
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 use leftover ham from a holiday meal for this salad?
Absolutely! Leftover ham is perfect for this recipe, adding great flavor and texture. Just ensure it’s diced into small pieces for even distribution throughout the salad. This is a fantastic way to repurpose holiday leftovers and create a delicious, healthy meal.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian by omitting the ham and adding chickpeas or black beans for protein. Tofu can also be used as a substitute. Additionally, consider incorporating roasted vegetables for added flavor and texture, making it a satisfying meal without meat.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the wild rice and chop all the vegetables a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine the ingredients and dressing just before serving to ensure everything remains fresh and the rice doesn't absorb too much dressing. This salad is great for meal prep!
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).