Imagine a salad that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience. This Rice Orange and Pecan Salad is not just a side dish – it's a vibrant symphony of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. With a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty elements, this recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that impresses both family and guests with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 cup orange segments
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup honey mustard dressing
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Spread the rice on a wide, flat surface to help it cool and prevent clumping.
- While the rice is cooling, prepare the orange segments by carefully removing the membrane and cutting into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh oranges, choose sweet naval or mandarin oranges for best flavor.
- Toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This will enhance their nutty flavor and provide a pleasant crunch.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled rice, orange segments, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries. Gently fold the ingredients together to distribute evenly.
- Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients. Use a light hand to prevent breaking the rice grains or crushing the orange segments.
- Taste the salad and add salt as needed to balance the sweet and tangy flavors. Adjust dressing quantity if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together. This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Rice Temperature Matters: Ensure your rice is completely cooled to prevent mushiness and maintain individual grain integrity. Spreading it on a wide surface helps it cool faster and prevents clumping.
- Pecan Toasting Technique: Always toast pecans dry in a skillet to unlock their deep, rich flavor. Watch them carefully and stir constantly to prevent burning – the aroma will tell you when they're perfectly done.
- Orange Selection: Choose sweet, juicy oranges like naval or mandarin varieties. Remove membranes carefully to get clean, beautiful segments that won't make your salad watery.
- Dressing Distribution: Drizzle honey mustard dressing gently and fold carefully to coat ingredients without breaking rice grains or crushing delicate orange segments.
- Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows ingredients to blend and intensify their flavors, creating a more cohesive and delicious dish.
- Serve Flexibility: This salad is versatile – enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 328kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
