Cold Wild Rice Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• Wild rice: 300g
• Mixed salad greens: 200g
• Red bell peppers: 100g
• Cucumber: 150g
• Feta cheese: 100g
• Plain yogurt: 1 cup
• White vinegar: 2 tbsp
• Honey: 1 tbsp
• Salt: 1 tsp
• Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
• Basil leaves: a few for decoration (optional)

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking (boiling wild rice): 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Total: about 1 hour and 20 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare the wild rice by boiling it in water for about 45 minutes to an hour until tender and cooked through. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked wild rice with the mixed salad greens, red bell peppers, and cucumber. Set aside.
3. In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper. Pour this dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Cube the feta cheese and add it to the salad. Garnish with basil leaves (if using).
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Nutritional Information: (Per serving: Based on 8 servings)

• Calories: Approx. 300-350 calories per serving (depending on the exact ingredients used)
• Carbohydrates: Complex carbs from rice and vegetables
• Protein: From vegetables, cheese, and yogurt
• Fat: From cheese and yogurt
• Fiber: Good amount from vegetables and wild rice

Dish Characteristics:

• Creative fusion of flavors between traditional salad and American taste preferences.
• Uses easily available ingredients in the United States.
• Cold salad with a tangy yogurt dressing that pairs well with the earthy flavors of wild rice and vegetables.
• Versatile dish that can be customized with different types of vegetables or protein sources.

User Comments:

1. "This salad was refreshing and full of flavor! The wild rice gave it a unique texture and taste."
2. "I loved the combination of flavors in this salad. The yogurt dressing was especially delicious."
3. "This is a great dish for a summer barbecue or as a side to a main course."
4. "I added grilled chicken to this salad for extra protein and it was delicious."
5. "Make sure to let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow all the flavors to blend together."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Ensure that all vegetables are thoroughly washed before use.
• Adjust the dressing according to your taste preference for a more tangy or mild flavor.
• If you prefer a more substantial salad, you can add other protein sources like grilled chicken or fish.