Vegetable Wild Rice Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• Wild rice: 300g
• Carrots: 2 medium, diced
• Celery: 1 stalk, diced
• Red bell peppers: 1, diced
• Cucumber: 1 small, diced
• Red onion: 1/2 small, diced
• Fresh herbs (such as basil or parsley): 2 tbsp, chopped
• Extra virgin olive oil: 3 tbsp
• Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
• Salt and pepper: to taste

Preparation Time:

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes (for wild rice)
• Total Time: 65 minutes

Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Prepare wild rice by cooking according to package instructions until tender.
2. In the meantime, prepare the vegetables by dicing them into small pieces.
3. When the rice is cooked, allow it to cool.
4. In a large bowl, combine the diced vegetables and fresh herbs.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make a dressing.
6. Pour the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine.
7. Add the cooked wild rice to the vegetable mixture and mix thoroughly.
8. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed and serve immediately.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: Approx. 350 per serving (based on using specified ingredients)
• Carbohydrates: Provides complex carbohydrates from the rice and vegetables.
• Fat: Healthy fats from the olive oil.
• Protein: Protein from the vegetables and rice.
• Fiber: Good source of fiber from the vegetables.

Dish Characteristics:

• Creative fusion of American and Eastern flavors.
• Fresh and vibrant taste due to the combination of citrusy lemon juice and olive oil.
• Healthy and nutritious with a balance of carbs, fats, and protein.
• Versatile dish that can be customized with different vegetables and herbs.

User Comments:

1. "This salad was refreshing and full of flavor! The combination of wild rice and vegetables was a great match."
2. "I loved the dressing! It added a citrusy tang that was perfect for cutting through the richness of the rice."
3. "This salad was a hit with my family! The dish showed great creativity in flavor combinations."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh ingredients for best results. If fresh herbs are not available, dried herbs can be used as a substitute but the flavor may vary.
• Adjust the dressing according to taste, adding more lemon juice or olive oil if needed.
• For a gluten-free option, ensure that the wild rice is not mixed with any glutenous ingredients during preparation.