Lighten things up on Thanksgiving with this Cranberry Squash Wild Rice Salad. It can be prepped a day in advance, meaning there's one less thing to make on the day of!
8ozLunds and Byerly's Wild Rice Medleyor 8 oz wild rice
for the cranberries:
2cupsfresh cranberries
2tablespoonsorange juice
1-2tablespoonhoneydepending on how sweet you want them
1tablespoonfresh rosemarychopped
1tablespoonolive oil
1large shallotfinely diced
2stalks of celeryfinely diced
for the dressing:
¼cupolive oil
1 ½tablespoonsmaple syrup
1 ½tablespoonsapple cider vinegar
½teaspoonsalt
½cupchopped pecansfor topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Slice delicata squash down the middle, the long way.
Scoop out the seeds, then slice into thin half circles.
Toss with olive oil and garlic, and season with salt.
Place on greased baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
While the squash is cooking, cook the wild rice medley according to the instructions on the package.
While rice and squash are cooking, you can start on the cranberries, and dressing.
To make the cranberries, combine the cranberries in a medium skillet with orange juice, honey, and fresh rosemary.
Season with dash of salt.
Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, just until cranberries start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and place into a large bowl where you will combine all ingredients.
In same skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add shallots and celery and cook until they are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Add to large bowl with cranberries.
Make the dressing by combining all dressing ingredients and stirring well until combined. Alternately, you can place dressing ingredients into a mason jar, seal tightly, and shake until well combined.
Add wild rice and squash to bowl with cranberries, celery mixture, and toss well to combine.
Drizzle with dressing, and toss gently to evenly distribute dressing.
Top with chopped pecans.
Enjoy!
Notes
While there are a few steps in this dish, you can certainly cut down on day-of prep by making the wild rice, squash, cranberries, and dressing ahead of time. On the day of, you can combine all ingredients and it is ready to serve!