Wild Rice Salad
- By Amy Dong
- Updated Nov. 10, 2026
Simple lunches are how I survive. This Wild Rice Salad is unbelievably easy to create and is an all-time people-pleaser. This meatless salad is full of deliciousness, thanks to the dried cranberries, honey, and shredded carrots. It is healthy-ish, satisfying, and packed with great flavors that come together in just 10 minutes.
In This Article
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Amy’s Notes
For the first eight years after we moved to Minnesota, I’ve taken The Littles to sunny 12th-floor Macy’s lunch spot fittingly named Skyroom. It became our favorite salad/soup bar, where we’d meet Hubby for lunch on no-school days. My favorite offering was this wild rice salad, sprinkled with carrots and cranberries.
On our last farewell visit, I literally memorized the flavors so I could create it at home. The result is one of the best rice dishes we’ve ever tasted. Why you’ll love this:
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Enjoy now or prep ahead for busy weekdays.
- Under 10 ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples and fresh add-ins.
- Honey Mustard Dressing: Everything is tossed in a tangy honey mustard dressing that’s worth doubling to use on other salads.
If you love easy lunch ideas, check out our healthy rotisserie chicken salad recipe.
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Spicy brown mustard: Delivers a flavorful kick that cuts through the creamy mayo base.
- Pure honey: Balances the mustard’s tang with natural sweetness.
- Cooked wild rice blend: Adds a hearty, chewy texture that turns a simple side into a satisfying meal.
- Dried cranberries: Provide a tart, chewy pop of flavor in every single bite.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add beans such as black beans or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Toss in some roasted butternut squash, pomegranate, or sliced apples and pears for flavor and texture.
- Toss in toasted pecans, cashews, or slivered almonds for extra crunch.
- Pair this dish alongside our potato salad with honey mustard vinaigrette for your next family gathering.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
- Mix the mayonnaise, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to combine.
- Serve at room temperature or chilled.
→ For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How to Prep Ahead
- Prep Ahead: You can cook the wild rice blend and shred the chicken up to two days in advance.
- Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezer Instructions: While the dressing contains mayonnaise and doesn’t freeze well after mixing, you can freeze cooked wild rice and shredded chicken separately for up to 2 months.
Wild Rice Salad
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 2 tablespoons pure honey
- ½ cup real mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 ½ cups wild rice blend, cooked
- ½ cup diced celery
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup thinly sliced scallions
Instructions
- In a large serving bowl, combine mustard, honey, mayo, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine well.
- Stir in cooked wild rice blend, celery, carrots, and cranberries. Garnish as desired.
- Serve at room temp or chilled. Leftovers keep well in an airtight container, chilled.
Notes
- Substitutions/Variations: Feel free to add shredded chicken or turkey for more protein. Add chopped pecans, almonds, or cashews at the end for crunch.
- Prep Ahead: Cook the rice one day in advance for lightning-fast assembly.
- Storage: Keep chilled in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- This recipe is part of our Easy Salad Recipes Collection.
Nutrition (per serving)
What to Serve With Wild Rice Salad
Vegetables
- Serve alongside fresh roasted broccoli or our favorite roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Rice and Grains
- Round out your table with flavorful sides like our Instant Pot Mexican rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover holiday turkey or rotisserie chicken.
It keeps fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
You can cook the wild rice and prep the dressing a day in advance, then toss everything together when you are ready to serve.
A wild rice blend works best because it offers a great mix of textures and cooks up nicely without being overly chewy.
Check your mustard and seasoning labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free, since the base ingredients naturally fit a gluten-conscious lifestyle.
It is delicious served chilled or at room temperature, all by itself, scooped into tortilla wraps, or served next to crunchy tortilla chips.
More to Cook and Eat
- Healthier Rotisserie Chicken Salad – A creamy, classic favorite made lighter and easier for busy weeknights.
- Mexican Rice Salad – Bursting with vibrant colors and bold textures for your next lunch menu.
- Potato Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette – A tangy, mayo-free spin on traditional potato salad.
- Brussels Sprouts Salad – Crisp, crunchy, and packed with incredible fresh flavor.