Wild rice can come on pretty strong. Often categorized as a grain, it’s a full- flavored grass seed that people tend to treat as a fancy rice. It’s best paired with ingredients that add depth and interest; here, that includes peaches, lime, mint and avocado. The combination is fresh, flavorful and summery.
Be sure to use ripe peaches. Here’s how I peel them: Cut the fruit in half and discard the pits. Place the halves skin side down on a hot grill grate. Cover and cook for 2 to 4 minutes, until the skins start to contract. Transfer to a plate; the skins should slip off easily.
Wild Rice, Peach and Avocado Salad
Makes 3 cups (6 servings).
Ingredients
1/2 cups water
1/2 cup uncooked wild rice
Salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
Freshly squeezed juice of 2 limes
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons sugar, or to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
2 ripe peaches (about 5 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch dice
Flesh of 1 ripe avocado (about 5 ounces), cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 tablespoons finely chopped scallions, white and light-green parts only (from 1 or 2 scallions)
Directions
Bring the water to a boil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add the wild rice and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Cover, and reduce the heat to medium or medium-low, so the water maintains a low boil. Cook for 50 to 60 minutes, stirring once or twice, until the rice is tender. Drain, if needed, and cool.
Whisk together the mint, vinegar, lime juice, oil, sugar, and salt and pepper to taste in a large bowl. Add the cooled rice, peaches, avocado and scallions; toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust the sugar and seasoning as needed.
Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for no more than 8 hours (for optimum appearance).
Per 1/2-cup serving: 150 calories, 4 g protein, 20 g carbohydrates, 8 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 50 mg sodium, 4 g dietary fiber, 6 g sugar
