Wild Rice and Ramp Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette
A vibrant spring salad featuring Minnesota foraged ramps, nutty wild rice, and a sweet-tangy dressing that highlights local flavors. This midwestern-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs wild rice, vegetable broth, bunch ramps into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 bunch ramps
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup wild rice under cold water until water runs clear, then combine with 2 cups vegetable broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 2: While rice cooks, trim root ends from 1 bunch ramps and thinly slice the green parts. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add ramps, and sauté for 2 minutes until slightly softened but still bright green.
- Step 3: Whisk together 3 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil until emulsified. Toss with 4 cups mixed greens, 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, and cooked wild rice. Add sautéed ramps and toss gently to combine.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Wild Rice and Ramp Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (20 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Wild Rice and Ramp Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep wild rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Wild Rice and Ramp Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Wild Rice and Ramp Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Wild Rice and Ramp Salad with Maple-Dijon Vinaigrette vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.
- ★★★★★
Added some red pepper flakes for heat — highly recommend.
