I’ve had a big container of wild rice in my cupboards for longer than I’d care to admit. Inspired by a rice salad I saw here, I used ingredients I had on hand to create a dish perfect for lunch.

A tangy vinaigrette forms the basis of the salad with tart, dried cherries and spinach adding brightness. The ingredients are healthy and perfect for any New Year’s resolutions you might have made.

Wild Rice Salad

Serves 4 as a side

1 c. wild rice

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

2 tbsp. red wine vinegar

1/4 c. evoo

1 c. chopped spinach

1/4 c. dried cherries

1/4 c. chopped walnuts

2 tbsp. feta crumbled

Salt and pepper to taste

Boil wild rice until softened. Drain and rinse with cold water. Meanwhile, in another bowl, add the mustard and whisk in the red wine vinegar. Next, stream in the evoo, whisking as you add it. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the cooked rice, chopped spinach, cherries, walnuts and feta. Season again with salt and pepper to taste.