Wild Rice Orzo Cranberry Salad

Wild Rice Orzo Cranberry Salad is a robust salad with layer upon layer of flavors.  Wild Rice, Orzo, Wheat Berries are topped with currants, almonds, and dried cranberries tossed with bell peppers and fresh herbs add freshness to this hearty salad that is dressed with a champagne vinaigrette.

Happy Monday!  Are you all set for Thanksgiving?  I made the mistake of heading to the grocery store yesterday to pick up just a few items.  You know an in and out trip.

What was I thinking?  First off, the store didn’t have half of the 10 items I needed, so frustrating, but the people.  I swear it was like an obstacle course to walk down an isle.  I was on a mission, get my items and get out.  Well, the determined look I had on my face must have made me look like someone who knew something because I had three different people ask me if I knew where certain ingredients were located.  One was a sweet older lady who looked almost frightened by the mass of humanity walking through the store.  I took her to the isle where the nuts were located and bid her the best of luck after we laughed at all the crazy going on around us, but then I had to make it back to the aisle where the item was that I needed.

AHHHH, why is it when we are in the biggest hurry, everything gets in our path and when I have the time it’s a clear path.

Nonetheless, I will be heading back to the store tomorrow to get my last few items.  The stock boy assured me that the truck was to arrive last night to restock. Wish me luck.

When I got home I started working on this salad. I had actually had lunch at J. Alexander restaurant and I had the pleasure of enjoying this salad.  I knew after just a few bites that I wanted to make this for you guys.  I picked the salad apart writing down the ingredients as I identified them and I even asked the waitress for the recipe which she told me they do not give out.  However, after some research on-line I found several different versions and did a bit of swapping with what ingredients I thought were correct and voila I had the same awesome salad.

I think this would be awesome served on Thanksgiving but is awesome as lunch or a side during your weeknight dinner.

The hardest part of making this salad is having three pans to cook the three grains.  Once the grains are cooked it is a bit of chopping and then tossing and this gorgeous salad is ready to eat.

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment below or take a photo and tag me on Instagram or Twitter with #ahealthylifeforme. 

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