Wild Rice Brussels Sprouts and Smoked Gouda Salad: A Symphony of Earthy Flavors

There are certain dishes that, once tasted, burrow deep into your culinary memory, leaving you with a persistent craving. This Wild Rice Brussels Sprouts and Smoked Gouda Salad is one of those treasures. I first encountered something akin to this at a local Costco, a revelation in a pre-made container that vanished far too quickly from their offerings. The combination of deeply roasted Brussels sprouts, the nutty chew of wild rice, and the smoky embrace of Gouda cheese was simply intoxicating. It sparked a quest, a delightful culinary excavation to unearth its secrets and bring that satisfying flavor profile into my own kitchen, a mission that yielded a salad that is now a cherished staple in my repertoire.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes (depending on rice and sprout cooking)
• Total Time: 55-65 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: Approximately 8 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian (can be adapted for vegan with cheese substitution)

Ingredients

To create this delightful medley, gather the following:

• 1 cup wild rice, uncooked
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed of outer leaves and base, thinly shaved crosswise
• 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
• 1 cup craisins, chopped into smaller bits
• 1/2 cup almonds, slivered
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Equipment Needed

You’ll need a few standard kitchen tools to bring this salad to life:

• Medium saucepan with a lid (for cooking the wild rice)
• Large sauté pan or skillet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula or large spoon for stirring

Instructions

Embarking on the creation of this salad is a straightforward, yet rewarding process. Each step builds upon the last, culminating in a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

1. Prepare the Wild Rice: Begin by cooking the wild rice according to the package directions. Typically, this involves rinsing the rice, then combining it with a specific amount of water or broth (usually 2 cups of liquid for every 1 cup of rice) in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. This usually takes about 35 to 45 minutes. Once cooked, fluff it with a fork and set it aside.

2. Roast the Brussels Sprouts: While the rice is cooking, prepare the Brussels sprouts. Ensure they are thoroughly trimmed, removing any tough outer leaves and the woody base. The key to their wonderful texture in this salad is to shave them thinly, crosswise. This creates delicate ribbons that will become tender and slightly caramelized when sautéed.

3. Sauté the Brussels Sprouts: In a large sauté pan or skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the shaved Brussels sprouts. Season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Sauté the sprouts, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and lightly browned. This process should take approximately 8 to 10 minutes. You want them to have a pleasant chew, with a few crispy edges, but not be mushy.

4. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, the sautéed Brussels sprouts, and all of the remaining ingredients: the shredded smoked Gouda cheese, the chopped craisins, and the slivered almonds.

5. Mix and Melt: Stir everything together gently but thoroughly until the cheese is evenly distributed and has begun to melt from the residual warmth of the rice and sprouts. The goal is a cohesive mixture where the smoky Gouda binds the ingredients together.

6. Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: If the salad appears too thick for your liking, you can add a little water, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve your desired consistency. Continue stirring until it’s just right. Season again with more salt and pepper, if needed, tasting as you go. The flavors will meld beautifully as it sits briefly.

7. Serve Warm: This salad is best enjoyed warm, served right away. A perfect serving size is approximately 3/4 cup per person.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a chef, I always look for ways to elevate a dish, even a relatively simple one like this. Here are a few insights that can make your Wild Rice Brussels Sprouts and Smoked Gouda Salad truly shine:

• Rice Quality: While any wild rice will work, I find that a good quality, medium-grain wild rice offers the best texture – a satisfying chew without being too hard. You can also substitute a wild rice blend if you prefer.
• Shaving Sprouts: For the thinnest, most delicate shavings, you can use a mandoline, but a sharp chef’s knife works perfectly well. The goal is consistent, thin slices for even cooking.
• Cheese Melting: To encourage the Gouda to melt more smoothly, ensure it’s at room temperature before shredding, and don’t be afraid to let the residual heat of the rice and sprouts do most of the work. Overheating can make the cheese stringy or oily.
• Almond Toasting: For an extra layer of flavor and crunch, lightly toast your slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and golden brown before adding them to the salad. This takes just a few minutes and makes a noticeable difference.
• Craisin Chop: Chopping the craisins into smaller bits ensures that their sweetness is distributed more evenly throughout the salad, rather than having large bursts of flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This salad is wonderfully versatile and can be served as a hearty side dish or even a light main course.

• Serving: Present the salad warm in a beautiful serving bowl. The vibrant green of the Brussels sprouts, the deep brown of the wild rice, and the creamy white of the melted Gouda create a visually appealing dish. It pairs exceptionally well with roasted meats like chicken or pork, or alongside grilled salmon. For a vegetarian meal, consider serving it with a hearty lentil soup or a piece of crusty bread.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen overnight, making it delicious even when cold. To reheat, gently warm the salad in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, assuming 8 servings:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	345 kcal	17%
Total Fat	17.8 g	23%
Saturated Fat	4.2 g	21%
Cholesterol	16.1 mg	5%
Sodium	180 mg	8%
Total Carbohydrate	35.2 g	13%
Dietary Fiber	5.1 g	18%
Sugars	13.5 g	27%
Protein	9.7 g	19%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is wonderful as is, feel free to personalize it to your taste:

• Cheese Swap: If smoked Gouda isn’t your favorite, consider Gruyère for a nutty depth or a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced tang. For a dairy-free option, a good quality vegan smoked cheese would work beautifully.
• Nut Alternatives: Pecans or walnuts can be used instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor profile.
• Dried Fruit Options: Dried cranberries are classic, but dried cherries or chopped dates can offer a different kind of sweetness.
• Herbal Infusion: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives finely chopped and stirred in at the end can add a burst of freshness.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, this salad can be made a few hours in advance and is delicious served at room temperature or gently reheated. The flavors will meld even further.

Q: Is this salad suitable for freezing?
A: While technically possible, freezing is not recommended as the texture of the Brussels sprouts and wild rice may be compromised upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days from refrigeration.

Q: How do I ensure the Brussels sprouts are tender but not mushy?
A: Shave them thinly and sauté them over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Aim for that sweet spot where they are tender when pierced with a fork but still retain a slight al dente bite and some lovely caramelization.

Q: Can I use a different type of rice?
A: Wild rice is integral to the texture and flavor profile. However, a wild rice blend would also work well. Brown rice could be a substitute, though it will alter the chewiness and nutty notes.

Q: How can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Simply substitute the smoked Gouda cheese with a plant-based, smoked vegan cheese alternative that melts well.

Final Thoughts

This Wild Rice Brussels Sprouts and Smoked Gouda Salad is more than just a side dish; it’s a testament to how simple, quality ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable. It’s the kind of dish that makes a weeknight meal feel special and a holiday gathering feel complete. I encourage you to gather these ingredients, embrace the process, and savor the delightful blend of earthy, smoky, and subtly sweet flavors. I’d love to hear how you adapt it to your own table or what delicious pairings you discover!