WILD RICE & ORZO CRANBERRY SALAD

WILD RICE & ORZO CRANBERRY SALAD image

Yield 15+ people

Number Of Ingredients 15

3.5 cups chicken stock for cooking of rice
3.5 cups water (or chicken stock) for orzo
1 cup (dry) wild rice
2 cups (dry) orzo
1/8 cup chopped italian parsley
1.5 cup chopped green onion (using plenty of green portion)
1.5 cups chopped pecans
2 cups chopped celery
2 cups dried cranberries
3/4 cup fruity wine (white zinfandel works well)
Dressing:
1/4 cup OJ concentrate
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar
1/16 cup or 1.5 Tbsp grated fresh ginger

Steps:

Bring chicken stock for rice to boil and add wild rice simmer for 55 minutes covered. In separate saucepan, add cranberries and wine, bring up to boil and continue cooking on medium-low for 5 minutes and put in a bowl to cool. Next, bring water to boil for orzo, add orzo and cook pasta for 9 minutes. Note when done you won't need to drain orzo as it should absorb most of the liquid and you may need to add a bit more. You will likely have time to chop other ingredients while rice finishes. When rice done, put in a large bowl with orzo and combine well. Add celery, onion, parsley, pecans, and cranberries and mix well again. Add dressing and mix well again and chill.