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Image of our Wild Rice Salad with Bacon and Tomatoes recipe in a white bowl

Wild Rice Salad with Bacon and Tomatoes

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 44 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
TYPE OF DISH: One Pot / Pan, Salad, Side Dish
LIFESTYLE CHOICE: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
COOKING METHOD: Stove Top
Savor this hearty Wild Rice Salad with crispy bacon, collard greens, and Dei Fratelli Petite Diced Tomatoes! A flavorful, colorful side dish for any meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 (14.5 oz.) can Dei Fratelli Petite Diced Tomatoes, drained
  • 0.5 lb. Bacon, chopped
  • 1 Cup Wild Rice
  • 6 Cups Chicken Stock
  • 1 bunch Collard Greens, stem removed and chopped
  • 1 Onion, diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced

Instructions:

  • In a saucepan, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until cooked through. Transfer the cooked bacon to a plate with a paper towel to cool and absorb grease.
  • Keep the remaining bacon grease in the pan and add diced onion. Cook onion over medium heat until softened.
  • Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for another minute.
  • Add wild rice to the pan and mix well to coat the rice in the remaining bacon grease.
  • Add chicken stock and collard greens and bring to a simmer. Allow the Wild Rice Salad to simmer for 1 hour.
  • After an hour of simmering, add Dei Fratelli Petite Diced Tomatoes and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Serve as is for a flavorful and colorful lunch or as a dinner side with grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts.

Chef's Tip:

What is Wild Rice Salad?
A wild rice salad is a hearty dish featuring nutty, textured wild rice combined with savory proteins, tender greens, aromatics, and vegetables. In this recipe, wild rice is simmered in savory chicken stock and bacon grease, then tossed with crispy bacon, collard greens, and Dei Fratelli Petite Diced Tomatoes for a colorful, nutrient-dense meal or side dish. 
What should I serve with Wild Rice Salad? 
This flavorful wild rice salad makes an excellent dinner side dish! It pairs beautifully with:
  • Proteins: Grilled chicken, juicy pork tenderloin, or pan-seared salmon
  • Vegetables: Roasted sweet potatoes, glazed carrots, or crispy Brussels sprouts
Why should I add tomatoes to a Wild Rice Salad?
Adding Dei Fratelli Petite Diced Tomatoes brings bright acidity and subtle sweetness that balances the rich, smoky flavors of bacon grease and dark leafy collard greens. Simmering the tomatoes into the rice during the last 30 minutes allows the rice to absorb all the rich tomato juices without breaking down.
Can I serve Wild Rice Salad warm or cold?
You can serve this wild rice salad warm right off the stove as a comforting side dish, or chill it in the refrigerator to serve as a refreshing, grain-rich summer wild rice salad.