Snoqualmie Wild Rice Apple Salad

• 1 1/3 cups uncooked wild rice
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups chopped tart apples, in 1 inch pieces (Granny Smiths are good)
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup currants
• 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

1. Put rice in a bowl and rinse under running water for 2 minutes, then drain.
2. Pour rice into a large saucepan, add the water and salt, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 35 minutes or until rice is just tender and al dente (how long to simmer, exactly, depends on your wild rice; the water will probably not be all absorbed).
4. Drain and place in a large bowl, then add the prepared apple, red bell pepper, currants (raisins can be substituted, but will be sweeter and salad won't taste the same - currants are preferred), pecans, and onion; stir to combine.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the balsamic, oil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and stir well.
7. Serve immediately or chill up to 4 hours (I prefer it chilled for at least an hour, then tossed again before serving).
8. Note: also good with 1/4 cup dried cranberries.

wild rice, water, salt, tart apples, red bell pepper, currants, pecans, red onion, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, fresh ground pepper

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/snoqualmie-wild-rice-apple-salad-114928 (may not work)