Cranberry-Wild Rice Salad with Azeka’s Spicy Maui Original Vinaigrette

A vibrant fall salad that’s hearty enough for lunch and stunning enough for your holiday table. Tart cranberries, nutty wild rice, and crisp greens come alive with the sweet-heat balance of Azeka’s Spicy Maui Original Sauce vinaigrette.

Serves: 4- 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes active / 40 minutes total

Ingredients

For the salad:

• 2 cups cooked wild rice (about ¾ cup uncooked)
  
• ½ cup dried cranberries
  
• ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
  
• 1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), diced
  
• ½ cup chopped celery
  
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  
• 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
  
• Optional: ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  

For the vinaigrette:

• 3 tbsp Azeka’s Spicy Maui Original Sauce
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil
  
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional for depth)
  
• Salt & pepper to taste
  

Instructions

1. Cook the wild rice

• Rinse wild rice, then cook according to package instructions (typically simmer ¾ cup wild rice in 3 cups water for 35-40 minutes, until tender and slightly chewy).
  
• Drain any excess water and let cool.
  

2. Make the vinaigrette

• In a small bowl or jar, whisk together:
  Azeka’s Spicy Maui Sauce, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  
• Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as needed.
  

3. Assemble the salad

• In a large bowl, combine cooled wild rice, cranberries, nuts, apple, celery, onion, and greens.
  
• Drizzle with vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
  

4. Serve

• Top with crumbled cheese if desired.
  
• Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.
  

Tips & Variations

• Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better after 1–2 hours as the flavors meld.
  
• Add protein: Grilled chicken or shrimp makes it a full meal.
  

Why It Works

The Azeka’s Spicy Maui Original Sauce gives the vinaigrette a Hawaiian twist — tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy-perfectly balancing the earthy wild rice and tart cranberries. It’s an easy way to bring island warmth to your fall table.