Wild Rice Salad with Beets, Grapes and Pecans

Ingredients

• 2 cups wild rice (12 ounces), rinsed and drained
• Kosher salt
• Pepper
• 12 baby golden beets
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for rubbing
• 1 1/2 cups pecans
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 small shallot, minced
• 2 cups seedless green grapes (10 ounces), halved
• 5 ounces arugula (not baby), thick stems discarded, leaves chopped

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 400°. In a large saucepan, cover the rice with at least 3 inches of water and bring to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and simmer over moderate heat until the rice is tender, about 45 minutes. Drain well, then spread on a large 
baking sheet to cool; stir occasionally.
2. Meanwhile, rub the beets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 30 minutes, until just tender. Let cool, then rub off the skins and cut into 1/2-inch wedges.
3. Spread the pecans in a pie plate. Bake for about 10 minutes, until fragrant and browned. Let cool, then coarsely chop.
4. In a large serving bowl, whisk the vinegar with the shallot and let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk in the 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add the rice, beets and grapes and toss well. Season with salt and pepper; toss again. Fold in the arugula and pecans and serve.