Wild rice confetti salad - chinese grandma

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound wild rice (about 1 1/2 cups), rinsed
• 2 celery ribs, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup)
• 2 carrots, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup)
• 1/2 onion, chopped fine (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 bell peppers (mix of colors is nice) cut into 1/4-inch dice
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted until golden
• 1/2 cup golden raisins or dried cranberries
• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt (at least 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt for dressing; more for cooking wild rice)
• Pepper (at least 1/4 teaspoon for dressing)