With its nutty flavor and chewy texture, wild rice is just the thing to get you out of that cooking rut. Rice is a cheap, filling, and versatile ingredient that works well with everything from spicy curry and meaty chili to quick stir-fries. But why stick with plain old white rice when you can add some fun colors and textures to the mix? These wild rice recipes provide a terrific mix of protein and fiber, and they’re pretty darn scrumptious to boot!
Perfect Wild Rice Pilaf and More!
1. Wild Rice Pilaf
If you need a quick and easy rice side dish to turn your dinner into a gourmet meal, this wild rice pilaf is just the ticket. Cooked in chicken broth, the rice is ridiculously tasty. And you just need to throw all of the ingredients into a skillet and let it do its thing. I like to serve it with roasted chicken and a glass of iced tea for a complete meal. Enjoy!
2. Creamy Mushroom Wild Rice
This recipe is so good, you’ll be tempted to eat it as an entree! The creamy sauce features mushrooms, onions, and garlic, giving it a stunningly fragrant smell. Finish it with a sprinkle of parsley or an extra pop of taste and color. You can also make it vegan by omitting the chicken broth.
3. No-Peek Chicken
No-peek chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. For busy weeknights and hurried weekends, it’s a real life-saver. And as the name suggests, the key is not to peek. This may seem difficult, but trust the process, and you won’t be sorry. Left to its own devices, the chicken is so succulent and juicy, you’re family will beg for more.
4. Wild Rice with Roasted Chestnuts and Cranberries
Forget the sweet potato casserole and stuffing. This is the new holiday side dish you’ll want at every Thanksgiving and Christmas feast. The wild rice provides a wonderfully nutty flavor that’s enhanced further by the yummy chestnuts. Meanwhile, the cranberries add a touch of sweetness along with some amazing pops of color. And while this recipe requires some effort on your part, it’s more than worth it in the end.
5. Turkey Wild Rice Soup
From Thanksgiving sides to the next day’s dinner, wild rice is there for you! If you’re on the hunt for some unique ways to use up that leftover turkey, this soup is a must-make. Packed with flavor, it’s hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetite. And best of all, it’s easy to make. Simply simmer chopped turkey, wild rice, vegetables, and spices in chicken broth until the rice is tender. Then ladle into bowls and enjoy!
6. Wild Rice Salad with Cranberries & Pecans
This salad is one of my favorite side dishes ever! The cranberries add a tartness to the salad, while the buttery pecans provide a lovely crunch. Plus, wild rice is a nutrient-rich grain that’s full of fiber and protein, making this salad a genuinely healthy option. Oh, and you can even make this ahead. So whip it up, pop it in the fridge, and serve it when you’re ready.
7. Arugula and Wild Rice Salad with Zippy Lemon Dressing
Give your next summer picnic an upgrade with this insanely zippy arugula and wild rice salad. Light and refreshing, you’ll love the contrast in flavor and texture. And that lemon dressing will brighten any grey day! Better yet, this recipe is gluten- and dairy-free, so it’s ideal for pretty much everyone.
8. Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup
There’s nothing better on a cold day than a big bowl of creamy soup. And this recipe is no exception. It’s packed with healthy ingredients like carrots, celery, onion, and garlic, as well as wild rice and spices. And it’s effortless to make, too! Just throw everything in an Instant Pot and let it simmer until the vegetables are tender and the wild rice is cooked through. How easy is that?
9. Authentic Jambalaya
Jambalaya is the quintessential Louisiana dish. Loaded with rice, smoky Andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, and crushed tomatoes, it’s about as colorful and filling as dinner can get. Of course, there are many different recipes for jambalaya. Some go heavy on the sausage while others pack in seafood like there’s no tomorrow. But if you’ve never made it before, this is a fantastic place to start.
10. Wild Rice Stuffed Acorn Squash
Here’s one dish that you’ll fall for at first bite. It’s a beautiful and unique mix of flavors, and it looks incredible too. You’ll roast the squash, stuff it with a mixture of wild rice, cranberries, and walnuts, and then bake it until it’s tender and cooked through. I like to top it with a little bit of shredded cheese. But you could also use vegan cheese or leave it off altogether if you prefer.
11. Chicken Wild Rice Casserole
Is there a better dinner combo than chicken and mushrooms? Oh yeah: chicken, mushrooms, and wine! This casserole is super hearty and filling but still light enough that you won’t feel too weighed down. The meat is succulent, and the wild rice is nutty and earthy. Meanwhile, the mushrooms bring even more meaty goodness, and the wine adds a touch of sophistication.
12. Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Butternut squash, wild rice, and Brussels sprouts come together in this hearty and nutritious pilaf you’ll crave time and time again. It’s lightly sweet, delightfully savory, and even a little creamy. I adore sprouts, especially when they pop in a dish like this. Yum!
13. Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf with Pomegranate Seeds and Walnuts
Here’s another fabulously festive dish to serve during the holiday season. Jam-packed with flavor and nutrition, it looks just as good as it tastes. Butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and wild rice brings a hit of fiber. You’ll love how the pomegranate seeds stand out in your pictures.
14. Best Ever Wild Rice Stuffing
This recipe is so good, you’ll be tempted to eat it straight out of the pan! The combination of wild rice, mushrooms, and onions makes for a pleasant and flavorful stuffing. I suggest making double because everyone will want an extra-large scoop.
15. Wild Rice Stuffed Peppers
Who doesn’t love stuffed peppers? They’re the perfect comfort food – hearty, filling, and full of flavor. And this recipe is sure to become your new go-to. Packed with nutritious wild rice, flavorful vegetables, and a zesty tomato sauce, these peppers hit the spot every time.
16. Wild Rice Cranberry Bread
Looking for a festive and delicious holiday bread recipe? You just found it! This stunning cranberry bread is beyond delish and a breeze to whip up at home. The wild rice gives the bread a ton of moisture along with a pleasant nutty finish. In contrast, the cranberries add a tartness that’s perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the nuts.
17. Asparagus Fried Rice
As any self-respecting foodie knows, asparagus is one of the most underrated veggies out there. And there’s nothing more disappointing than “asparagus rice” that’s just plain old rice with a couple of asparagus spears thrown in. That’s why I was so excited to find this asparagus fried rice recipe. Not only is it brimming with flavor, but it’s got more asparagus, tofu, and onions than you can handle. It’s everything but plain and boring!
18. Instant Pot Wild Rice Soup
This Instant Pot soup is the perfect comfort food for a chilly winter night. It’s packed with healthy veggies and wild rice and comes together in minutes. If you don’t like mushrooms, replace them with another source of protein, like chicken.
19. Wild Rice Lentil Salad
This recipe is a great way to add some variety to your meals. It’s light, flavorful, and easy to make ahead of time. Plus, it’s vegan, dairy-, and gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy it. Just cook the lentils and mix them with the rest of the ingredients to create this colorful and tasty salad.
20. Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup
Packed with nutritious ingredients like mushrooms, wild rice, and carrots, this soup will warm you up and give you a much-needed boost of vitamins and minerals. And unlike other soups that can be heavy and greasy, this one is light and healthy, making it a terrific choice for lunch or dinner.
21. Crab Stuffed Salmon
Making this might seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple! And it’s a delicious way to show off your culinary skills. The key is to use fresh, wild-caught salmon. That way, it’s bright, firm, and flavorful. Crab meat is a delicious, healthy alternative to traditional breadcrumb stuffing.
22. Braised Chicken Thighs with Wild Rice and Grapes
Chicken thighs braised in a flavorful mix of beef broth, celery, and onions and simmered until they’re fall-off-the-bone tender? I’ll have two bowls, please! The wild rice is cooked in the same broth and then tossed with grapes and walnuts. So yeah, it’s about as good as rice and chicken can be.
23. Panera Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Oh, Panera! You never fail to impress when it comes to warm and comforting soups! Filling but not too heavy and fully loaded with rice and vegetables, this chicken soup is a masterpiece. It’s chewy, nutty, meaty, creamy, and wonderfully balanced. Make this once, and you’ll never go back to boring chicken noodle soup again.
24. Wild Rice and Edamame Salad
Full of nutrient-rich ingredients, including wild rice, edamame, peppers, and onions, this is ideal as a side or main course. Throw over some leftover chicken, and you’ll be full for hours. Or serve it up with some juicy pork chops! Delish! And best of all, it only takes about 5 minutes to make, minus the cooling time. You have to try it!
25. Edamame Broccoli Wild Rice Salad
Need a rice dish to satisfy the whole family? Then look no further because I have the perfect recipe! Simply cook the rice according to the package directions, then add the remaining ingredients. Easy peasy! Of course, it’s the garlic, tahini, and maple syrup dressing that’ll keep you coming back for more!
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