Looking for a flavorful side dish that’s a little unconventional? Look no further than wild rice! This nutty and nutritious grain is a great addition to any meal. Whether you’re in the mood for something savory or sweet, we’ve got you covered with these 20 delicious wild rice recipes.
From classic pairings like garlic butter and mushrooms, to fruity combinations like cranberry pecan, there’s something on this list for everyone. And the best part? Wild rice is incredibly versatile – it can be used as a base for salads, as a side dish on its own, or even as an ingredient in savory casseroles.
In this article, we’ll take you through some of our favorite wild rice recipes, each one packed with flavor and perfect for your next dinner party or family gathering. So go ahead, get creative, and give these wild rice recipes a try!
Garlic Butter Wild Rice with Mushrooms
Elevate your side dish game with this savory and aromatic Garlic Butter Wild Rice with Mushrooms recipe, perfect for accompanying your favorite main courses.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice blend
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (such as cremini, shiitake, and button), sliced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook wild rice blend according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and start browning, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine cooked wild rice with mushroom mixture and toss to combine.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf
A sweet and savory pilaf recipe that combines the flavors of cranberries, pecans, and wild rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans
– Salt to taste
– Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large saucepan, bring the wild rice and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender.
3. While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
4. Stir in the cranberries and cook until they start to pop and release their juices.
5. Fluff the cooked wild rice with a fork. Add the cooked onion and cranberry mixture, chopped pecans, salt, and vanilla extract (if using). Mix well.
Cooking Time:
– Wild rice cooking time: 40-45 minutes
– Total preparation and cooking time: about 1 hour
Herbed Wild Rice with Roasted Vegetables
Herbed Wild Rice with Roasted Vegetables
Elevate your meal with this flavorful and nutritious dish that combines the nutty taste of wild rice with the earthy sweetness of roasted vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
– 2 Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
– 1 tsp dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine wild rice and water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until grains are tender.
3. In a large bowl, toss chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread the vegetables on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly caramelized.
5. Stir in thyme and rosemary into cooked wild rice. Fluff with a fork to combine.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional thyme if desired.
Cooking Time: 55-65 minutes
Wild Rice and Kale Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
This refreshing salad combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the earthy taste of kale, topped with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1/2 cup diced red onion
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, chopped kale, and diced red onion.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss to coat.
4. Top with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time:
– 10 minutes (preparing ingredients)
– 5 minutes (assembling and dressing the salad)
Maple Dijon Wild Rice with Brussels Sprouts
This sweet and savory side dish combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the earthy taste of Brussels sprouts, all tied together with a hint of maple syrup and tangy Dijon mustard.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the wild rice and water or broth to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
3. While the rice cooks, toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup and Dijon mustard.
5. Fluff the cooked wild rice with a fork. Stir in the maple-Dijon mixture and roasted Brussels sprouts. Season to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Wild Rice Stuffing with Apples and Sage
This savory stuffing combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with sweet apples and earthy sage, perfect for a fall or winter holiday meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cooked wild rice
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup diced apple (such as Granny Smith)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cooked wild rice, diced apple, chopped sage, butter, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the stuffing is lightly browned and heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Wild Rice and Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate
Elevate your salad game with this nutritious and flavorful Wild Rice and Quinoa Salad, bursting with juicy pomegranate seeds.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, quinoa, red bell pepper, parsley, and feta cheese (if using).
2. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the mixture; season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Fold in pomegranate seeds just before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (depending on cooking method)
Creamy Wild Rice with Spinach and Parmesan
Elevate your side dish game with this creamy wild rice recipe, packed with nutritious spinach and savory parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice blend
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Bring the wild rice blend and water or broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
4. Fluff cooked wild rice with a fork. Add spinach mixture and toss to combine.
5. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 50-55 minutes
Wild Rice and Sweet Potato Casserole
This hearty casserole combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes, perfect for a cozy dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook wild rice according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and garlic until tender. Add cooked sweet potatoes and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. In a separate bowl, combine cooked wild rice, sweet potato mixture, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Wild Rice with Caramelized Onions and Thyme
Elevate your side dish game with this flavorful wild rice recipe, featuring sweet caramelized onions and a hint of thyme.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice blend
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 large onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the wild rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or broth.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are dark golden brown and caramelized.
3. Stir in the dried thyme and season with salt to taste.
4. Once the wild rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and stir in the caramelized onion mixture.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional thyme leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Wild Rice and Chickpea Salad with Tahini Dressing
This hearty salad combines nutty wild rice with creamy chickpeas, crunchy veggies, and a tangy tahini dressing.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 tbsp tahini
– 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, chickpeas, red bell pepper, cucumber, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and garlic powder until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Wild Rice with Roasted Butternut Squash and Cranberries
This hearty wild rice dish combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the tartness of cranberries, making for a perfect fall or winter side dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– Salt to taste
– Optional: chopped fresh herbs like parsley or sage for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook wild rice according to package instructions using 2 cups of water or broth.
3. Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and your choice of herbs (if using). Roast in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. Add cranberries to the roasted squash and stir to combine.
5. Fluff cooked wild rice with a fork and add it to the squash and cranberry mixture.
6. Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Cooking Time:
– Roasting butternut squash: 45 minutes
– Cooking wild rice: about 40-50 minutes
– Total cooking time: approximately 1 hour 25 minutes
Wild Rice and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines the nutty taste of wild rice with the earthy flavor of black beans.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers (any color), seeded and chopped
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: shredded cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, black beans, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
3. Stuff each bell pepper with the rice mixture, filling to the top.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Wild Rice with Toasted Almonds and Dried Apricots
This recipe combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the crunch of toasted almonds and the sweetness of dried apricots. Perfect as a side dish or as a base for a hearty salad.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/2 cup toasted almonds, coarsely chopped
– 1/4 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the wild rice and soak it in water for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and rinse the wild rice, then place it in a medium saucepan with 2 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. In a small skillet, toast the almonds over medium heat, stirring frequently, until lightly browned and fragrant.
4. Add the toasted almonds, dried apricots, parsley, and olive oil to the cooked wild rice. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Wild Rice and Broccoli Casserole with Cheese
Wild Rice and Broccoli Casserole with Cheese Recipe
This hearty casserole combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the earthy taste of broccoli, all wrapped up in a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 3 cups broccoli florets
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook wild rice according to package instructions.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
4. Add broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a separate saucepan, combine cooked wild rice, broccoli mixture, and grated cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Wild Rice with Lemon Garlic Shrimp
A flavorful and healthy dish that combines the nutty taste of wild rice with succulent shrimp, brightened by a zesty lemon garlic sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the wild rice according to package instructions using water or broth.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, add the lemon juice and stir to combine with any remaining garlic and oil.
6. Serve the shrimp on top of the cooked wild rice, spooning some of the lemon garlic sauce over the dish. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Rice and Corn Salad with Avocado
This hearty salad combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the sweetness of corn, the creaminess of avocado, and a hint of tangy feta cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked wild rice
– 2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked wild rice, corn kernels, and diced avocado.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
3. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Wild Rice with Sautéed Leeks and Fennel
This hearty side dish combines nutty wild rice with the sweetness of sautéed leeks and fennel, perfect for a seasonal meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only
– 1 bulb fennel, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the wild rice in a fine-mesh strainer and cook according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced fennel and cook until slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped leeks to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned, about 10-12 minutes.
4. Fluff cooked wild rice with a fork and add it to the skillet with the leeks and fennel. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Wild Rice and Lentil Pilaf with Herbs
A hearty and aromatic pilaf that combines the nutty flavor of wild rice with the comforting warmth of lentils, all infused with a blend of herbs.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, thyme, and rosemary; cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
4. Add the wild rice and lentils; stir to combine with the herb mixture.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth; bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes or until the rice and lentils are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro leaves, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Wild Rice with Roasted Beets and Goat Cheese
A hearty, flavorful side dish that combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets with the tanginess of goat cheese and the nutty taste of wild rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup wild rice
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 2 large beets
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Rinse the wild rice and cook according to package instructions using water or broth.
3. Toss the beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for about 45-50 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
4. Once the beets are roasted, chop them into bite-sized pieces.
5. Fluff the cooked wild rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped beets and crumbled goat cheese.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your meals with these 20 delicious wild rice side dish recipes! From savory options like Garlic Butter Wild Rice with Mushrooms and Herbed Wild Rice with Roasted Vegetables, to sweet treats like Maple Dijon Wild Rice with Brussels Sprouts and Wild Rice Stuffing with Apples and Sage, there’s something for everyone. Plus, explore international flavors with dishes like Wild Rice and Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate or Wild Rice with Caramelized Onions and Thyme. Whether you’re looking for a comforting casserole or a light and refreshing salad, these recipes are sure to impress!
