Wild Rice Pilaf is a meatless, festive Thanksgiving side. It’s easy to make, and is a great vegan recipe to try if you have friends and family coming over.
If you want other hearty side dishes for your holiday table, try my Vegan Chickpea Salad and my Braised Cabbage Recipe. They are a great way to round out your meal.
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Why this Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe is a Keeper
This wild rice salad is simple, filling and really easy to customize to your tastes. Making a win with your entire family. It is full of so many wonderful flavors.
- Easy Side Dish: The steps are simple and produce consistent results every time.
- Full of Flavor: Cooking the rice in broth creates a rich, savory taste.
- Great Texture: The grains are tender with a slight chew.
- Versatile: This dish pairs well with chicken, beef, or vegetable-based meals.
- Serve With: Serve this holiday side dish with Slow Roasted Turkey Breast or Baked Sweet Potato Fries.
What is the Difference Between Wild Rice and a Wild Rice Blend?
Wild rice is talking about the specific kind of rice. A wild blend is usually wild rice mixed with other long grain rices or grains.
Pro Tip for Rice Blend
You can purchase a pre-made wild rice blend or make one with 1/4 cup wild rice, 1/4 cup brown rice, and 1 cup long-grain white rice.
Ingredient Notes for Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe
You only need a few easy-to-find ingredients, many of which you you may already have.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Wild Rice: Wild rice isn’t actually a true rice, it’s an aquatic grass; but it cooked and looks like other types of rice.
- Vegetables: You will need to chop up a carrot and onion.
- Cranberries & Pecans: Adding dried cranberries, golden raisins and pecans will give the salad a nutty taste and chewy texture.
Variations and Substitutions for Broth and Additions
There are a couple different swaps you can make to make the pilaf extra delicious.
➡️ Add Vegetables: Stir in mushrooms or celery for added flavor and texture.
➡️ Include Chopped Nuts: Add almonds for crunch.
➡️ Use Different Broth: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth if needed.
➡️ Add Sweetness: Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for a slightly sweet contrast.
➡️ Dried Savory Herbs: Use dried thyme and parsley if fresh isn’t available for this perfect holiday side dish.
Special Equipment Needed/Kitchen Tools To Make It Easier
You don’t need anything fancy to make this tasty recipe, but these tools make the job easier.
- Large Skillet: You will need a skillet large enough to fit all of your ingredients, plus stirring room.
- Saucepan: Use a saucepan or small pot to cook the wild rice.
Cooking Instructions for Wild Rice with Cranberries and Toasted Pecans
This wholesome recipe comes together in 3 easy to follow steps. This cooked rice recipe is so good, it’s a good one to make over and over again.
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make the Rice: Heat a skillet over medium-high, and add the rice. Stir while you toast the rice for a few minutes. Transfer it to a sauce pan, add the water and bring it to a boil. Cover, reduce the heat to low and let simmer until done.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Melt the butter in the empty skillet. When hot, add the carrots and onions. Cook until the onions are translucent, soft and golden.
- Add Mix-Ins: Stir in the rice and season with salt and pepper. Then, stir in the cranberries, chopped pecans and fresh parsley.
Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips
Preparing ahead of time can be the best way to go. Make a recipe in advance to be able to enjoy it quickly.
➡️ Chop Ingredients Early: Prepare aromatics ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.
➡️ Measure Ingredients: Measure the dried cranberries and pecans. Having everything measured and ready ahead of time helps streamline the cooking process.
➡️ Use Pre-Made Broth: This saves time while still adding flavor.
Alternate Cooking Methods – Instant Pot Fall Side
Feel free to make the rice using a rice cooker or instant pot.
- Rice Cooker: Adjust the liquid and use the brown rice setting for best results.
- Instant Pot: Use pressure cooking to reduce the cooking time significantly.
Can I Make Wild Rice Pilaf Ahead of Time?
Yes you can make the rice ahead of time, but it’s always much better fresh. If you’d like to make it ahead, do so a day or two in advance. You can serve hot or cold.
How to Store and Use Leftovers Rice Side Dish
- Storing: Store leftover wild rice pilaf in an airtight container in the fridge. This vegetarian dinner keeps well for 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in a glass dish for 1-2 minutes or until desired temperature.
- Using Leftovers: Enjoy leftovers as tacos or burritos with a little shredded cheese and a tortilla.
Expert Tips for Making Easy Wild Rice Pilaf
➡️ Do Not Rush Cooking: Wild rice requires enough time to become tender.
➡️ Use Enough Liquid: This prevents undercooked grains.
➡️ Fluff Before Serving: Fluffing helps separate the grains for better texture.
➡️ Taste Before Serving: Adjust seasoning at the end for the best flavor.
➡️ Let It Rest: Allowing the rice to sit briefly helps moisture distribute evenly.
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Wild Rice Pilaf
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Wild rice blend, rinsed
- 3-4 cups Water, as needed
- ¼ cup Butter
- 1 small Onion, minced
- 1 Carrot, minced
- ¼ teaspoon Salt, to taste
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper, to taste
- ½ cup Fresh cranberries, minced (can use dried)
- ½ cup Pecans, chopped
- ¼ cup Parsley, minced
Instructions
- Set a skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the rice and stir occasionally as you toast it off for about 5 minutes.
- Place the rice in a saucepan and add 3-4 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cover as the rice cooks, about 12 minutes.
- As the rice is finishing cooking, place the butter in a skillet over medium heat and once hot, add the minced onions and carrots. Cook for 4-6 minutes until soft and onions are golden.
- Stir in the rice and season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the minced cranberries, pecans and parsley.
Christina’s Notes
- Instant Pot: You can also make this recipe using the saute setting on the instant pot.
- Add ins: You can also add celery, mushrooms, and/or fresh thyme for added flavor depth.
- Dried Cranberry: Fresh cranberries can be more difficult to find depending on the season and where you live, if you can not find fresh ones, you can also use dried cranberries.
- Make Your Rice Blend: You can purchase a pre-made wild rice blend or make one with 1/4 cup wild rice, 1/4 cup brown rice, and 1 cup long-grain white rice.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.