Our quick and easy Wild Rice Pilaf is a flavor-packed side dish that is perfect for a simple family dinner, holiday menu, or other special occasion! Made with all the best fresh vegetables and a delicious wild rice blend. This side dish recipe is definitely going to be a crowd-pleaser!
The Best Wild Rice Pilaf
Every holiday table needs a fun, new side dish to share with your whole family! This tasty side dish is full of the best flavors and lots of fresh veggies. Making it the perfect option for your next Thanksgiving Day gathering or another holiday meal. We love this wild rice pilaf with vegetables so much that we will even be making it for a simple Sunday Supper! Serve with just about anything for a new family favorite recipe.
Looking for another wild rice recipe? You have to try our Wild Rice Stuffing!
What You Will Need
- wild rice mix – check your local grocery store for a bag of these whole grains. It is a combination of wild rice, white rice, and long grain brown rice.
- chicken broth – we love to use a homemade chicken stock, but you can opt for store-bought or use a vegetable broth.
- butter – a little bit in the skillet to help sauté all the vegetables.
- onion, carrots, celery, brussels sprouts, & mushrooms – a variety of fresh vegetables that go together so well! Feel free to switch it up with what you have on hand.
- soy sauce & worcestershire sauce – a splash of each adds so much flavor.
- lemon zest – added to lighten and brighten all the flavors of this dish.
- Italian seasoning, salt and pepper – simple seasonings that are the best compliment to the rice and veggies.
How To Make A Wild Rice Pilaf
The first steps to making this easy recipe are to prep the wild rice pilaf ingredients and cook the wild rice according to the rice package in a large pot.
In a large braising pan or skillet, melt butter, and cook the onion until softened.
Now add the carrots, celery, and brussel sprouts. Move around the hot skillet for about 7 minutes of cooking time, then add the mushrooms to cook.
Next, add the cooked rice, seasonings, lemon zest, soy sauce, & worcestershire sauce.
Mix to fully combine and make any taste adjustments according to your personal preferences.
Best Ways To Serve Wild Rice Pilaf
A wonderful recipe that is perfect for serving with any main course, like pork tenderloin, roasted chicken, or a whole turkey at your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinners. Just top with a sprinkling of fresh parsley for the perfect finishing touch! It is also a great option to meal prep at the beginning of the week to easily warm as a versatile side dish or a vegetarian lunch!
Recipe FAQ
Some dried cranberries, sweet potatoes, pine nuts, toasted pecans, or slivered almonds would make wonderful additions to this side dish.
In this recipe card we used a blend of different rice varieties that include wild rice. It does not require any soaking before cooking on the stovetop.
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Other Rice Recipes You Might Like
Wild Rice Pilaf
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy Wild Rice Pilaf recipe that is the perfect side dish for any holiday or special occasion. Packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- 1 cup wild rice blend
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter (reg or dairy-free)
- 1 small sweet yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 cup celery, sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, sliced or half-moons
- 1 cup shaved brussel sprouts
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (sub Tamari if gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- optional add-ins: dried cranberries or chopped pecans
- for serving: fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Add wild rice blend and chicken broth to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer and cover, 15 minutes. Remove from heat, leave covered, 10 minutes. Fluff with fork.*
- Bring a large braiser or large skillet to medium-high heat. Add butter and let melt, swirl to coat the pan. Add onion and move around pan until they soften, approx. 2 minutes.
- Add carrots, celery, and brussel sprouts. Move around pan 7-10 minutes. Add mushrooms and move around pan until all the vegetables are soft, but firm and cooked through (add additional butter, as needed if pan gets dry).
- Add in cooked rice, soy sauce, worcestershire, lemon zest, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Option to add any dried cranberries or pecans (if using).
- Stir and taste. Adjust any seasoning, as desired.
- Serve immediately with fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
- Cooking Wild Rice: timing here may depend on the brand, so check the package instructions and defer to that, if the cook time differs. You can also use canned, cooked wild rice if you want, you will need about 3 cups or so.
- Gluten-Free: use Tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Dairy-Free: use a dairy-free butter (vegan butter) or olive oil instead of regular butter.
- Storage: store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz
- Calories: 89
- Sugar: 1.6 g
- Sodium: 282.5 mg
- Fat: 3.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12.8 g
- Protein: 3.1 g
- Cholesterol: 8.9 mg
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