26 Wild Rice Recipes That Deserve a Spot on Your Table

Wild rice is a hearty and nourishing alternative to white rice or brown rice. Each piece features a long grain that takes longer to cook than most other varieties, so it’s best served al dente with a gentle, toothsome crunch. Wild rice is technically a grass seed, but considered a whole grain — one that is incredibly versatile and can be tossed in soups and salads or served warm with any of your favorite add-ins.

Looking for a few recipes that highlight this hearty grain? You'll love this wild rice dish that's bursting with umami flavor thanks to shitake mushrooms, white button mushrooms, onion and garlic. Parsley and thyme adds fresh, herbal flavor and butter adds creamy richness. Serve as an easy side dish, with pork chops or grilled chicken.

There's often a can of pumpkin puree kicking around in the pantry. Put it to use in this ultra-flavorful soup. We use traditional cooking techniques (part mole, part curry) by making a paste with common kitchen staples and frying it in oil to create a deep layer of flavor. Wild rice adds the perfect nutty, chewy finish.

Wild rice is perfect for bulking up one-dish meals like Molly's hotdish. The key to culinary success here is making sure that the rice is cooked al dente, which gives it the perfect chewy, toothsome texture wild rice is known for.

This 5-ingredient side combines nutty, toasty rice with the bright fresh flavor of orange in multiple ways. The rice is cooked in orange juice resulting in a sweet and savory flavor. It’s then tossed with some more fresh juice and orange slices for a side dish that will brighten any hearty meal

In this hot and savory dish, wild rice provides the perfect amount of crunchy texture to the soft and silky casserole. Leeks, butter and heavy cream help add rich, decadent flavor that’s delightfully savory in every bite. It’s perfect for serving a crowd and can even be prepped in advance.

Wild rice grows like crazy in Minnesota, so Molly is always looking for ways to add it to recipes. It has a heartier texture but adds a really nice nuttiness when folded into light, fluffy pancake batter, and the cherry compote adds the perfect amount of tartness.

This impressive autumn-inspired dish can be served as a main course for vegan and vegetarian eaters or can be enjoyed by everyone at the table as a side dish. The small amount of curry powder gives the squash a nice warmth and depth—and wild rice makes it hearty and filling.

Any leftover cooked grain would work well in this simple soup, but we love the combination of wild rice and hominy. We use a few tricks to get maximum comforting flavor into the soup, starting by enriching the chicken broth with a roast chicken carcass and by adding chopped cilantro and scallion at the very end for freshness.

This garlicky rice is warm and nourishing, and it’s a versatile addition to a variety of different meals. If you’re looking for a warm and hearty side dish that isn’t too difficult to whip up, this simple rice dish is packed with flavor. Serrano pepper adds heat, and lime zest adds fresh and vibrant flavor.

These zucchini boats are chock full of veggies—like cherry tomatoes—and wild rice for a meatless weeknight dinner that's filling and easy to prepare. Don’t have leftover wild rice? No problem—any kind of rice will work here.

Cooking up a generous batch of this creamy, comforting chicken soup with nutty wild rice and lots of vegetables is quick and easy thanks to the Instant Pot®. The pot streamlines the cooking time for whole-grain wild rice and transforms the chicken into juicy, beautifully shredded meat in no time. Plus, there’s only one pot to clean when you’re done. The soup is seasoned with a touch of lemon zest and juice and fresh parsley for an irresistible meal in a bowl.

This wild rice dressing is lighter than a bread-based version and packed with earthy fried fruit. A fruit preserve and cider vinegar glaze on the roast chicken makes the skin extra crispy and flavorful.

Mix dried apricots and dried cranberries into this thyme-scented, wild rice stuffing for the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

This nourishing recipe is hearty and delicious. It’s cheesy and creamy thanks to the cheddar cheese and sour cream, and sliced cremini mushrooms add umami flavor. Sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese for even more flavor.

This easy wild rice salad comes together in just 35 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknight meals. It’s packed with vibrant flavors like ground cinnamon and apple cider vinegar that help brighten up the natural earthiness of the rice, carrots and chopped pecans.

Wild rice is a versatile ingredient because it takes on the flavor of whatever it’s seasoned with. Shallot helps add oniony flavor, and sliced jalapeño adds fresh heat. Cilantro is the key to adding bright, zippy flavor.

This simple soup recipe is a great way to use up extra leftover roasted turkey. Wild rice adds crunchy texture, and it’s packed with vegetables to make it extra hearty and nutritious. Lemon zest is the secret ingredient that adds bright, vibrant flavor.

Wild rice is really warm and nourishing, so it’s a perfectly hearty dish to serve in the fall or winter. This simple dish gets cooked with chicken broth, onions, thyme, garlic and butter, so it’s savory and rich in every bite. Serve alongside a light salad or roast chicken.

There's nothing like a good casserole—especially one that's made extra hearty and wholesome with the addition of wild rice. Damaris adds extra flavor with a little liquid smoke, which pairs perfectly with the natural grassiness of the rice.

This easy salad is just as delicious warm as it is when served at room temperature. Oranges, dried cranberries and green grapes add bright, fruity flavor and raspberry vinegar adds a vibrant acidity. The whole dish gets topped with nutty toasted pecans for a flavorful and balanced side salad.

Wild rice is best served al dente, so it’s a great addition to creamy dishes like casserole. The crunchy bite of the wild rice adds pleasant texture to the casserole that’s dotted with broccoli, mushrooms, onion, carrots and celery. Season with salt and pepper, then top with panko and minced parsley.

This recipe combines wild rice with basmati rice, so it’s a fun combination of textures in every bite. Diced celery, garlic, onion and fresh thyme are the key to complex and savory flavor. Crushed, salted pistachios and chopped chestnuts add crunchy, nutty texture.

Wild rice makes a great addition to soup because it maintains its texture and doesn’t get too soggy. This recipe is filled with carrots, kale, mushrooms and kohlrabi, so it’s packed with hearty vegetables to keep you feeling nourished. Serve with freshly-ground black pepper.

In this fun pancake recipe, wild rice adds toothsome texture to every bite. It’s a great way to add an interesting twist to the classic recipe that’s typically smooth and cakey. Top it off with halved strawberries and honeydew chunks for a crisp and fruity breakfast.

This simple salad relies on packaged wild rice as a quick and easy shortcut. It’s a perfect alternative to making traditional wild rice because it saves on time and dirty dishes. Toss in some grape tomatoes and chopped green onions, then season with olive oil and orange zest and serve warm.