25 Comforting and Hearty Wild Rice Dishes

These wholesome and nutrient-packed wild rice dishes highlight the grain’s nutty flavor and chewy texture.

While wild rice might not be the first ingredient you reach for in the grocery store, it deserves a spot at the table. Nutty and earthy, this versatile native grass brings a chewy texture and deep flavor to any meal. It makes even the simplest wild rice dishes feel hearty and satisfying.

There are many creative ways to cook wild rice that are packed with flavor. You can fold it into a creamy mushroom soup or toss it with grilled peaches, peppery arugula and a tangy-sweet dressing to make a vibrant salad. Around the holidays, wild rice also makes a flavorful swap for bread in stuffing recipes for Thanksgiving, giving a fresh twist to a classic side. These easy dishes with wild rice show just how adaptable the grain can be, whether in comforting casseroles during winter or in light pilafs during summer.

Many people also wonder, is wild rice healthy? The answer is yes. This grain is rich in fiber, B vitamins and antioxidants, making it a smart addition to high-protein meals. It becomes even more nourishing when paired with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary or sage; vegetables like mushrooms and squash; or proteins such as chicken, turkey and grilled fish. For vegetarian healthy wild rice recipes, try combining it with lentils or chickpeas.

1/25

Turkey Wild Rice Soup

Total Time:45 min
Servings:12 (3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Two Minnesota delicacies, turkey and wild rice, are the stars of this sensational soup. Be prepared to serve seconds! —Terri Holmgren, Swanville, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 222 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 533mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
2/25

Wild Rice-Stuffed Pork Loin

Total Time:1 hour 50 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe features wild rice and apricot stuffing tucked inside a tender pork roast. —Kim Rubner, Worthington, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 436 calories, 20g fat (7g saturated fat), 109mg cholesterol, 547mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
3/25

Shrimp and Wild Rice Casserole

Total Time:40 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Fresh shrimp lends a special touch to this effortless entree that starts out with a boxed wild rice mix. I top off the creamy casserole with a handful of crunchy croutons. —Lee Stearns, Mobile, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 299 calories, 12g fat (6g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 1083mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 18g protein.
4/25

Wild Rice Stuffed Squash

Total Time:1 hour 35 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I made this recipe when we invited both our families to celebrate our first Thanksgiving in our new home. There were 37 of us, and those who tried this dish raved about it. —Robin Thompson, Roseville, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 stuffed squash half: 275 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 593mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 6g fiber), 6g protein.
5/25

Northwoods Wild Rice Salad

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is my Minnesota version of a vintage German slaw that’s popular at church suppers. The wild rice has a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with tangy sauerkraut. —Jeanne Holt, St. Paul, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 290 calories, 17g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 747mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 5g fiber), 5g protein.
6/25

Cheesy Wild Rice Soup

Total Time:30 min
Servings:8 (2qt)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We often eat easy-to-make soups when there's not a lot of time to cook. I replaced the wild rice in the original recipe with a boxed rice mix. This creamy concoction is now a family favorite. —Lisa Hofer, Hitchcock, South Dakota
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 464 calories, 29g fat (14g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1492mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 21g protein.
7/25

Cornish Hens with Wild Rice and Celery

Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Stuffed with a succulent combination of wild rice, mushrooms and dried cranberries, these golden hens are sure to become a special-occasion entree in your home. They're a wonderful change of pace from traditional turkey. —Nancy Horsburgh, Everett, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 Cornish hen (calculated with skin removed before serving): 336 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 127mg cholesterol, 819mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 32g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
8/25

Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This tender side dish is perfect for the holidays or any time you want to add a special touch. Dried cranberries, currants and almonds serve up color and texture. My co-workers all make this rice pilaf for their families. —Pat Gardetta, Osage Beach, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 166 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 382mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 starch, 1 fat.
9/25

No-Peek Chicken

Total Time:2 hours 10 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Chicken and rice has never been so easy, or so delicious! The very tender chicken is served over creamy wild rice; finish the meal with steamed carrots or another favorite veggie. —Sharon Juart, Rochester Mills, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 561 calories, 25g fat (6g saturated fat), 111mg cholesterol, 2359mg sodium, 47g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 36g protein.
10/25

Wild Rice and Squash Pilaf

Total Time:35 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This pilaf is fantastic with fish or poultry and especially compatible with turkey. Since it's so colorful, I like to think it makes my turkey dressed for the holidays. —Erica Ollmann, San Diego, California
Nutrition Facts: 1/2 cup: 118 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 114mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 fat.
11/25

Greek Brown and Wild Rice Bowls

Total Time:12 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This fresh rice dish tastes like the Mediterranean in a bowl! It is short on ingredients but packs in so much flavor. For a hand-held version, leave out the rice and tuck the rest of the ingredients into a pita pocket. —Darla Andrews, Boerne, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 433 calories, 25g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 1355mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 6g fiber), 8g protein.
12/25

Green Bean Chicken Casserole

Contest Winner
Total Time:40 min
Servings:2 casseroles (4 each)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My husband, who claims to be strictly a meat-and-potatoes man, asked for seconds the first time I threw together this comforting all-in-one meal. My daughter and several guests raved about it too. It's easy to assemble with cooked chicken, frozen green beans and convenient pantry items. —DeLissa Mingee, Warr Acres, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 400 calories, 17g fat (6g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 1319mg sodium, 34g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
13/25

Chicken & Wild Rice Strudels

Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I wanted the buttery crunch of layered pastry without the sweet filling of strudel. Using rotisserie chicken from the store, I found my savory answer. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 323 calories, 18g fat (10g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 550mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 16g protein.
14/25

Chicken Wild Rice Soup

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:14 (3-1/2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I'm originally from Minnesota, where wild rice grows in abundance and is very popular in recipes. This creamy chicken wild rice soup has been part of our Christmas Eve menu for years. To save time, I cook the chicken and wild rice and cut up the vegetables the day before. —Virginia Montmarquet, Riverside, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 154 calories, 6g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 807mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
15/25

Wild Rice Stuffing

Contest Winner
Total Time:45 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Since trying this stuffing recipe from my sister, I haven't made any other kind. It's so moist and tasty. When a big bowlful starts circulating around the table, happy holiday smiles get even bigger! —Connie Olson, Green River, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 279 calories, 13g fat (8g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 806mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
16/25

Cranberry Wild Rice

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Cranberries and red onion make this wild rice recipe colorful and perfect for fall. Don’t skip the toasting of the pine nuts­—the flavor boost is well worth the effort. —Dawn Bryant, Thedford, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 238 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1mg sodium, 42g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
17/25

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

Contest Winner
Total Time:50 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: While this special chicken and wild rice casserole is perfect for a company dinner, it's so good that I often make it for everyday family meals. We think it is very nice served with some crusty rolls or French bread. —Elizabeth Tokariuk, Lethbridge, Alberta
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 382 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 98mg cholesterol, 878mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
18/25

Grilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge—and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate tastes-like-summer salad booster. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 218 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 7g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 fat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
19/25

Cashew Rice Pilaf

Total Time:40 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This hearty dish will add pizazz to your plate with its beautiful blend of flavors and colors. I often serve it as a main course with salad and bread. —Tina Coburn, Tucson, Arizona
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 287 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 541mg sodium, 41g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
20/25

Wild Rice and Mushroom Soup

Total Time:45 min
Servings:8 (2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Frequently requested at family get-togethers, this rich and hearty soup is ready in a flash. Cooking for a vegetarian? Swap in vegetable stock for the beef broth. —Danielle Noble, Fort Thomas, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 399 calories, 26g fat (14g saturated fat), 84mg cholesterol, 803mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
21/25

Wild Rice Casserole

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 40 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The wild rice adds a wonderful flavor to this casserole. I like to serve it on special occasions. —Jann Marie Foster, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 318 calories, 19g fat (10g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 583mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
22/25

Mushroom Wild Rice

Total Time:3 hours 5 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is one of my favorite recipes from my mother. With only seven ingredients, it's quick to assemble in the morning before I leave for work. By the time I get home, mouthwatering aromas have filled the house. —Bob Malchow, Monon, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 192 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 21mg cholesterol, 437mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
23/25

Slow-Cooked Wild Rice

Total Time:4 hours 15 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe has become such a family heirloom that I asked my mother's permission before passing it along. It has traveled to weddings, landmark birthdays and wedding anniversaries—and it always makes people happy. —Janet Mahowald, Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 236 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 1059mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 9g protein.
24/25

Wild Rice Salad

Total Time:15 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This wild rice salad is twice as nice since it stars both brown and wild rice! Tangy raspberry vinegar complements the nutty flavor of the rice, while dried cranberries provide unexpected bursts of sweetness. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 343 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 450mg sodium, 55g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 5g fiber), 6g protein.
25/25

Slow-Cooked Vegetable Wild Rice Soup

Total Time:5 hours 25 min
Servings: 12 (3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This thick and hearty soup is packed with colorful vegetables. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 117 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 419mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 4g fiber), 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable, 1 starch.

Wild Rice Dishes FAQ

Is wild rice gluten-free?

Since it’s not actually a kind of rice but a species of North American native grass, wild rice is naturally gluten-free. However, it is often packaged with brown or long-grain rice, which can increase the risk of gluten contamination. Always check the label properly since cross-contamination can also occur during processing or harvesting.

What dishes pair best with wild rice?

Wild rice adds depth to hearty soups, stews, casseroles and pilaf. It also works well when stuffed into seasonal produce like squash or when used as a filling for pork loin to add texture and flavor. The grain’s earthy, nutty notes are complemented well with mushrooms, cranberries and chicken, while its chewiness brings contrast to bright salads with peaches and leafy greens.

How do I store leftover wild rice?

Allow cooked wild rice to cool down completely, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can last up to six days. You can also freeze cooked wild rice, which will be safe to consume for up to three months.