Wild rice deserves a bigger role on your table. Whether you’re cooking for the holidays, prepping make-ahead meals, or just looking for something different to shake up your usual routine, these recipes offer bold, comforting ways to use this versatile grain. From creamy soups to colorful salads and cozy casseroles, there’s something for every appetite and schedule.
Many of these dishes are built for cooler weather and larger gatherings, but they also work for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Wild rice’s nutty flavor and firm texture hold up well in soups, mix beautifully with fresh produce, and pair effortlessly with poultry, squash, or even fruit. A few of these recipes can even turn leftovers into something worth looking forward to.
Scroll through and pick what fits your mood. Hearty, light, or something in between. Whether it’s a stovetop simmer, a slow cooker solution, or a dish built to impress your holiday crowd, these wild rice recipes are a reliable way to bring something comforting and flavorful to the table.
Tahini Wild Rice Soup
This filling wild rice soup gets its creaminess from tahini instead of dairy, giving it a rich, nutty depth. Packed with sweet potatoes, mushrooms, carrots, and kale, it’s hearty enough to be a full meal. Great for colder days or meatless dinner nights, it comes together with mostly pantry staples and keeps well for leftovers.
Get the Recipe: Tahini Wild Rice Soup
Wild Rice with Roasted Grapes
Nutty wild rice pairs surprisingly well with roasted grapes in this unique side dish. The grapes caramelize as they bake, bringing a sweet balance to the savory herbs and rice. It’s a simple but elegant option for dinner parties or holiday spreads—just a little different without being complicated.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice with Roasted Grapes
Thanksgiving Wild Rice with Cranberries and Sweet Potatoes
This colorful rice dish combines the sweet-tart flavor of cranberries with roasted sweet potatoes and fluffy rice. It’s a festive, hearty side that fits right in on a Thanksgiving or holiday table. It can also be prepped ahead and reheated, making it practical for big meals.
Get the Recipe: Thanksgiving Wild Rice with Cranberries and Sweet Potatoes
Creamy Wild Rice Soup
This creamy wild rice soup is a cold-weather favorite, filled with hearty vegetables and a rich, comforting broth. The earthy flavor of wild rice makes it filling, while the creamy texture adds warmth. Serve it with bread or on its own for a simple, satisfying meal.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Wild Rice Soup
Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Topped with Toasted Almonds
A cozy casserole with shredded chicken, wild rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—all topped with crunchy toasted almonds for texture. This dish makes a great holiday side or easy weeknight dinner. It reheats well and works for potlucks or meal prepping too.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole Topped with Toasted Almonds
Roasted Butternut Squash Casserole with Wild Rice
Butternut squash and wild rice come together in this warm, slightly sweet casserole. Finished with a pecan topping for crunch, it’s a go-to for fall dinners or holiday meals. The combination of textures makes it feel indulgent, even though it’s simple to put together.
Get the Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash Casserole with Wild Rice
Mango Wild Rice Salad
This wild rice salad adds bold flavor with mango, cabbage, jicama, and pickled jalapeños, all tossed in a zesty cilantro mango dressing. It’s light but full of texture and color—perfect for summer cookouts or make-ahead lunches. Serve it cold for the best crunch.
Get the Recipe: Mango Wild Rice Salad
Fig Wild Rice Salad
A lighter option for holiday meals, this salad features chewy wild rice and sweet figs, balanced with herbs or citrus dressing. It’s simple to prep and pairs well with roasts or as part of a larger spread. A nice contrast to heavier sides.
Get the Recipe: Fig Wild Rice Salad
Wild Rice Pilaf
This wild rice pilaf blends wild and jasmine rice with mushrooms, carrots, and butter for a flavorful side that fits just about any main dish. Simmered in chicken broth, it’s savory and satisfying without being heavy. Great with poultry, seafood, or as a base for bowls.
Get the Recipe: Wild Rice Pilaf
Traeger Wild Rice Hotdish
This creamy wild rice casserole is cooked on a Traeger grill for extra smoky flavor. Filled with mushrooms and a rich sauce, it’s hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian main or a standout side. Easy to assemble and comforting from the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Wild Rice Hotdish
Corn & Potato Chowder with Wild Rice
This chowder combines corn, potatoes, and wild rice in a thick, creamy broth. It’s filling and meat-free, making it a good option for meatless Mondays or cozy soup nights. Serve with crusty bread or a light salad to round it out.
Get the Recipe: Corn & Potato Chowder with Wild Rice
Minnesota Wild Rice Hotdish Soup
A soup version of the beloved Minnesota hotdish, this recipe swaps casseroles for bowls without losing the comfort factor. Wild rice adds a nutty bite, while the creamy base and vegetables make it feel like a full meal. Great for chilly evenings or family dinners.
Get the Recipe: Minnesota Wild Rice Hotdish Soup
Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup
This crock pot version is hands-off and comforting, combining tender chicken, wild rice, and vegetables in a creamy broth. Just toss everything in and let it simmer all day—it’s a great set-it-and-forget-it dinner. Leftovers store and reheat well too.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Crock Pot Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
Chicken, mushrooms, and wild rice simmer together in a creamy broth for a deeply satisfying soup that’s both filling and flavorful. It’s a reliable go-to for winter meals or when you need something comforting and easy to make ahead.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken Mushroom Wild Rice Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup
This slow cooker soup is thick, creamy, and packed with wild rice, veggies, and herbs. It’s easy to throw together in the morning and ready by dinnertime—no hovering over the stove required. Serve with a side of bread for a cozy, complete meal.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole
Put holiday leftovers to good use with this Instant Pot casserole. Turkey, wild rice, and vegetables come together in one pot for a fast, comforting dish. It’s a smart way to stretch leftovers into another satisfying meal without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Leftover Turkey Wild Rice Casserole