8 Wild Rice Recipes You'll Make Again and Again

Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Wild Rice
Photo: Christopher Testani

Wild rice brings a toasty, nutty flavor to any recipe. The nuttiness and distinctive texture of wild rice make it one of the most versatile, pleasant grains out there. Whether you're cooking an earthy rice salad with cranberries and mushrooms or a hearty stew with braised beef, you'll find all of these recipes deeply satisfying.

01 of 08

Wild Rice Salad with Beets, Grapes and Pecans

Wild Rice Salad with Beets, Grapes and Pecans
© Con Poulos

This wild rice dish from Food & Wine's Justin Chapple will be the prettiest and brightest-tasting side dish on the Thanksgiving table, but it's equally good any time of the year.

02 of 08

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

Amanda Johnson uses leftover chicken or turkey, and wild rice harvested nearby, to make this lovely soup.

03 of 08

Hunter's Stew with Braised Beef and Wild Rice

Beef and Wild Rice Stew
© Ethan Hill

David Ansel makes this stew with venison and venison stock, but it's equally delicious prepared with beef chuck. The meat is slowly braised in Madeira to bring out its rich flavor, then it's combined with beef-based broth and nutty, slightly crunchy wild rice.

04 of 08

Wild Rice with Mushrooms, Cranberries, and Chestnuts

Wild Rice with Mushrooms, Cranberries, and Chestnuts Recipe
Marcus Nilsson

With just enough cranberries in each bite to balance out the earthiness in the rice blend and mushrooms, this rice salad can be served warm or at room temperature.

05 of 08

Wild Rice Salad with Marcona Almonds

Wild Rice Salad with Marcona Almonds

You can add a dash of smoked paprika (pimenton) and some shaved Manchego cheese to add more Spanish flair to this wild rice salad.

06 of 08

Fried Wild Rice with Mustard Greens and Mushrooms

Fried Wild Rice with Mustard Greens and Mushrooms Recipe
Caitlin Bensel

Properly cooked wild rice retains a pleasant crunch that adds grassy-like texture to this fried rice. Paired with lightly spicy mustard greens, sweet celery, and tender, meaty mushrooms, it's a smoky, savory side dish that could be a meal on its own.

07 of 08

Tortilla Soup with Wild Rice

Tortilla Soup with Wild Rice

Wild rice is a healthy and earthy addition to this hearty tortilla soup.

08 of 08

Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Wild Rice

Braised Chicken Thighs with Apples and Wild Rice
Christopher Testani

Erick Harcey, one of Minneapolis' most celebrated chefs, serves this braised chicken with his supreme riff on Rice-A-Roni. Tart Granny Smith apples and cider vinegar not only tenderize the chicken thighs but also act as the base for the incredible sauce.

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