Wild Rice Pilaf (Dairy Free, Vegan)

Name: Wild Rice Pilaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup diced celery; 1/2 cup diced carrots; 3/4 cup diced onion; 1 1/2 cups wild rice blend; 2 2/3 cup vegetable or chicken stock; 1 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Wild Rice Pilaf

This easy, wild rice pilaf is full of flavorful vegetables. This homemade vegan recipe makes a great, hearty side dish for any meal. Add dried cranberry or chopped pecans for a festive Thanksgiving twist.

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A bowl of wild rice pilaf with carrots and herbs, served with toasted bread slices.

Why you’ll love this wild rice pilaf

A woman wearing a pink sweater smiles excitedly while holding a plate of fresh salad with greens and strawberries, standing at a wooden table beside a delicious turkey salad sandwich.

As we move into the holiday season – I can’t believe Thanksgiving is already over – I’m on the hunt for more simple side dishes. Ones with lots of flavor that can pair with a hearty chuck roast or even a quick chicken recipe. Since the weather is colder, my usual cucumber salad and baked beans just don’t work.

This wild rice pilaf recipe is quick cooking on the stove and full of traditional flavors thanks to a basic mirepoix, but you can easily mix it up by adding a variety of herbs, or even dried cranberries or chopped nuts, for change of pace. It’s a great basic side dish, and I am loving this time of year.

→ If you like this recipe, you should try these: seasoned potato wedges / dairy free mashed potatoes / Italian green beans / oven roasted broccoli

A bowl of wild rice pilaf mixed with diced carrots and herbs, with a serving spoon tucked into the side.

Ingredient notes:

Wild rice – You can order some online – we used this wild rice blend – or you can substitute brown rice (not the quick cooking kind). Just make sure you adjust the cooking time as needed. You can find it on the rice package.
Chicken stock – If you want this to be gluten free, make sure you’re using a safe brand of stock. You can also swap vegetable broth to make this completely vegan.

Making changes to a recipe can result in recipe failure. Any substitutions listed are simple changes that I believe will work in this recipe, but results are not guaranteed.

A skillet filled with a wild rice pilaf of brown rice, diced carrots, and celery, garnished with fresh herbs.

A bowl of wild rice pilaf mixed with diced carrots and herbs, with a serving spoon resting inside.

Frequently asked questions

What does wild rice taste like?

Wild rice is nuttier and more herbal tasting than white rice. It has a heartier texture than white rice and maintains a chewy texture after cooking.

Does wild rice need to be soaked?

Technically no, but you will need to cook it for a longer amount of time than white rice. It will also hold its texture and bite even after a long time cooking.

How long does wild rice take to cook?

45 minutes.

A bowl of wild rice pilaf made with brown rice, diced carrots, and herbs, with a metal spoon resting inside.

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5 from 6 votes

Wild Rice Pilaf

By: Melissa Belanger

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 50

Total Time: 1

Servings: servings

Ingredients

Instructions

Sauté the veggies. Heat a large skillet to medium-high and add olive oil. Allow it heat and add celery, onion and carrot the the pan. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables have softened – about 5 minutes.
Toast the rice. Add rice and stir to combine. Allow the rice to toast until the oil is absorbed.
Simmer the pilaf. Pour in the broth and cover the pot. Bring the rice to a boil and then immediately reduce heat to low. All the rice to simmer for 45 – 50 minutes.
Remove from heat and allow the rice to set for 5 – 10 minutes to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid.
Garnish and serve. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.