If you’re looking for a side dish that brings color, texture, and cozy aroma to your holiday table, this Thanksgiving Wild Rice Pilaf delivers all that and more. It’s the kind of recipe that feels festive but comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients—nutty wild rice, tangy cranberries, sweet carrots, and fragrant herbs. Each spoonful tastes like autumn, and it pairs beautifully with everything from roast turkey to plant-based mains.

This dish is proof that healthy sides can also feel indulgent. The chewy texture of wild rice blends perfectly with sweet dried cranberries and the earthy depth of thyme, rosemary, and sage. Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving spread or a cozy family dinner, this pilaf is both elegant and effortless.

Why You’ll Love It

Festive & colorful: Dried cranberries and herbs make it holiday-ready.
Gluten-free & vegan: Perfect for guests with dietary needs.
Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Fragrant & wholesome: Naturally aromatic with leeks, thyme, and rosemary.
Pairs with everything: Great alongside turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables.

Time Needed

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

1½ cups wild rice blend
1 small leek, chopped and rinsed well
1 bell pepper, diced
1 carrot, grated
⅓ cup vegan white wine (or apple cider vinegar)
½ cup dried cranberries (plus ⅓ cup for garnish)
3 cups low-sodium vegetable stock or water
2 bay leaves
1 sprig rosemary
1 sprig sage
8 sprigs fresh thyme
3 sprigs fresh oregano
1 tablespoon dried oregano
Pinch of red pepper flakes
1 teaspoon sea salt (to taste)
1–2 teaspoons olive oil or splash of water for sautéing

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics In a large skillet, heat olive oil or a splash of water over medium-low heat. Add chopped leek and a pinch of salt, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Toast the Rice and Herbs Stir in grated carrot, diced bell pepper, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, sage, rosemary, and red pepper flakes. Add the wild rice blend and toss to coat, letting it toast with the aromatics for 2–3 minutes.
Deglaze and Simmer Pour in the vegan white wine (or apple cider vinegar) and let it simmer until reduced by half. Add the vegetable stock and stir well. Bring to a simmer, cover tightly, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 50 minutes.
Steam and Fluff Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10–15 minutes. Discard the bay leaves and herb stems. Fluff gently with a fork to separate grains.
Finish and Serve Fold in the cranberries and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve warm or at room temperature for a gorgeous, aromatic holiday side dish.

Variations to Try

Pecan Crunch: Add ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts for texture and richness.
Orange Zest Twist: Stir in grated orange zest for a bright citrus lift.
Cheesy Comfort: Add a sprinkle of parmesan (or vegan cheese) just before serving.
Herb Swap: Try fresh parsley or dill instead of thyme for a springier finish.

Tips from Chef Emma

Use a wild rice blend for both color and texture.
Letting the rice rest covered ensures perfect fluffiness.
Leftovers make a great cold grain salad the next day.
Skip the wine if you prefer—apple cider or broth works beautifully.
This dish reheats well in a skillet with a splash of broth.

Nutrition Info per Serving

Calories: 358
Carbohydrates: 77g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 1g
Sodium: 728mg
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 22g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this wild rice pilaf ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes better after resting—just reheat gently before serving.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead?
A: You can, but the unique nutty flavor of wild rice really makes this dish special.
Q: Is this recipe vegan?
A: Yes! It’s completely plant-based, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
Q: Can I add nuts or seeds?
A: Absolutely—pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds add delicious crunch.

Final Thoughts

This Thanksgiving Wild Rice Pilaf is everything a holiday side should be—fragrant, wholesome, and full of color. It’s the perfect companion to your favorite festive dishes and looks stunning on any table. Save this recipe to your Fall Recipes board so you can make it for every special gathering!