Autumn Harvest Wild Rice Pilaf

Easy Wild Rice Pilaf My GoTo Autumn Side Dish

By Mia WestlakeOctober 4, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of autumnal deliciousness? Ever tried a Easy Wild Rice Pilaf ? Honestly, this is one of those recipes that just feels like autumn, you know? It is the perfect Holiday side dish .

What's the Deal with This Pilaf?

This Easy Wild Rice Pilaf isn't just any rice dish. Think of it as a hug in a bowl, packed with nutty wild rice and sweet autumn veggies.

Originating from classic American cuisine, this Rice Pilaf has become a staple for holidays and cozy meals. It’s simple to make, taking only 1 hour from start to finish, with 20 minutes prep and 40 minutes cook time.

This recipe makes 6 generous servings.

Why You'll Love This Vegetarian pilaf recipe

One of the best things about this dish? Wild rice is packed with fiber and nutrients, making it a healthy choice.

It’s also the perfect Thanksgiving side dish or an amazing addition to any Autumn Side Dishes . This recipe is special because it combines rustic flavors with simple ingredients, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.

The aroma alone will have everyone drooling. You can find this among the Best Side Dishes for your holidays.

Ready to dive in? Let's gather our ingredients! First up, you'll need 1 cup of wild rice make sure to rinse it well.

Then, grab 2 tablespoons of olive oil, because good fats are our friends. We're also going to use 1 medium yellow onion, because who doesn't love a good onion base? Let’s not forget 2 cloves of garlic.

We also need 1 cup of butternut squash (cut into cute little cubes, mind you). This is one of the Wild rice recipes you should know.

Oh my gosh, this Butternut squash recipes is very delicious!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Easy Wild Rice Pilaf

Okay, so you want to make this amazing Easy Wild Rice Pilaf ? Fab! Let’s get down to what you need.

Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. Think of this recipe as a super easy way to impress folks at Thanksgiving. This is one of the best side dishes , you will absolutely love it!

Main Ingredients Breakdown

Right, here’s the lowdown on the ingredients, measurements and all.

Wild Rice: 1 cup (180g) . Get a good quality wild rice blend if you can. The flavour is so much better! Seriously, avoid the super cheap stuff.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Extra virgin's best.
Yellow Onion: 1 medium , finely diced (about 1 cup/150g ). Don’t skimp on the dicing!
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. I love garlic, so sometimes I sneak in an extra clove.
Butternut Squash: 1 cup (150g) , peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes. This is one of my favourite butternut squash recipes during Autumn.
Dried Cranberries: ½ cup (75g) . Adds a lovely sweetness.
Pecans or Walnuts: ½ cup (50g) , chopped (optional). I usually toast mine for a bit more flavour.
Vegetable Broth: 4 cups (950 ml) , low sodium. This vegetarian pilaf recipe tastes even better when you use great quality broth.
Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon .
Dried Sage: ½ teaspoon .
Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) , chopped, for garnish.
Unsalted Butter: 2 tablespoons (30 g) (optional). Trust me, it adds richness!

Seasoning Sensations

This Easy Rice Pilaf recipe relies on thyme and sage for that classic autumnal vibe. It's that secret spice combination !

You could also add a bay leaf to the broth while it simmers. Don't forget to take it out before serving! If you don't have fresh herbs, dried works fine too.

Remember the golden rule: always season generously with salt and pepper. A little goes a long way.

Essential Equipment

You really don't need much kit for this Wild Rice Pilaf .

A large saucepan with a tight fitting lid is your best friend here.
Measuring cups and spoons are also essential, obviously.
A cutting board and a chef's knife for chopping those veggies.

Don't have a fancy saucepan? As long as it has a lid, you're golden. This Autumn Side Dish is that easy.

If you're making this as a Thanksgiving side dish don't forget the essentials!

Cooking Up a Storm: My Easy Wild Rice Pilaf Adventure

Honestly, folks, have you ever tried making Wild Rice Pilaf ? It can seem daunting. But trust me, this Autumn Harvest Wild Rice Pilaf is so simple, even I can't mess it up! It's one of my favourite Autumn Side Dishes .

Prep Like a Pro: The Key to Easy Rice Pilaf

First things first: let's get prepped! Dice that onion (carefully, now!), mince the garlic. It’s time to mise en place ! Measure out your rice and broth.

Having everything ready before you start cooking is a total game changer. Honestly, it saves so much time and stress. Speaking of stress, make sure you are not distracted.

Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step Easy Rice Pilaf

Okay, ready to roll? Here's how we make my Easy Wild Rice Pilaf :

Sauté the diced onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes . Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute .
Stir in 1 cup diced butternut squash and ½ cup dried cranberries.
Add 1 cup rinsed wild rice, 4 cups vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon dried sage. Season with salt and pepper.
Bring everything to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40 minutes .
Let it stand for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork. Serve warm with optional parsley and nuts!

Pro Tips for Perfect Pilaf: Avoid the Pitfalls

Okay, so I've definitely made some mistakes along the way. Listen up! First, always rinse your wild rice well. Trust me, it makes a difference.

Also, don't overcook it! You want it tender, not mushy. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning, you know? Feel free to mix in your own flair!

This Vegetarian pilaf recipe is a sure thing. And let's not forget how great this Thanksgiving side dish or Holiday side dish looks on a table! It's also the perfect best side dishes for dinner.

Thinking about what Wild rice recipes to try? This might be the Best Side Dishes for you. And for those who adore Butternut squash recipes , this is heaven.

Recipe Notes for Your Autumn Harvest Wild Rice Pilaf

Honestly, this Easy Wild Rice Pilaf is almost foolproof. But a few tips can take it from "yum" to "OMG, this is amazing!" I've tweaked this recipe for years, and these are my hard earned pearls of wisdom.

Serving It Up Right: Plating and Pairing

Presentation matters, you know? For plating, try serving the Rice Pilaf in a shallow bowl. Garnish with extra parsley or toasted nuts.

A sprig of rosemary looks proper fancy too, doesn’t it? As for sides, this Easy Wild Rice Pilaf is gorgeous with roasted chicken or grilled salmon.

Feeling veggie? A creamy butternut squash soup is pure autumn comfort. For drinks, a crisp apple cider or a light Pinot Noir would be divine.

Honestly, the earthy notes of the Vegetarian pilaf recipe really shine through with those pairings.

Storing Like a Pro: Keeping It Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days . I swear, this Wild Rice Pilaf tastes even better the next day, especially as a Thanksgiving side dish .

Freezing isn't ideal because the rice can get a bit mushy. But if you must, freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 1 month .

Reheat gently in a saucepan with a splash of broth to keep it moist or even in the microwave.

Remixing the Magic: Variations to Explore

Wanna mix things up? For a sweeter twist, drizzle a tablespoon of maple syrup over the pilaf after cooking. Ooh la la! For a vegan version, make sure your broth is plant based.

And lose the butter. Easy peasy! Or you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, I mean a little kick of heat! If you don't have butternut squash, sweet potatoes work a treat.

No cranberries? Try dried cherries or raisins. For those with nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are perfect alternatives.

It's very adaptable!

Nutrition 101: Goodness in Every Bite

Each serving of this Wild Rice Pilaf packs about 250 calories. You get around 7g of protein, 9g of fat, and 35g of carbohydrates.

Wild rice is naturally gluten-free and a great source of fiber. This Holiday side dish is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

The butternut squash adds Vitamin A. In the end, the nutritional values can vary greatly according to the size of portions and ingredients.

So there you have it! A dish that's delicious, adaptable, and pretty darn good for you. This Autumn Side Dishes is perfect.

Get in the kitchen and make some magic! This Easy Rice Pilaf will be your new go-to recipe. You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need to rinse the wild rice before making this Easy Wild Rice Pilaf?

Yes, rinsing is key! Like a good cuppa needs a clean kettle, rinsing the wild rice removes excess starch. This helps prevent the Easy Wild Rice Pilaf from becoming a gloopy mess and ensures each grain is nicely separated and fluffy. Think of it as giving your rice a spa day before the big cook!

Can I make this pilaf ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, like a good stew, this Easy Wild Rice Pilaf often tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out.

A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle warm-up on the hob will do the trick.

I don't have butternut squash; what else can I use?

No worries, mate! If you're fresh out of butternut squash, sweet potatoes make a fantastic substitute. Their sweetness and texture are very similar, ensuring your Easy Wild Rice Pilaf still has that lovely autumn feel.

You could even use diced pumpkin if you are feeling especially festive, or carrots for a more understated sweetness.

Is there a way to make this Easy Wild Rice Pilaf vegan?

Certainly! Making this dish vegan is as easy as pie. Just make sure you're using vegetable broth (double check the label!). You can also omit the butter at the end, or substitute it with a tablespoon of olive oil. It'll be just as delicious, and perfectly plant based!

How can I add more flavor to my Easy Wild Rice Pilaf?

Fancy jazzing things up a bit? Toasting the nuts (pecans or walnuts) before adding them really brings out their flavour and adds a lovely crunch. You could also add a bay leaf to the pilaf while it simmers, removing it before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can brighten up the dish, too!