Side Dishes > Holiday Side Dishes > Christmas Sides > Roasted Root Vegetables (Holiday)

Cranberry and Walnut Wild Rice Pilaf

A festive and flavorful wild rice pilaf featuring cranberries, toasted walnuts, and aromatic herbs. This side dish adds a touch of elegance and holiday cheer to your Christmas table.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
50 minutes
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Wild Rice
  • 3 cups Vegetable Broth
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries
  • 1/2 cup Walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup Onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Thyme, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

Cook the Wild Rice

Rinse the wild rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine the wild rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Toast the Walnuts

While the rice is cooking, toast the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly browned. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Sauté Vegetables

In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced celery and onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.

Combine and Simmer

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the dried cranberries, toasted walnuts, fresh parsley, fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Flavor Infusion

Cover the skillet and simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.

Serve

Remove from heat and transfer the Cranberry and Walnut Wild Rice Pilaf to a serving dish. Serve warm as a delicious and festive side dish.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: Approximately 150kcal Carbohydrates: 25g Protein: 4g Fat: 5g (primarily from olive oil and walnuts) Fiber: 3g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for vegetarian and vegan diets. Use low-sodium vegetable broth to control salt content.

← Classic Sweet Potato Casserole Festive Creamed Spinach with Bacon and Gruyere →

FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of nut?

    Yes, pecans or almonds would also work well in this recipe. Toast them as directed for the walnuts.
  • Can I add other dried fruits?

    Absolutely! Dried cherries or apricots would be a delicious addition to this pilaf.
  • Can I make this ahead of time?

    Yes, you can prepare this pilaf up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.