Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf

Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf, a perfect balance of nutty, chewy wild rice and sweet, tangy dried cranberries. Simmered in low-sodium broth for maximum flavor, this hearty pilaf is enhanced with sautéed onions, fragrant garlic, and fresh thyme, creating layers of earthy aroma in every bite. Crunchy, toasted almonds add a satisfying texture, while fresh parsley brightens the dish with a pop of freshness. This recipe is a versatile choice for both weeknight dinners and festive gatherings, offering an elegant and wholesome side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, turkey, or vegetarian mains. Ready in under an hour and packed with nutrients, it’s a crowd-pleasing addition to your seasonal table.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Wild rice blend
• 2.5 cups Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 0.5 cup Dried cranberries
• 0.25 cup Sliced almonds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the wild rice blend under cold water using a fine-mesh sieve to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the wild rice blend, chicken or vegetable broth, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and simmer the rice for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender, and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4

While the rice cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring often to prevent burning.

Step 7

Stir in the dried cranberries, sliced almonds, fresh parsley, thyme leaves, and black pepper into the onion mixture.

Step 8

Once the rice is fully cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to the skillet with the onion mixture.

Step 9

Gently fold the rice into the sautéed mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat, garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1068.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1403.3

Total Fat 46.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1579.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 213.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 22.2g	0%
Total Sugars 59.1g
Protein 37.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 210.9mg	0%
Iron 6.2mg	0%
Potassium 1451.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 29.4%

Protein: 10.5%

Carbs: 60.1%