White and Wild Rice Pilaf with Tomatoes and Basil

Elevate your side dish game with this White and Wild Rice Pilaf with Tomatoes and Basil—a vibrant, flavor-packed recipe that combines the nutty depth of wild rice with the fluffy texture of white rice. Simmered together with a hint of optional vegetable broth, this dish is infused with the savory aromatics of sautéed garlic and bursts of sweetness from tender, juicy cherry tomatoes. Fresh basil lends its fragrant, herbaceous notes right before serving, making this pilaf a refreshing yet hearty choice. Perfect as a standalone meal or a complement to mains, this gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly recipe is a true celebration of wholesome ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect dish for weeknight dinners or special gatherings alike!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice
• 1 cup white rice
• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable broth (optional, for added flavor)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the wild rice and white rice under cold running water to remove excess starch. Set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 3 cups of water and 1 cup of vegetable broth (if using) to a boil. Add the wild rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes.

Step 3

After 25 minutes, add the white rice to the saucepan with the wild rice. If needed, add an additional 1/2 cup of water. Cover and continue cooking for another 20 minutes or until both types of rice are tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 4

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

Step 5

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 6

Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.

Step 7

Season the tomato mixture with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Once the rice is fully cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to the skillet with the tomatoes. Gently stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes over low heat.

Step 9

Stir in the fresh chopped basil just before serving for a burst of freshness.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own for a light and tasty meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1904.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1118.3

Total Fat 31.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2966.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 186.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.4g	0%
Total Sugars 6.9g
Protein 33.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 244.8mg	0%
Iron 8.8mg	0%
Potassium 1449.8mg	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: 24.2%

Protein: 11.4%

Carbs: 64.4%