If you’re looking for a holiday-worthy side that looks as beautiful as it tastes, Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf is about to become your go-to dish. Each forkful pops with the sweet tang of cranberries, crisp apples, nutty wild rice, and subtle herbs—all working together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re entertaining, craving a cozy weeknight dinner, or simply want to add a splash of color to the table, this pilaf is the answer you never knew you needed.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf so irresistible is its surprisingly simple ingredient list—each item brings a unique character, flavor, or dramatic hue to the bowl. Let’s take a closer look at why every component truly matters in this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe.
- Wild rice blend: A mix of wild and brown rices gives both a toothsome bite and earthy flavor, making this pilaf hearty and unique.
- Low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth: Cooking the rice in broth infuses it with savory depth and ensures every grain is flavorful.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps gently sauté the veggies for perfect texture.
- Onion (finely chopped): Provides savory sweetness that’s the perfect backdrop for the fruity notes.
- Celery (diced): Offers a hint of crunch and a fresh green note that balances the ensemble.
- Apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji): Brings juicy, natural sweetness and a bright autumn flavor—choose a crisp variety for the best texture.
- Dried cranberries: Their tangy-sweet pop gives lovely bursts of flavor and jewel-toned beauty.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Adds buttery crunch and a nutty finish—totally optional but highly recommended!
- Dried thyme: A little goes a long way, imbuing the pilaf with subtle warmth and woodsy aroma.
- Ground black pepper: Punches up the flavors without overpowering the delicate balance.
- Salt: Just enough to heighten and tie all the flavors together.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish): A sprinkle of green for freshness and a pop of color at the end.
How to Make Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf
Step 1: Cook the Wild Rice Blend
Start by giving your wild rice blend a quick rinse under cold water. This simple step helps remove any extra starch and ensures fluffy rice. Bring your broth to a boil in a medium saucepan, then stir in the rice. Once it’s bubbling, lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for 45 to 50 minutes. When the rice is perfectly tender and has soaked up all that savory broth, fluff it gently with a fork—your base is ready!
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
While the rice is simmering away, heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and celery and sauté them for about five minutes. You’re not just softening the veggies here; you’re building a foundation of flavor that will carry through the entire Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf.
Step 3: Add Apples, Cranberries, and Thyme
Now for the fun part: stir in the diced apple, dried cranberries, and dried thyme. Let them cook together for three to four minutes, just until those apples are slightly tender and the kitchen smells like autumn. The apples and cranberries will soften and plump, making every bite delightfully sweet-tart.
Step 4: Combine Rice with the Fruity Mixture
Time to bring everything together. Gently fold the fluffed wild rice into the skillet with your aromatic, fruit-filled mixture. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and nuts (if you’re using them), then give everything a careful stir. Let it heat through for a minute so all the flavors have a chance to mingle and shine.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Right before serving, add a shower of chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of green. The Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf is ready to steal the spotlight on any table—gorgeous, aromatic, and packed with cozy happiness.
How to Serve Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh chopped parsley is perfect for color and brightness. If you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of extra toasted nuts, or even a few whole cranberries, elevates the presentation and taste. A little drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter on top can add a luscious sheen and subtle richness.
Side Dishes
Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf is wonderfully versatile: serve it next to roast chicken, turkey, pork chops, or even as a satisfying vegetarian main with a green salad. It’s right at home on a holiday spread with stuffing, roasted brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or earthy mushrooms.
Creative Ways to Present
Try mounding your Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf into a hollowed pumpkin, squash half, or a vibrant serving bowl for a show-stopping centerpiece. Individual ramekins or muffin cups make charming personal servings for dinner parties or potlucks. For picnics or meal prep, scoop portions into mason jars—they look stunning on the go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf, simply let it cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days, and the flavors deepen as they mingle.
Freezing
This pilaf is surprisingly freezer-friendly! Place fully cooled portions in zip-top bags or containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of broth or water over the rice, cover, and pop it in the microwave or warm gently in a skillet. This quick steam revives the pilaf’s moisture and makes it taste freshly made—just fluff it up and it’s ready to serve.
FAQs
Can I make Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf vegan?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable broth and skip the butter or use plant-based butter if you want that extra richness. All other ingredients are naturally vegan.
What type Side Dish
Crisp apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji hold their shape and add a sweet, vibrant bite, but feel free to use Gala or Pink Lady if you prefer. Avoid softer apples, as they can get mushy during cooking.
Can I substitute the wild rice blend?
Yes, you can use just wild rice or a mix of brown rice, but the wild rice blend provides the best combination of texture and flavor for Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf. White rice will be too soft and may get lost in the mix.
How can I make it nut-free?
Simply omit the pecans or walnuts—the dish will still be delicious and satisfying, with plenty of flavor from the fruit, herbs, and rice itself.
Is Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf good for meal prep?
It’s a fantastic meal prep option since it keeps well and can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or cold. Portion it out for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight sides.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a dish that’s equal parts nourishing and festive, and Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf never fails to bring cheer to any meal. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or savoring the leftovers solo, I hope it finds a special place in your kitchen rotation—give it a try and let your tastebuds celebrate!
Print
Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and festive Cranberry Apple Wild Rice Pilaf that is perfect for the holidays or any time you want a hearty vegetarian side dish. This dish combines the nuttiness of wild rice with the sweetness of apples and cranberries, all cooked to perfection with savory herbs and nuts.
Ingredients
Wild Rice Blend:
- 1 cup
Vegetable or Chicken Broth:
- 2 1/4 cups low-sodium
Olive Oil:
- 1 tablespoon
Onion, finely chopped:
- 1 small
Celery, diced:
- 1 stalk
Apple, cored and diced:
- 1
Dried Cranberries:
- 1/2 cup
Pecans or Walnuts, chopped (optional):
- 1/3 cup
Dried Thyme:
- 1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper, ground:
- 1/4 teaspoon
Salt:
- 1/4 teaspoon
Fresh Parsley, chopped (optional for garnish):
- 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Rinse the wild rice blend: Under cold water and drain.
- Boil vegetable broth: In a medium saucepan, add rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45–50 minutes.
- Sauté onion and celery: In olive oil until softened.
- Add apple, cranberries, and thyme: Cook until apples are tender.
- Combine rice and apple mixture: Season with salt, pepper, and nuts if using. Heat through and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- For extra richness, try using butter instead of olive oil.
- Great as a holiday side or hearty vegetarian main.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
