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What to Serve with Wild Rice? 12 BEST Side Dishes

Let’s be honest, wild rice is like the cool kid at the grains party. It’s nutty, chewy, and packed with flavor. But what do we pair with it to take that meal to the next level? We’ve got some tasty options up our sleeves that will make that simple bowl of wild rice the star of your dinner table.

Remember those Thanksgiving dinners? Wild rice stuffing was always my favorite part. It’s hearty and makes everything better. Pair it with some roasted veggies and you’ve got yourself a winner.

So, let’s talk about what else goes perfectly with wild rice. We promise you, these ideas will make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Top 12 Side Dishes for Wild Rice

Here are our top picks for side dishes to serve with wild rice:

Side DishMain IngredientsFlavorDifficultyTime
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with BaconBrussels sprouts, bacon, olive oil, salt, pepperSavory, salty, crispyEasy30 min
Garlic Parmesan Roasted CarrotsCarrots, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, pepperSavory, garlicky, cheesyEasy35 min
Sautéed Mushrooms and OnionsMushrooms, onions, butter, garlic, thyme, salt, pepperSavory, earthy, aromaticEasy20 min
Cranberry Pecan SaladMixed greens, cranberries, pecans, feta, balsamic vinaigretteSweet, tangy, crunchyEasy15 min
Baked Sweet Potato FriesSweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepperSweet, savoryEasy30 min
Roasted Asparagus with LemonAsparagus, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepperBright, lemony, savoryEasy20 min
Parmesan Crusted Zucchini FriesZucchini, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, pepperCrispy, cheesy, savoryModerate40 min
Maple Glazed Butternut SquashButternut squash, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, pepperSweet, savoryEasy45 min
Kale and Apple Salad with Cider VinaigretteKale, apples, pecans, feta, apple cider vinaigretteSweet, tangy, crunchyEasy20 min
Parmesan Herb Roasted PotatoesPotatoes, olive oil, Parmesan, herbs, salt, pepperCrispy, cheesy, herbyEasy45 min
Sautéed Green Beans with GarlicGreen beans, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepperSavory, garlickyEasy15 min
Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese SaladBeets, mixed greens, goat cheese, walnuts, balsamic vinaigretteSweet, tangy, creamyModerate45 min

1 – Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon are a flavor bomb that hits all the right notes. We get sweet caramelization on the sprouts and salty, smoky crunch from the bacon.

These are perfect for those who love a balance of textures and flavors. We’ve cooked them and trust us, it’s easy and worth it. The sprouts soak up all the bacon grease. Yum!

2 – Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Who knew carrots could taste this amazing? Garlic and Parmesan make them golden, crisp, and super flavorful. The garlic adds a bit of kick and the Parmesan brings a savory touch.

We love how the sweetness of the carrots shines through. It’s like having healthy fries, but better. These make wild rice less lonely on your plate!

3 – Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions

Mushrooms and onions, friends from forever. Sauté them together, and they sing. Earthy mushrooms meet sweet, caramelized onions. This duo’s flavor is a cozy hug.

We love how the onions get soft and golden, while the mushrooms stay juicy. Perfect for adding depth to wild rice. Plus, it’s so quick and simple.

4 – Cranberry Pecan Salad

Cranberry pecan salad is a zesty, nutty delight. The sweet and tart cranberries pop. Pecans add a rich crunch.

Doesn’t it remind you of fall? We love how it pairs with wild rice. The contrast in textures and flavors is a win.

It’s a salad that makes every bite exciting. Perfect for those who appreciate a bit of everything.

5 – Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Baked sweet potato fries are a favorite of ours. These are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. We love their natural sweetness.

The seasoning mix is crucial. We prefer salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika. It’s a great contrast to wild rice. Sweet spuds, meet hearty grains. Perfect sidekick. Absolutely delicious.

6 – Roasted Asparagus with Lemon

Roasted asparagus with lemon is fresh and zesty. Crisp greens meet bright citrus. The lemon enhances the asparagus, adding a bit of tang. It’s a refreshing foil to the earthiness of wild rice.

We love the simplicity of this dish. Just roast, squeeze lemon, and enjoy. It’s light, flavorful, and compliments the hearty grains perfectly.

7 – Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries

Who said fries had to be potatoes? Parmesan crusted zucchini fries offer a crunchy twist. We get that golden, crisp outside with tender zucchini inside.

The Parmesan gives a nutty, savory flavor. We think it’s like veggie fries, but better. Every bite is satisfying. Plus, they pair amazingly with wild rice. Simple, tasty, and worth trying.

8 – Maple Glazed Butternut Squash

We’re huge fans of maple glazed butternut squash. Sweet meets earthy in this simple side. Maple syrup caramelizes the squash, giving it a wonderful coat.

We love how the natural sweetness of squash blends with maple. The texture is tender with a slight crisp. This side dish brings a cozy vibe to wild rice.

9 – Kale and Apple Salad with Cider Vinaigrette

Kale and apple salad with cider vinaigrette is crisp and tangy. The cider vinaigrette gives a zesty punch while kale brings the crunch.

Sweet apple slices balance the bitterness of the kale perfectly. We love how refreshing and light this salad is.

This side adds a vibrant flavor contrast to hearty wild rice. Yummy!

10 – Parmesan Herb Roasted Potatoes

Alright, these Parmesan herb roasted potatoes are a savory delight. Crisp on the outside, tender inside, they are perfection. Parmesan gives a nutty twist, while herbs add fresh notes. We love their cheesy crust: delicious!

They’re a comfort food favorite. Every bite is flavor-packed. Must try if you adore crispy, cheesy potatoes. So simple, so good!

11 – Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic

Garlicky green beans are a must-try. Flavorful, crisp, and fresh. The garlic adds an aromatic punch, making them the perfect sidekick to wild rice.

We sauté them till just tender. They bring a nice, crunchy texture to our plate. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

12 – Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad

Roasted beet and goat cheese salad is where earthy meets creamy. The roasted beets are sweet and tender. They make a perfect pair with the tangy goat cheese.

We love the combination of textures. The soft cheese and the slice of beet make every bite interesting. Perfect side dish to elevate wild rice.

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