Let's be wild rice is like the cool kid at the grains party. It's nutty, chewy, and packed with flavor (the seed of aquatic grasses in the genus Zizania, native to North America).
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 filling 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 palate 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 Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor | Difficulty | Time |
| Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon | Brussels sprouts, bacon, olive oil, salt, pepper | Savory, salty, crispy | Easy | 30 min |
| Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots | Carrots, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, pepper | Savory, garlicky, cheesy | Easy | 35 min |
| Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions | Mushrooms, onions, butter, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper | Savory, earthy, aromatic | Easy | 20 min |
| Cranberry Pecan Salad | Mixed greens, cranberries, pecans, feta, balsamic vinaigrette | Sweet, tangy, crunchy | Easy | 15 min |
| Baked Sweet Potato Fries | Sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper | Sweet, savory | Easy | 30 min |
| Roasted Asparagus with Lemon | Asparagus, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper | Bright, lemony, savory | Easy | 20 min |
| Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Fries | Zucchini, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, salt, pepper | Crispy, cheesy, savory | Moderate | 40 min |
| Maple Glazed Butternut Squash | Butternut squash, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, pepper | Sweet, savory | Easy | 45 min |
| Kale and Apple Salad with Cider Vinaigrette | Kale, apples, pecans, feta, apple cider vinaigrette | Sweet, tangy, crunchy | Easy | 20 min |
| Parmesan Herb Roasted Potatoes | Potatoes, olive oil, Parmesan, herbs, salt, pepper | Crispy, cheesy, herby | Easy | 45 min |
| Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic | Green beans, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper | Savory, garlicky | Easy | 15 min |
| Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad | Beets, mixed greens, goat cheese, walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette | Sweet, tangy, creamy | Moderate | 45 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 and pair well with roasted vegetable side ideas for meals.
The sprouts soak up all the bacon grease, adding a smoky, savory boost.
Yum!
2 - Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots
Who knew carrots (the root vegetable Daucus carota) 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 and work well with garlic butter shrimp side pairings for dinner.
3 - Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions
Mushrooms and onions, friends from forever. Sauté them together, and they sing.
Earthy mushrooms (umami-rich) meet sweet, caramelized onions. This duo's flavor is a cozy hug.
Perfect for improving wild rice and complementing liver and onions side pairings for hearty meals.
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 (Carya illinoinensis) add a rich crunch.
We love how it pairs with wild rice and complements taco salad side options for bright contrasts.
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 important. We prefer salt, pepper, and a hint of paprika (about ½ teaspoon per pound).
It's a great contrast to wild rice and pairs nicely with baked bean side pairings for comfort meals.
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 (Asparagus officinalis), 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 (Parmigiano-Reggiano) 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, slightly smoky 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 (a Brassica oleracea green) 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 bright 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 like rosemary and thyme 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 (use 1-2 cloves per 8 oz green beans), 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 (Beta vulgaris).
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 improve wild rice.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.
