Wild rice not only tastes great but is a nutrient dense grain. That means you get more bang for your buck, so to speak. With that being said, I often find that people draw a blank when thinking about how to utilize it. While there are many great options, I've pulled together a list of 11 recipes, from various categories, to help you make a great meal! Want to keep it simple? You can just cook your wild rice as a simple side dish for salmon or roasted chicken.

Fun fact: Wild rice isn't actually rice at all! While the two are relatively closely related, they are actually from two different genera ( Zizania and Oryza, respectively).

Soups

Mostly likely, the first thing that comes to mind when most people hear wild rice is a classic creamy chicken soup. I had to include that Minnesota recipe of course. However, that's not the only kind of soup that can benefit from a hearty grain.

Minnesota creamy chicken and wild rice soup

Warm, comforting, and full of whole grains and protein. This soup is a midwestern hug in a bowl.

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Slow Cooker Thai Chicken and Rice Soup

Slow cooker Thai chicken and wild rice soup with mushrooms and kale. Easy and wholesome recipe for busy people.

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Mushroom Soup with Sausage & Wild Rice

This wholesome soup has chicken sausage and wild rice. It is comforting and creamy, even without cream!

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Stuffing

Because wild rice is a substantial grain that maintains its shape well, it works great for as an ingredient in stuffing. But don't limit yourself, turkeys aren't the only food that we can stuff.

Wild Rice Stuffing Recipe

Learn how to make the best wild rice stuffing recipe for turkey or chicken. Flavored with apples and cranberries, this wild rice dressing recipe is gluten free and vegan.

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Stuffed Butternut Squash - Spend With Pennies

Stuffed butternut squash is filled with wild rice, fresh apples, cranberries, & walnuts, & seasoned with savory spices!

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Wild Rice Stuffed Chicken Breast

This wild rice stuffed chicken is an elegant dish: A baked chicken breast stuffed with wild rice and sausage, topped with a Chive Cream Sauce!

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Entrees

Pull together a heart healthy, protein packed meal by using wild rice as a base!

Thai Style Wild Rice

Chicken, wild rice, and vegetables coated in a thai style peanut sauce.

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Wild Rice Fall Salad - Plant-Based on a Budget

This Wild Rice Fall Salad has it all! It’s the perfect delicious and light dish to combine with your heavier recipes!

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Butternut Squash, Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole (So Flavorful!) - Spend With Pennies

This Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is so flavorful and colorful! It’s loaded with chicken, rice, squash, cranberries, & parmesan cheese!

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Sides

If you want to shuffle wild rice off center stage, don't worry, it won't be offended. In fact, it'll show you its versatility and wiggle its way into your heart.

Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf with Sweet Potatoes

Simmered in savory herb broth and sweet apple juice, this delicious Wild Rice Pilaf is light, fluffy, and extra delicious when mixed and mingled with sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, tart apples, and crunchy pecans.

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Bread Machine Recipe: Wild Rice and Cranberry Loaf

Wild Rice and Cranberry bread machine recipe: This attractive loaf is sure to bring compliments. Its nutty taste is a real plus.

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I'm not saying you have to go out and get some wild rice but I am saying you absolutely should. While it is a pricier grain, it will make it easier for you to make a balanced meal. Besides, don't you need more variety in your life? No? Well, that's ok too. You can always make some fried rice or risotto.