What To Serve With Wild Rice? 10 Best Side Dishes

Not sure what to serve with wild rice?

Look no further!

I’ve got you covered with ten tantalizing side dish recipes.

Wild rice is a unique and versatile grain that can easily be turned into a complete meal when combined with these delicious side dishes.

Whether you want to make a vegetarian feast, some simple salads to accompany the wild rice, or something more substantial, I’ve got plenty of options for you!

From roasted brussels sprouts to cornbread, this list has everything from comfort food classics to easier-than-ever kugel dishes.

All of these sides pair perfectly with wild rice for an unforgettable dinner experience.

Why Consider Serving Sides With Wild Rice?

• Variety: Serving sides with wild rice can add variety to your meal, allowing you to explore different flavors and textures.
• Balance: Wild rice is a hearty grain that can be quite filling on its own, so adding sides helps balance out the meal by providing lighter options such as vegetables or salads.
• Nutrients: Adding sides to your wild rice dish will increase the nutrient content of the meal, helping you get all of the vitamins and minerals you need for optimal health.
• Flavor: Sides are a great way to enhance the flavor of your wild rice dish by adding complementary ingredients like herbs and spices or contrasting flavors like acidic dressings or sweet sauces.
• Presentation: Serving sides with your wild rice makes it look more appealing and inviting, making it easier to enjoy!

What To Serve With Wild Rice? 10 Best Side Dishes

Wild rice can be a delicious addition to your dinner table.

But what should you serve with it?

Here are 10 delicious side dishes that will pair perfectly with wild rice:

1 – Mashed Potatoes

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Mashed potatoes, mashed potatoes – the classic sidekick to wild rice.

With its creamy texture and subtle flavor, it provides just the right balance for this grain.

It’s like a hug for your taste buds.

And who doesn’t love that?

When you pair these two dishes together, you get a harmony of flavors that is sure to make any meal memorable.

Trust me – with these two on your plate, you won’t be able to resist second helpings!

2 – Spicy Chinese Sichuan Green Beans

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Nothing complements wild rice like a helping of spicy Sichuan green beans.

These flavorful little bundles pack a punch, so get ready for your taste buds to take an adventure!

The fiery spices meld with the earthiness of the wild rice and create an interesting dialogue.

Believe me, this dish is more than just another side; it’s unforgettable!

Simmering these green beans in garlic, chili peppers and soy sauce creates that quintessential Sichuan flavor specialties like mapo tofu or kung pao chicken are known for.

Plus, they’re quick to make and can easily be adapted depending on the spiciness level desired.

So fire up those stoves and let’s party – Asian-style!

3 – Creamy Mac And Cheese

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Creamy Mac and Cheese.

Just thinking about it is enough to make me salivate!

This classic side dish is the OG comfort food.

It’s an absolute must-have with wild rice, adding a smooth, creamy contrast that compliments this nutty yet earthy grain perfectly.

Make sure to take your time when making your mac and cheese.

Slowly stir in select cheeses until you’ve reached pure cheesy harmony, then discard any sense of healthy eating and bask in all the melted goodness before you even think about putting it all together.

Trust me -you will be glad that you did!

4 – ONE PAN MEXICAN QUINOA

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If you thought wild rice was the only show in town, think again!

It’s been upstaged by its delicious sibling: one pan Mexican quinoa.

This zesty side dish is like a mini fiesta for your taste buds.

This delectable mix of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and quinoa packs a big flavor punch with its spices and tangy lime juice.

And since it cooks in just one pan, clean-up is a breeze!

One pan Mexican quinoa compliments wild rice perfectly – they are like an unstoppable team working together to create culinary magic on your plate.

So don’t forget to give it a go next time you’re making wild rice!

5 – Green Bean Casserole

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Sitting down to enjoy a good meal isn’t just about the main dish; a delicious side can make all the difference.

Enter: green bean casserole.

Don’t be fooled by its simple ingredients and easy prep – this unassuming dish delivers big on flavor.

From its creamy texture to its crunchy, caramelized top – green bean casserole is like music for your taste buds.

Plus, you don’t need to break out any fancy kitchen tools either, just one pan and you’re good to go!

So next time you’re looking for a tasty addition to dinner that both kids and adults will love, look no further than green bean casserole!

6 – Cheesy Broccoli Casserole

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Cheesy Broccoli Casserole is wild rice’s soulmate.

Not only do the two complement each other seamlessly, but also the cheesy goodness that comes from this casserole adds an element of indulgence to any meal.

The saltiness of the cheese and broccoli plays off nicely with the robust nuttiness of wild rice, creating a scene-stealing side dish that is sure to leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

Plus, it’s super easy to whip together — just layer those ingredients in a baking dish, bake until melty and delicious, and voilà: dinner is served!

7 – Corn Chowder

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When it comes to enjoyable side dishes, you can’t beat a hearty bowl of corn chowder.

Its velvety texture and rich flavor are sure to please any palate.

Plus, this creamy goodness is an excellent source of protein and fiber – not bad for something so delicious!

What I love about corn chowder is how versatile it can be.

Craving something comforting?

Add some cheese or thick cream. Need a little heat? Spicy peppers fit the bill perfectly.

You get the idea – it’s easy to customize your own tasty concoction!

8 – Stuffed Bell Peppers

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Stuffed bell peppers – they’re the perfect complement to wild rice.

They add a color and flavor pop, while adding an array of textures to every bite.

Roasting them just right brings out their natural sweetness and you can tailor your stuffing to your heart’s content with all kinds of delicious ingredients.

You know that feeling you get when someone adds the cherry on top of your ice cream?

That’s what stuffed bell peppers are like for a wild rice dish – they make it feel complete.

Forget boring side dishes, because these vibrant veggies will always hit the spot!

9 – Roasted Carrots and Parsnips

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When it comes to side dishes, roasted carrots and parsnips is a fan favorite.

Part of the charm lies in their earthy sweetness – the kind that’s evocative of cozy cottages and warm fireplaces.

Plus, these root veggies can be just as eye-catching as they are delicious if you opt for colorful heirloom varieties.

And when it comes to flavors?

From olive oil and garlic to lemon and herbs, there’s really no wrong way to roast these spuds.

Whether you decide to go with something classic or daring, rest assured you’re sure to dazzle your loved ones with this tasty side!

10 – Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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Roasted Brussels sprouts – the perfect sidekick for your wild rice.

Who says veggies can’t be delicious?

With their mildly nutty flavor, these little orbs of goodness will make any meal memorable.

Plus, roasting creates a crispy outside and soft inside that’s downright irresistible.

And with minimal ingredients (just olive oil, sea salt/pepper, and some seasoning), it can transform from dull to dazzling in no time.

Add in some herbs or nuts to take this dish up a notch.

Now that’s what I call wow-worthy!

Conclusion

In conclusion, wild rice is a delicious and nutritious side dish that can be served with a variety of sides.

From mashed potatoes to roasted brussels sprouts, there are plenty of options to choose from.

The best sides to serve with wild rice are mashed potatoes, spicy green beans, creamy mac and cheese, Mexican quinoa, green bean casserole, cheesy broccoli casserole, soup or chowder, stuffed peppers, roasted carrots and parsnips, and roasted brussels sprouts.

These sides are easy to prepare and full of flavor, and they will pair perfectly with your wild rice dish.

So the next time you’re in a pinch, you know what to serve with wild rice.