Chaska Chanhassen Shady Oak Lake Inspired Wild Rice Pilaf

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Nutty wild rice pilaf with toasted almonds, cranberries, and fresh herbs, inspired by the natural beauty along the Minnesota River Bluffs Trail. This american-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs wild rice blend, vegetable broth, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 American cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups wild rice blend under cold water and drain.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion and 1/4 cup finely diced celery stalk; sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add the rinsed wild rice to the saucepan and toast for 2 minutes, stirring frequently until grains are fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 3 1/4 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-50 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and fluff rice with a fork. Stir in 1/3 cup toasted sliced almonds, 1/3 cup dried cranberries, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chaska Chanhassen Shady Oak Lake Inspired Wild Rice Pilaf take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (10 min prep + 50 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chaska Chanhassen Shady Oak Lake Inspired Wild Rice Pilaf?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep wild rice blend from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chaska Chanhassen Shady Oak Lake Inspired Wild Rice Pilaf?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chaska Chanhassen Shady Oak Lake Inspired Wild Rice Pilaf for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Chaska Chanhassen Shady Oak Lake Inspired Wild Rice Pilaf vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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