Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

If you’re looking for a stuffing that’s bursting with flavor and surprises, then you’ve found it! This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is a beloved dish in my kitchen. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients like fresh herbs, crisp apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. What makes this recipe even more special is that it’s vegetarian, vegan, AND gluten-free! It’s perfect for busy weeknights or festive family gatherings where everyone can enjoy a hearty, delicious dish—without any of the fuss.

With its delightful mix of textures and flavors, this stuffing can easily take center stage on your table. Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving or just want a comforting side for dinner, this recipe will surely become a favorite among your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This stuffing comes together quickly with minimal fuss. Just follow a few simple steps and you’ll have a hearty dish ready to serve!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: With its wonderful blend of sweet and savory ingredients, even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to resist.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it ahead of time and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. Ideal for those busy days!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of herbs, fruits, and nuts creates a symphony of tastes that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather up some simple, wholesome ingredients to create our Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing. These components come together beautifully to deliver an unforgettable taste experience.

For the Stuffing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing the baking dish and drizzling on top)
• 1 large yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 2 stalks celery (chopped [about 1/2 cup])
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
• 2 medium cloves garlic (peeled and finely minced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (minced)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 cup dry-ish white grape juice
• 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 cups uncooked wild rice blend (I prefer a blend of 50% wild rice and 50% brown rice)
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa (rinsed well)
• 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
• 1 cup raw pecans (chopped)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley (plus 1/4 cup more for topping after baking)
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves (minced)

Variations

This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some sautéed mushrooms or diced carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
• Try Different Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer something different.
• Incorporate Different Fruits: Substitute dried cranberries with raisins or chopped dried apricots for a unique twist.
• Use Other Herbs: Experiment with different herbs such as rosemary or dill to give it your own signature touch.

How to Make Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Place a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the finely chopped onions and celery. Cook them until soft—this should take about 5 minutes. This step is important because sautéing these vegetables helps develop their natural sweetness. Next, stir in the diced apples, minced garlic, thyme leaves, and kosher salt. Continue cooking for another minute while stirring frequently until everything is fragrant.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Rice

Stir in the white grape juice first; then add the vegetable broth. Bring everything to a boil before stirring in your wild rice blend. Once combined, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Allow it to simmer until the rice is tender—approximately 35 minutes! At this point, add in your rinsed quinoa; cover again and cook until it’s fluffy—another 15 minutes should do it!

Step 3: Mix in Fruits and Nuts

Once both grains are cooked through, remove from heat. Stir in the dried cranberries, chopped pecans, half a cup of parsley, and minced sage. Don’t forget to taste your mixture at this stage! Adjust seasoning by adding more salt if needed.

Step 4: Bake It Up

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while you prepare your casserole dish by rubbing it lightly with olive oil. Scoop your stuffing mixture into the dish but remember not to mash it down; gently mound it instead! Bake for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown on top.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once baked perfectly, drizzle with just a bit more olive oil and sprinkle with remaining parsley before serving warm.

Enjoy every delicious bite of this comforting Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing!

Pro Tips for Making Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Creating the perfect stuffing can be a delightful experience, and with a few helpful tips, you can elevate your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing to new heights!

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs, high-quality vegetable broth, and ripe apples can make a world of difference in flavor. Opt for organic if you can; it enhances both taste and nutrition.
• Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allow the rice blend and quinoa to cook thoroughly. Under-cooked grains can affect the texture of your stuffing, making it less enjoyable. Patience is key here!
• Customize the Flavor: Feel free to experiment with different nuts or dried fruits based on your preference. Walnuts or almonds could add a crunchy twist, while raisins or chopped dates might bring a touch of sweetness.
• Make Ahead: This stuffing can be prepared a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator after cooking and bake it just before serving. This makes meal prep more manageable and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a moister stuffing, add a bit more vegetable broth before baking. This will ensure every bite is flavorful and succulent.

How to Serve Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Presenting your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing beautifully will impress your guests and make your meal feel special! Here are some ideas for serving this delicious dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or sage on top not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s fresh flavor.
• Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of homemade cranberry sauce on the side complements the stuffing’s sweetness and adds a lovely tartness.
• Toasted Pecans: A few toasted pecans scattered over the top bring extra crunch and depth of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes provide great texture and color contrast while being healthy and satisfying.
• Green Salad: A light mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the hearty stuffing. The acidity cuts through richness beautifully.
• Mashed Cauliflower: For a low-carb alternative that still feels indulgent, creamy mashed cauliflower seasoned with garlic pairs perfectly with this stuffing.
• Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed in olive oil with a sprinkle of sea salt offer brightness that complements the stuffing nicely.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have everything you need to create an unforgettable meal centered around this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing! Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with family and friends—it’s sure to become a favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is fantastic for meal prep! You can prepare it in advance, store it properly, and enjoy its delicious flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the stuffing to cool completely before storing.
• Place the leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Portion out the stuffing into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
• Reheat in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to keep it moist.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing ahead of time?

Absolutely! This stuffing is perfect for making ahead. Just follow the storage instructions provided, and you can enjoy it later without losing any flavor.

What can I substitute for pecans in Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing?

If you prefer not to use pecans, walnuts or sunflower seeds work wonderfully as alternatives. They will still give your stuffing that delightful crunch!

How do I add more protein to Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing?

You can increase protein by adding cooked lentils or beans like chickpeas. This will enhance both the nutrition and texture of your dish!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing as much as I do! It’s not just a side dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that everyone will love—vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, this stuffing brings warmth and joy to any table. Happy cooking!