If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty stuffing that’s packed with flavor, then you’ve come to the right place! This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is not only delightful but also a fantastic option for those who may want to skip the turkey during the holidays or any gathering. It’s a comforting blend of wholesome ingredients like fresh herbs, crunchy apples, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Trust me, once you serve this at your next family meal or cozy dinner party, everyone will be asking for seconds!

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive occasion, this stuffing fits right in. Plus, it’s vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free—making it perfect for nearly any guest at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Festive: The combination of herbs, fruits, and nuts creates a delicious medley that’s sure to impress.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time and simply reheat when you’re ready to serve!
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the sweet bites of apples and cranberries mixed in with the savory rice.
Nutritious and Filling: With protein-rich quinoa and fiber from the vegetables and nuts, this stuffing is both satisfying and healthy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients for this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing. These come together beautifully to create a flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.

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 stuffing recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily make it your own by swapping out ingredients or adding in your favorites. Here are some fun ideas:

Add More Veggies: Toss in chopped mushrooms or carrots for extra nutrition and texture.
Change Up the Nuts: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different crunch.
Incorporate Seasonal Flavors: Stir in roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for an autumn twist.
Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat!

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 hot, toss in the onions and celery. Cook them until they soften up—about 5 minutes—stirring occasionally. This step is important because sautéing brings out their natural sweetness! Next, add the apples, garlic, thyme, and salt. Cook everything together for an additional minute to let those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Combine with Broth

Now it’s time to stir in your dry-ish white grape juice before adding the vegetable broth. Bring this mixture to a boil—a little bubbling action will help infuse all those delightful flavors together! Once boiling, stir in your wild rice blend. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover it up. Simmer until the rice is tender—this should take around 35 minutes.

Step 3: Add Quinoa

After that initial cooking time, it’s time to introduce quinoa into the mix! Stir it in carefully, cover again, and let it cook until tender—about another 15 minutes. This adds even more texture and protein! When done cooking, fold in your cranberries, pecans, parsley (reserving some for garnishing), and sage. Give everything a taste; adjust with additional salt if needed.

Step 4: Bake It All Together

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while you prepare your casserole dish by rubbing it with some olive oil. Lightly scoop your flavorful rice mixture into the dish without mashing it down—keeping it fluffy makes all the difference! Bake until golden brown—around 25-30 minutes should do it. Right before serving, drizzle with olive oil again and sprinkle that reserved parsley on top for freshness!

And there you have it—a delightful Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing that’s sure to warm hearts around your table! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

Creating the perfect Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing can be a delightful experience, and a few pro tips can elevate your dish to new heights!

Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and herbs a day in advance. This not only saves time on the day of cooking but also allows the flavors to blend even better.
Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix and match herbs based on your taste preferences. Fresh rosemary or dill could add a unique twist that complements the stuffing beautifully.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter stuffing, consider adding more dried cranberries or even a splash of pure maple syrup. This balance between savory and sweet enhances the overall flavor profile.
Use Leftover Broth: Instead of plain water, use leftover vegetable broth from previous meals. This adds depth to your stuffing and utilizes leftover ingredients, making it more sustainable.
Texture Matters: For a varied texture, try adding some sautéed mushrooms or chopped bell peppers. They bring extra flavor and create an exciting bite in every spoonful.

How to Serve Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing

This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great centerpiece for any meal. Here are some ideas on how to present this wholesome dish:

Garnishes

Chopped Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or sage right before serving brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh flavor punch.
Toasted Pecans: Lightly toast some pecans and sprinkle them on top for added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the stuffing beautifully.

Side Dishes

Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and squash pairs perfectly with the stuffing. Their caramelized sweetness balances out the savory notes.
Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides freshness that cuts through the richness of the stuffing.
Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy mashed sweet potatoes bring a comforting element to your table while their natural sweetness harmonizes with the flavors of the stuffing.
Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is always a hit! It’s perfect for scooping up any extra stuffing lingering on your plate.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing will not only taste fantastic but also look incredible on any dining table. Enjoy sharing this wholesome dish with family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing is a fantastic option for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, healthy meals throughout the week without the hassle of cooking from scratch every day.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

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

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Heat in a microwave-safe dish, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this stuffing!

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

Absolutely! This stuffing can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a little extra broth before reheating if it seems dry.

What herbs work well in Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing?

While thyme and sage are great choices, feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs like rosemary or dill. Fresh herbs will elevate the flavor beautifully!

Is Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses wild rice and quinoa instead of bread. It’s perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I customize the ingredients in Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing?

Definitely! You can substitute nuts, fruits, or even add extra vegetables according to your preference. This recipe is very versatile!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about this Herbed Wild Rice Quinoa Stuffing as I am! It’s not just a side dish; it’s a heartwarming blend of flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive gathering or just a cozy night at home, I’m sure it’ll bring smiles all around. Enjoy making it and don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turned out!