Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf (The Perfect Holiday Side!)

Bring color and big flavor to your holiday spread with this Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf—an irresistible blend of nutty wild rice, sweet cranberries, and buttery shallots.

Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf (The Perfect Holiday Side!)

The holidays already come with enough to juggle, so I wanted to create a Christmas side dish that brings big festive flavor without adding stress to your cooking day. This Cranberry-Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf is exactly that kind of recipe—beautiful, comforting, and wonderfully unfussy. It’s a dish that looks special on the table but doesn’t require hours of prep or complicated steps.

Nutty wild rice is paired with sweet pops of dried cranberries, fragrant fresh thyme, and buttery toasted pecans, creating a dish that’s as flavorful as it is colorful. Every bite is a little celebration of textures and holiday flavors, making it the perfect complement to any festive main dish.

Whether you’re hosting a full holiday feast or just want to add a special touch to your dinner table, this pilaf is easy to make ahead, full of vibrant flavor, and guaranteed to please the crowd. It’s the kind of recipe that lets you enjoy the season without standing over the stove for hours.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Wild Rice Blend – A mix of wild rice and hearty whole grains that adds nutty flavor and great texture.

• Chicken Broth – Infuses the rice with savory depth; using broth instead of water makes every bite more flavorful.

• Shallots – Mild, slightly sweet onions that bring a soft aromatic base to the pilaf.

• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and helps the shallots caramelize beautifully.

• Canola Oil – Keeps the butter from burning and helps toast the wild rice.

• Fresh Thyme – Provides earthy, fragrant holiday warmth in every spoonful.

• Bay Leaf – Subtly enhances the background flavor as the pilaf simmers.

• Dried Cranberries – Add pops of sweetness and a festive burst of color.

• Pecans – Bring buttery crunch and cozy holiday flavor when toasted.

• Salt & Pepper – Simple, essential seasonings that balance and brighten the dish.

Substitutions & Variations

Substitutions

• Wild Rice Blend → Brown Rice or Long-Grain Rice: Use if you prefer a softer texture or a quicker cook time.

• Chicken Broth → Vegetable Broth: Makes the dish fully vegetarian while keeping the flavor rich.

• Pecans → Walnuts or Sliced Almonds: Any nut with a good toasting quality works well.

• Shallots → Yellow or Sweet Onion: A simple, accessible swap that still brings great flavor.

• Fresh Thyme → Dried Thyme: Use a smaller amount—dried herbs are more concentrated.

Easy Variations

• Holiday Herb Version: Add fresh rosemary and parsley for an extra layer of festive, aromatic flavor.

• Citrus Twist: Stir in a little orange zest at the end for a bright, seasonal pop that pairs beautifully with cranberries.

Kitchen Notes & Tips

• Toast the pecans for the best flavor—this takes just a few minutes but makes a big difference.

• Let the rice rest after cooking; it helps the cranberries plump and the grains finish steaming.

• Use high-quality broth since it determines much of the pilaf’s flavor.

• Don’t skip sautéing the shallots—this builds the aromatic base that makes the dish taste slow-cooked.

• Make ahead friendly: Cook the pilaf earlier in the day and gently rewarm with a splash of broth.

• Fluff, don’t stir, to keep the grains from getting mushy.

• Taste and adjust seasoning at the end—wild rice can handle a good pinch of salt.

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No-Cook Sauce, All the Flavor – Marinated Cherry Tomatoes & Angel Hair Pasta

Fresh, vibrant, and ready in 30 minutes! This Marinated Cherry Tomatoes & Angel Hair Pasta recipe is perfect for summer nights, featuring sweet farmers’ market tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan for a light, flavorful dinner.

No-Cook Sauce, All the Flavor – Marinated Cherry Tomatoes & Angel Hair Pasta

Walking through the farmers' market is heaven lately as there has been an irresistible abundance of fresh produce spilling out of their buckets. Last weekend, I came home with a bag with the most luscious cherry tomatoes, each one bursting with sweetness and sun-ripened flavor. I knew I wanted to celebrate their natural freshness—no heavy sauces, no long hours at the stove, just a dish that feels like summer in every bite.

Enter this Marinated Cherry Tomatoes & Angel Hair Pasta, a recipe that proves dinner can be light, bright, and satisfying—without heating up the whole kitchen. The tomatoes are left to marinate in olive oil, lemon juice, basil, and just a hint of crushed red pepper, creating their own luxurious sauce while you boil the pasta. It’s quick, simple, and absolutely perfect for an alfresco dinner on the patio or a breezy poolside evening when all you want is something fresh and easy, but carries a flavor punch.

One twirl of this pasta, with those juicy marinated tomatoes and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, and you’ll know—it’s the kind of dish that makes summer taste like heaven.

Enjoy!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Angel Hair Pasta (Capellini) – Light and delicate, perfect for soaking up the fresh tomato marinade.

• Cherry Tomatoes – Choose ripe, sweet tomatoes from the farmers’ market for peak flavor.

• Shallot & Garlic – Finely sliced and chopped to add a fragrant bite to the marinade.

• Fresh Basil – Brings bright, herbaceous notes; slice some extra for garnish.

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Just enough heat to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.

• Lemon Juice – Adds zingy freshness and keeps the dish light.

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil – High-quality oil makes a difference—this is your sauce base.

• Parmesan Cheese – Shaved for a salty, nutty finish that melts into the warm pasta.

• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.

Substitutions and Variations

Substitutions

• Pasta – Substitute spaghetti or thin linguine

• Tomatoes – Use heirloom cherry or grape tomatoes

• Cheese – Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper bite

• Basil – Try fresh parsley for a twist

Variations

• Add Protein – Top with grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or slices of grilled chicken for a heartier meal.

• Mediterranean Style – Add kalamata olives, capers, or crumbled feta for extra tang.

• Garlic-Lovers Edition – Roast the garlic before adding for a mellow, sweet depth of flavor.

• Zoodle Swap – Replace pasta with zucchini noodles for a light, low-carb variation.

Kitchen Tips & Notes

• Marinating Time – Give the tomatoes at least 10 minutes to release their juices for a natural “sauce.”

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Angel hair cooks quickly; keep it al dente so it doesn’t break apart.

• Reserve Pasta Water – If the mixture feels dry, a splash of starchy pasta water helps everything come together.

• Serve Immediately – This dish is best enjoyed fresh while the tomatoes are vibrant and the Parmesan just begins to melt.

    "Set the Mood"    

Picture this: a golden summer evening, a table set outdoors, a cool breeze carrying the scent of basil and lemon through the air. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water, maybe a small plate of marinated olives on the side. This dish is meant for alfresco dining—by the pool, on the patio, or wherever the season feels most alive. Pair with a crisp salad, crusty bread, and the simple joy of lingering over a meal that tastes like pure summer.

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Bridgerton Brunch: The Duke’s Delight: Herbed Quiche with Gruyère & Asparagus

 

A quiche worthy of noble taste—this easy-to-make, herb-laced delight with tender asparagus and velvety Gruyère is destined to be the centerpiece of any Bridgerton brunch. Refined, savory, and fit for the Ton’s most discerning palate—even the Duke himself would approve.

Click here to begin your immersive experience.

A Continuing Affair: The Bridgerton Brunch Series

Dearest Gentle Reader,

It is with utmost delight that we welcome you once again to Bridgerton Brunch—that most enchanting culinary affair where Regency elegance is whisked together with modern indulgence. Inspired by the opulent style and whispered scandals of the Ton, this series serves forth recipes worthy of Lady Whistledown’s approval and designed to elevate even the most modest of morning tables.

This entry marks our third gathering in this ongoing fête of flavors. Following the sweet allure of Strawberries & Secrets: A French Toast Affair and the decadent drama of Scandal & Spice: Lady Featherington’s Honeyed Tea Loaf, we now find ourselves in more refined company—at the Duke’s table no less. The Duke’s Delight, a quiche adorned with herbs, tender asparagus, and Gruyère, brings with it a savory sophistication sure to impress noble guests and secret admirers alike.

Yours in savory scandal and culinary courtship,
Slice of Southern

“Whispers suggest the Duke’s affections were not won with words—but with a quiche so tender, even his heart melted like Gruyère. A lady would be wise to take note.”

— Lady Whistledown

The Duke’s Delight: Herbed Quiche with Gruyère & Asparagus

There are few things more delicate—or more dangerous—than a man of status with a discerning palate. And when such a gentleman takes his breakfast not with mere eggs and toast, but with a flaky, herb-kissed quiche, one must assume a woman of great culinary cunning is behind it all.

This third installment of our Bridgerton Brunch series escorts us from the frilly parlors and sugary intrigues of previous delights to something a touch more savory, yet no less seductive. The Duke’s Delight is a quiche of refined flavor and tender affection—laden with fresh herbs, tender asparagus spears, and luscious Gruyère cheese. A dish both noble in composition and deeply satisfying to even the most formidable suitor.

Let it be known: a properly baked quiche may not guarantee a title or a ring—but it will, without question, secure the attention of the Ton (and perhaps a few whispered invitations to dine again). For what begins as brunch may yet end in courtship.

So preheat the oven, gather your best china, and prepare to impress. Because when brunch is served with such elegance, even the Duke must take notice.

A Toast to Elegance

With a buttery, golden crust and a filling as velvety as whispered promises, The Duke’s Delight is the very portrait of brunch sophistication. Flecked with fresh herbs and adorned with tender spears of asparagus, each slice is laced with the richness of Gruyère and the grace of good breeding. Whether served warm at a sunlit garden table or passed amongst gloved hands in a candlelit salon, this quiche is a savory triumph—elegant, indulgent, and fit for the most distinguished of appetites.

Perfect Pairings for a Bridgerton Brunch Table

A savory showstopper such as The Duke’s Delight deserves companions of equal refinement. These thoughtfully curated touches will transform your gathering into a brunch worthy of the Ton’s finest invitations.

• Music: Classical elegance meets modern intrigue—try the Bridgerton string covers of modern ballads by Vitamin String Quartet or Baroque flute sonatas for a touch of nobility.

• Tea: Darjeeling or a white tea with rose petals—delicate enough to let the quiche shine, yet noble in their own right.

• Libation: A crisp French 75 or cucumber-mint gin spritzer. Light, flirtatious, and thoroughly aristocratic.

• Decor Tip: Pale sage or cream linens, silver flatware, and sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary at each setting—simple, stately, and subtly herbaceous.

Lady Whistledown’s Final Word

As every esteemed hostess knows, the mark of a memorable brunch lies not merely in the guest list, but in the fare placed before them. And The Duke’s Delight—with its buttery pastry, verdant spears of asparagus, and luscious melt of Gruyère—is a triumph of savory sophistication. Both hearty and refined, this quiche may very well inspire second helpings… or second glances.

Whether served with flourish at a lavish affair or enjoyed in quiet indulgence, it is a dish destined to win admiration—and possibly affections.

As Lady Whistledown might whisper behind her fan… until next time, dear reader—may your eggs be tender, your suitors attentive, and your secrets safe behind the soufflé.