Zingy Lemon and Herb Greek Rice Recipe for Flavor Fans

Summer’s vibrant flavors dance through this zesty lemon and herb Greek rice that brings Mediterranean sunshine to your plate.

Fresh herbs mingle with bright citrus notes, creating a tantalizing side dish bursting with authenticity.

Aromatic oregano and parsley weave their magic into fluffy, tender grains of rice.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of tangy and earthy flavors that transport you straight to a seaside taverna in Greece.

The recipe captures the essence of simple, wholesome Mediterranean cooking with minimal ingredients and maximum taste.

Drizzle some extra olive oil over the top and watch this humble rice become a showstopper that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Lemon and Herb Greek Rice

• Rice: Fluffy canvas that absorbs delicious Mediterranean flavors perfectly.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation for the dish's depth.
• Garlic: Adds a robust, warm undertone that elevates the entire recipe.

• Chicken Broth: Rich liquid that infuses rice with savory complexity.
• Greek Seasoning: Authentic blend that transports your taste buds to sunny Greek islands.

• Lemon: Zesty citrus that brings freshness and tangy brightness to the rice.
• Parsley: Vibrant herb that adds a clean, peppery note and gorgeous green color.
• Olive Oil: Silky Mediterranean staple that helps develop golden rice texture and rich flavor.

Tools for Making Flavorful Greek Rice

• Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking rice and combining ingredients evenly.
• Fork: Perfect for fluffing rice after cooking and creating a light, airy texture.
• Microplane Grater: Ideal for zesting lemon without bitter white pith.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for chopping herbs and cutting lemon.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing lemon and chopping parsley precisely.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate liquid and rice measurements for consistent results.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring rice and preventing sticking during cooking.

Cooking Instructions for Lemon Herb Greek Rice

• Flavor Foundation

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot, creating a fragrant base for the rice.

• Golden Transformation

Introduce rice, onion, and garlic, stirring until they develop a light golden color and soft texture.

• Liquid Magic

Pour chicken broth and Greek seasoning into the pot, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let cook quietly for 15 minutes.

• Resting Period

Remove from heat and let the rice sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and rice to become perfectly tender.

• Citrus Finale

Gently separate rice grains with a fork. Sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the dish. Squeeze lemon juice directly into the rice, then fold in vibrant parsley for a burst of freshness.

• Serving

Transfer the aromatic rice to a serving dish, ready to delight taste buds with its Mediterranean-inspired charm.

Lemon Greek Rice Tips & Add-Ins

• Insider Tips for Lemon and Herb Greek Rice
• Toast the rice before adding liquid to enhance its nutty flavor and prevent clumping, creating a more professional restaurant-style result.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano, dill, or mint to add unique Mediterranean flair and personalize the dish to your taste preferences.
• Transform this side dish into a complete meal by stirring in grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled feta cheese for extra protein and richness.
• Cook the rice in advance and reheat gently with a splash of broth to maintain moisture, perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.
• Mix in roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to add color, nutrition, and a delightful Mediterranean-inspired twist.

Serving Lemon and Herb Greek Rice at Meals

• Pair with Protein Perfection: Serve this zesty rice alongside grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or baked fish for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that bursts with flavor.
• Create a Colorful Side Dish: Garnish the rice with extra chopped parsley, crumbled feta cheese, or toasted pine nuts to add texture and visual appeal that makes the dish pop.
• Transform into a Light Lunch: Fold in some diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and olives to turn this rice into a refreshing Greek-style rice salad that's perfect for warm days.
• Elevate with Mezze Spread: Use the rice as part of a mezze platter with hummus, tzatziki, dolmas, and pita bread for an authentic Greek dining experience that invites sharing and conversation.

Storage Ideas for Greek Lemon Rice

• Batch Cook with Confidence: Whip up this zesty rice in larger quantities to enjoy throughout the week. Store leftovers in airtight containers for quick meal prep solutions.
• Refrigerate and Refresh: Keep the lemon herb rice sealed in the fridge for 3-4 days. Warm gently in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and revive the fresh flavors.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Excellent for meal prepping, this rice freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Pack in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Quick Flavor Boost: Revive cold rice by sautéing with a touch of olive oil, fresh herbs, and an extra squeeze of lemon juice. Transform leftovers into a delicious side dish or base for Mediterranean-inspired bowls.

Vibrant Lemon And Herb Greek Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory lemon and herb Greek rice brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Mediterranean herbs and zesty citrus combine for a simple, delightful side dish you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) long grain white rice
• 4 cups (946 ml) chicken broth
• 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp Greek seasoning
• 2 tbsps minced parsley
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ medium onion, minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

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Instructions

1. Sauté Foundation: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium temperature, then introduce uncooked rice, onions, and garlic. Stir continuously until rice turns golden and onions become translucent.
2. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth and Greek seasoning into the pan, thoroughly mixing to create a uniform flavor profile. Bring mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer.
3. Cooking Cycle: Cover pan with a tight lid and allow rice to cook undisturbed for 15-20 minutes on low-medium heat, enabling complete liquid absorption.
4. Resting Phase: Remove pan from heat and let it rest, lid secured, for an additional 10 minutes to ensure optimal texture and moisture distribution.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Uncover and fluff rice with a fork, then grate fresh lemon zest directly over the grains. Squeeze lemon juice and fold in chopped parsley, distributing herbs and citrus notes evenly.
6. Serving Presentation: Transfer the aromatic rice to serving dishes, presenting immediately while warm to showcase the vibrant Mediterranean-inspired side dish.

Notes

• Optimize Rice Toasting: Stirring rice in oil until golden creates a nutty flavor and prevents clumping, ensuring each grain remains separate and aromatic.
• Liquid-to-Rice Ratio: Use precise measurements of broth to rice for perfectly cooked, fluffy texture without becoming soggy or dry.
• Resting Period Matters: Letting rice sit covered after cooking allows steam to redistribute, resulting in tender, evenly moistened grains.
• Zest Before Juicing: Grate lemon zest first to capture maximum essential oils, then juice the same lemon for bright, intense citrus flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg