Name: Irresistibly Delicious Greek Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup long grain white rice, rinsed; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; Zest of 1 lemon; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; Salt and pepper to taste

Infused with zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and a hint of garlic, this Irresistibly Delicious Greek Rice brings the bright flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. It’s a vibrant and aromatic side dish that pairs effortlessly with grilled meats, seafood, or even a hearty vegetarian platter. Each spoonful bursts with freshness, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

What makes this Greek rice recipe truly stand out is its simplicity and versatility. It comes together with minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. The secret lies in gently sautéed onions and garlic, perfectly cooked long grain rice, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice with chopped dill and parsley stirred in at the end. It’s light, fluffy, and absolutely packed with flavor.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use for Greek Rice?

Long grain white rice is the ideal base for Greek-style rice. Jasmine rice also works beautifully, offering a lightly floral aroma. Avoid short grain or sticky rice, as the desired outcome is fluffy, separate grains that soak up the citrusy, herb-infused broth. Rinse your rice before cooking to remove excess starch—this step helps prevent clumping.

Ingredients for the Irresistibly Delicious Greek Rice

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long grain white rice (or jasmine rice), rinsed
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make the Irresistibly Delicious Greek Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat in the oil and aromatics. Toast for 1–2 minutes to slightly enhance the nutty flavor.

Step 3: Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth and lemon zest. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add Fresh Flavor

Remove from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in lemon juice, parsley, dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.

How to Serve and Store Greek Rice

This Greek rice makes an excellent side dish for grilled chicken souvlaki, lamb kebabs, or baked fish. It’s also a refreshing bed for Greek-style grain bowls topped with feta, olives, and veggies. Serve it warm or at room temperature.

To store leftovers, transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. It can also be frozen for up to one month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead?

Yes, but the cooking time will increase to 40-45 minutes. Make sure to use extra broth and monitor for doneness.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

It can be! Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Stir in peas, spinach, or chopped bell peppers during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

What protein pairs best with Greek rice?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, lamb, or chickpeas are all great pairings.

Can I make this in a rice cooker?

Yes. Sauté the aromatics separately and add them with the rest of the ingredients to the cooker.

How do I avoid mushy rice?

Use long grain rice, rinse thoroughly, and don’t overcook. Let the rice steam with the lid on before fluffing.

Want More Mediterranean Side Dish Ideas?

If you loved this Irresistibly Delicious Greek Rice, you’ll enjoy these other fresh and flavorful dishes:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you’re looking for the perfect protein pairing.
Oven Roasted Root Vegetables for a hearty yet healthy contrast.
Greek Yogurt Cookie Dough for a healthy treat to finish off the meal.
Giant Zucchini Parmesan for a veggie-packed main dish.
Healthy Mediterranean Salmon Dinner if you’re craving something light and fresh.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board dedicated to Mediterranean meals or quick sides so it’s always within reach.

Tried it? Let me know how it turned out in the comments! Did you try adding spinach? Did you pair it with grilled chicken or something new?

I love seeing how everyone makes these dishes their own. Your feedback and questions are always welcome—let’s cook better together!

Looking for more? Check out my Pinterest @NinaDishes for daily inspiration and fresh recipes shared every week.

Irresistibly Delicious Greek Rice

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 28 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Irresistibly Delicious Greek Rice is bright, lemony, and full of fresh herbs. Fluffy long grain rice is infused with garlic, onion, and citrus for a Mediterranean-inspired side dish that pairs perfectly with grilled proteins or veggie platters.