Easy Salsa Rice
Transform your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and flavorful Easy Salsa Rice, a quick and versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with tacos, grilled chicken, or your favorite Tex-Mex meals. Made with fluffy long-grain white rice infused with the bold flavors of your favorite salsa, a hint of cumin, and a touch of olive oil, this recipe is as simple as it is satisfying. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect way to elevate plain rice into a zesty, crowd-pleasing dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for an extra pop of freshness. Whether you choose mild, medium, or hot salsa, this customizable recipe will add a burst of color and spice to your table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, chopped for garnish)
- 2 pieces lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve under cold water to remove excess starch. Drain well.
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it starts to turn a light golden color.
Add water, salsa, cumin (if using), and salt to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed.
Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for another 5 minutes to finish steaming.
Fluff the rice with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed.
Transfer the salsa rice to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
510 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.3 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 2.3 g | 12% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2784 mg | 121% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 85.8 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.6 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.6 g | ||
| Protein | 9.7 g | 19% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 136 mg | 10% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 903 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
