Lemon Pesto Rice
Brighten up your mealtime with Lemon Pesto Rice, a zesty and herbaceous dish that's as versatile as it is delicious! This quick and easy recipe combines fragrant basmati rice with the rich, savory flavors of basil pesto, a burst of fresh lemon zest, and vibrant lemon juice for a perfectly balanced side dish or light main course. Finished with a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese and an optional garnish of fresh parsley, this dish offers a luxurious yet simple way to elevate weeknight dinners. It's ready in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to option when you need a flavorful, crowd-pleasing recipe in a pinch. Pair it with grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 2 cups Water
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 0.25 cup Prepared basil pesto
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, basil pesto, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until well blended.
Add the cooked rice to the bowl and gently toss to coat the rice evenly with the pesto mixture.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy as a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
646 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.9 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.2 g | 41% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 1944 mg | 85% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56.5 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.4 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 14.2 g | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 266 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 3.8 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 160 mg | 3% | |
*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.
