Vegetarian Lemon Herb Mediterranean Rice
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Vegetarian Lemon Herb Mediterranean Rice is the ultimate side dish or light main course for any occasion. Perfectly fluffy basmati rice serves as the base, infused with the zesty tang of lemon juice and lemon zest, aromatic garlic, and sautéed onion. A medley of fresh parsley, dill, and vibrant vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumber adds irresistible freshness, while Kalamata olives bring a briny Mediterranean touch. Optional crumbled feta cheese provides a creamy, savory finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is healthy, easy to make, and full of bold Mediterranean flavors. Ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or as a refreshing addition to your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Basmati rice
- 2 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.5 cup Onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 cup Fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup Cucumber, diced
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffy rice.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture, stirring gently to combine.
Stir in the fresh parsley, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and remove from heat.
Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and Kalamata olives. If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.
Serve warm as a side dish or main course. Enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1176 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.7 g | 92% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.0 g | 125% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 107 mg | 36% | |
| Sodium | 4625 mg | 201% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 103.4 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.2 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 17.3 g | ||
| Protein | 31.1 g | 62% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 929 mg | 71% | |
| Iron | 10.6 mg | 59% | |
| Potassium | 1760 mg | 37% | |
*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.
