Name: Irresistibly Delicious Greek Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain white rice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Bright, lemony, and irresistibly aromatic, this Greek Rice is a Mediterranean side dish that brings vibrance to every bite. Infused with fresh lemon juice, garlic, and a hint of herbs, it’s the kind of dish that makes even simple meals feel special. Whether served with grilled meats, vegetables, or just on its own with a spoonful of tzatziki, it turns any meal into a feast.

Perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is not only easy to make but also naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. It balances freshness and comfort, making it ideal for sunny summer dinners or cozy winter nights when you want a pop of citrus brightness on your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Rice

This Greek Rice recipe delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It uses pantry staples but feels gourmet thanks to the depth added by garlic, lemon zest, and fresh herbs. The method is straightforward, and the result is always fluffy, flavorful rice that complements everything from grilled chicken to baked fish.

Plus, it’s meal-prep friendly, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. It reheats well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors mingle.

What Kind of Rice Should I Use?

Long-grain white rice is the go-to for Greek-style rice, especially basmati or jasmine for their fluffiness and ability to absorb flavor. You can substitute with brown rice if you’re looking for a whole-grain option, but the cooking time will increase. Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from getting sticky.

Ingredients for the Irresistibly Delicious Greek Rice

Each ingredient plays a flavorful role in this zesty Mediterranean side dish:

Long-grain white rice: This forms the base and absorbs all the wonderful lemon and garlic flavors.
Olive oil: Adds richness and authentic Mediterranean taste.
Onion: Sweetens as it sautés and forms a fragrant foundation.
Garlic: Adds depth and savory notes.
Lemon juice and zest: Brings brightness and zing to the dish.
Chicken or vegetable broth: Infuses flavor while cooking the rice.
Fresh parsley: Sprinkled at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.

How To Make the Irresistibly Delicious Greek Rice

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

Step 2: Toast the Rice

Add the rinsed rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains with the oil and aromatics. Let it toast slightly for 1–2 minutes to enhance flavor.

Step 3: Add the Liquid and Simmer

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, lemon juice, and zest. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Fluff and Finish

Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff the rice with a fork and stir in fresh chopped parsley. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

How to Serve and Store Greek Rice

This Greek Rice feeds 4 to 6 people as a generous side dish. It pairs beautifully with a wide variety of mains, and its subtle citrus-herb flavor complements rich, creamy, or grilled dishes.

To store, let the rice cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave with a splash of water or reheat in a covered skillet over low heat. You can also freeze it for up to 1 month.

What to Serve With Greek Rice?

Grilled Chicken Souvlaki

The juicy, herby flavors of grilled chicken skewers match perfectly with the lemony rice.

Baked Salmon

A fillet of lemon-dill baked salmon lays beautifully on a bed of this rice.

Falafel

Serve with crispy falafel and a side of tzatziki for a vegetarian feast.

Greek Salad

Add a fresh cucumber, tomato, and feta salad for a cool contrast.

Lamb Chops

Perfectly seasoned lamb and citrus rice are a match made in Mediterranean heaven.

Stuffed Peppers

Use this rice as a filling or a flavorful side to stuffed bell peppers.

Shrimp Skewers

Garlicky shrimp skewers with a lemony rice base are always a crowd-pleaser.

Want More Side Dish Ideas?

If you love this bright and cozy Greek Rice, you might enjoy these flavor-packed sides too:

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I’d love to know how your Greek Rice turned out! Did you go bold with garlic or add extra lemon? Drop your tips and tweaks in the comments. Let’s make meals memorable together!