Lemon Pecan Pilaf

Brighten up your table with this flavorful and aromatic Lemon Pecan Pilaf, a perfectly balanced side dish that brings together nutty, citrusy, and savory elements. This easy-to-make recipe features fluffy long-grain rice infused with the zest and juice of fresh lemons, enhanced by the toasty crunch of chopped pecans and the freshness of parsley. Sautéed onions and garlic add a comforting base, while a mix of butter and olive oil ensures a rich, velvety texture. Ready in just 35 minutes, this versatile dish pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled seafood, or your favorite plant-based main. With its simple ingredients and gourmet appeal, Lemon Pecan Pilaf is an elevated yet approachable choice for weeknight dinners or celebratory gatherings.

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Long-grain rice
• 2 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Chopped pecans, toasted
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 1

Heat the butter and olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat until melted and shimmering.

Step 2

Add the diced yellow onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains with the butter and oil mixture. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden.

Step 5

Pour in the broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 7

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Gently fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the toasted pecans and chopped parsley.

Step 9

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy on its own as a light, refreshing meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(977.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1097.9

Total Fat 78.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.0g
Cholesterol 65.8mg	0%
Sodium 3060.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 85.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.4g	0%
Total Sugars 10.6g
Protein 17.2g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 157.3mg	0%
Iron 5.2mg	0%
Potassium 746.2mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.3%

Protein: 6.1%

Carbs: 30.6%