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!
Try SnapCalorie's FREE AI assisted nutrition tracking free in the App store or on Android.
Scan with your phone to download!
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)
Directions
Step 1
Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3
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.
Step 4
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
Step 5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, basil pesto, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice. Mix until well blended.
Step 6
Add the cooked rice to the bowl and gently toss to coat the rice evenly with the pesto mixture.
Step 7
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 8
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy as a light main course.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (785.7g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 646.1 |
| Total Fat 40.9g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 8.2g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 14.8mg | 0% |
| Sodium 1944.3mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 56.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 2.4g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 1.5g | |
| Protein 14.2g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 265.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.8mg | 0% |
| Potassium 159.7mg | 0% |
Source of Calories