Low Sodium Lemon Herb Mediterranean Rice

Brighten up your plate with the vibrant flavors of Low Sodium Lemon Herb Mediterranean Rice, a wholesome and aromatic dish packed with refreshing Mediterranean ingredients. This heart-healthy recipe combines fluffy long-grain white rice with a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing, punctuated by the fresh flavors of parsley, dill, and garlic. Juicy grape tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and a touch of red onion add a satisfying crunch and a burst of color to every bite. Perfectly balanced and low on sodium, this versatile side or light main dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it ideal for dinner parties, meal prep, or a fresh addition to your weekly rotation. It’s a simple yet elegant recipe that’s ready in just 35 minutes.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 4

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to finish steam cooking.

Step 5

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic until well combined.

Step 6

Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then add it to the mixing bowl with the dressing, stirring to coat the rice evenly.

Step 7

Add the chopped parsley, dill, and black pepper to the rice and mix well.

Step 8

Gently fold in the grape tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.

Step 9

Serve the rice warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1205.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	621.4

Total Fat 29.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 38.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 81.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.7g	0%
Total Sugars 11.2g
Protein 9.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 158.2mg	0%
Iron 4.8mg	0%
Potassium 1021.6mg	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: 42.0%

Protein: 6.2%

Carbs: 51.8%