Mediterranean Diet Garlic Rice

Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Diet Garlic Rice recipe! Infused with aromatic garlic sautéed in heart-healthy olive oil, this dish features tender long-grain white rice simmered in low-sodium vegetable broth for a perfectly fluffy texture. Freshly chopped parsley, bright lemon zest, and crunchy toasted pine nuts add a delightful Mediterranean-inspired twist, turning simple ingredients into a sensational accompaniment. Ready in just 30 minutes, this delicious and wholesome garlic rice pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or fish, making it an ideal choice for a healthy, balanced meal. Perfect for meal preps or weeknight dinners, this irresistible recipe is both nutritious and packed with bold, satisfying flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large, minced garlic cloves
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons, toasted pine nuts

Directions

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and golden but not burnt.

Step 3

Add the rice to the saucepan and stir well to coat the rice evenly with the garlic and oil.

Step 4

Pour the vegetable broth into the saucepan, then add the salt and ground black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 5

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.

Step 8

Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the chopped parsley, lemon zest, and toasted pine nuts.

Step 9

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(762.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	698.9

Total Fat 40.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 8.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1471.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 74.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.0g	0%
Total Sugars 2.8g
Protein 9.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 101.2mg	0%
Iron 4.6mg	0%
Potassium 744.4mg	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: 52.0%

Protein: 5.5%

Carbs: 42.5%