Pesto Rice with Pine Nuts

Elevate your side dish game with this vibrant Pesto Rice with Pine Nuts, a quick and flavorful twist on classic rice dishes. Fluffy basmati or jasmine rice is infused with the bold, herbaceous flavors of fresh basil pesto and drizzled with golden olive oil for a luxurious touch. Toasted pine nuts add a buttery crunch, while optional Parmesan cheese provides a savory, nutty richness. Ready in just 25 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing side at your next gathering. Garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra pine nuts, this fragrant rice dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ideal for pairing with grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables, this pesto rice is sure to become a go-to favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati or jasmine rice
• 2 cups Water
• 0.25 teaspoons Salt
• 0.33 cups Fresh basil pesto
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Pine nuts
• 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 4 pieces Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This will ensure fluffy cooked rice.

Step 2

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

Step 3

Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed.

Step 4

While the rice cooks, toast the pine nuts. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the pine nuts. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5

When the rice is ready, remove it from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Step 6

Drizzle the olive oil over the rice and add the fresh basil pesto. Fold the pesto into the rice gently until it is evenly coated.

Step 7

Stir in the toasted pine nuts, reserving a few for garnish. If using Parmesan cheese, fold it in at this stage as well.

Step 8

Transfer the pesto rice to a serving bowl or platter. Garnish with the reserved pine nuts and fresh basil leaves before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(855.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1048.3

Total Fat 71.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 17.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 7.1g
Cholesterol 59.8mg	0%
Sodium 1897.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 59.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.8g	0%
Total Sugars 1.9g
Protein 35.9g	0%

Vitamin D 12.8IU	0%
Calcium 890.5mg	0%
Iron 3.9mg	0%
Potassium 425.6mg	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: 62.8%

Protein: 13.9%

Carbs: 23.3%