Salsa Rice

Elevate your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and zesty Salsa Rice! This one-pot wonder combines fluffy long-grain white rice with the bold flavors of your favorite salsa, aromatic garlic, and a hint of smoky cumin, all simmered to perfection in savory broth. Finished with a pop of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice, this easy side dish is bursting with Tex-Mex vibes and can be served alongside grilled chicken, tacos, or as a base for hearty burrito bowls. With just 10 minutes of prep time and the option to customize with toppings like creamy avocado, tangy sour cream, or melty cheese, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Whether you prefer mild or fiery salsa, this recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot as preferred)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 0 optional toppings (e.g., diced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Stir in the uncooked rice, and toast it in the oil for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the grains are slightly golden.

Step 4

Sprinkle ground cumin and salt over the toasted rice, then stir to combine.

Step 5

Pour in the broth and salsa, stirring well.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 7

Simmer the rice for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 8

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the grains.

Step 9

Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.

Step 10

Serve hot as a side dish or base for proteins, garnishing with optional toppings like diced avocado, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1027.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	607.7

Total Fat 23.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 3.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4491.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 85.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.9g	0%
Total Sugars 11.8g
Protein 13.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 139.8mg	0%
Iron 5.9mg	0%
Potassium 1243.9mg	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: 34.8%

Protein: 9.1%

Carbs: 56.1%