Vegan Lemon Herb Mediterranean Rice

Brighten up your next meal with this vibrant Vegan Lemon Herb Mediterranean Rice, a flavorful and nourishing dish that perfectly balances zesty citrus, fresh herbs, and hearty grains. Made with fluffy long-grain white rice simmered in aromatic vegetable broth and infused with the tangy essence of lemon, this recipe is elevated with a mix of parsley, dill, and mint for a refreshing Mediterranean flair. Sautéed onions and garlic add depth, while capers and toasted pine nuts provide delightful bursts of briny and nutty goodness. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, this vegan and gluten-free side dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, plant-based protein, or a crisp summer salad. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a light, wholesome recipe perfect for any occasion.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup dill, chopped
• 0.25 cup mint leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring well to coat it with the oil, onion, and garlic mixture.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Fluff the rice with a fork. Gently fold in the chopped parsley, dill, mint, and capers.

Step 9

Transfer the rice to a serving dish. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts on top.

Step 10

Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful and fresh side dish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1253.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1029.6

Total Fat 48.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4122.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 133.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.8g	0%
Total Sugars 20.0g
Protein 31.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1018.0mg	0%
Iron 31.2mg	0%
Potassium 4338.4mg	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: 39.7%

Protein: 11.4%

Carbs: 49.0%