Vegetarian Lemon Herb Mediterranean Rice

Brighten up your table with this vibrant and zesty Vegetarian Lemon Herb Mediterranean Rice—a wholesome, flavor-packed recipe that celebrates fresh, simple ingredients. Fluffy basmati rice forms the base, infused with the tang of lemon zest and juice, the earthy goodness of fresh parsley and dill, and a hint of garlic and onion for depth. Bursting with Mediterranean flair, this dish is studded with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny Kalamata olives, and optional creamy crumbled feta for a rich finish. It’s a quick and easy 35-minute recipe that’s perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light vegetarian main course. Experience the irresistible harmony of herbaceous, citrusy, and savory flavors in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.5 cup Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.25 cup Fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup Cucumber, diced
• 0.5 cup Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in fluffy rice.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until it becomes translucent.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic to the skillet and continue to sauté for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Add the cooked rice to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture, stirring gently to combine.

Step 6

Stir in the fresh parsley, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and remove from heat.

Step 7

Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and Kalamata olives. If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.

Step 8

Serve warm as a side dish or main course. Enjoy the bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1612.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1286.9

Total Fat 86.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 106.8mg	0%
Sodium 5389.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 101.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.7g	0%
Total Sugars 16.3g
Protein 35.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1094.4mg	0%
Iron 16.0mg	0%
Potassium 2192.6mg	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: 58.5%

Protein: 10.8%

Carbs: 30.6%