If you're a fan of vibrant Mediterranean flavors and comforting rice dishes, get ready to embark on a culinary journey with this delightful Greek Rice recipe.

Overhead image of two plates full of Greek Rice

Why You'll Love This Flavorful Side Dish

Flavorful. Infused with Greek-inspired ingredients like oregano, lemon, and feta cheese, this rice dish offers a burst of Mediterranean flavor in every bite.
Easy. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe is a breeze to make, whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen.
Versatile. Serve this Greek Rice as a satisfying side dish alongside grilled meats or fish, or enjoy it as a delicious vegetarian main course.
Crowd-Pleaser. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to earn rave reviews and requests for seconds.

Bursting with aromatic herbs, tangy lemon, and savory feta cheese, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the sunny shores of Greece.

Is Greek Lemon Rice Good?

Greek Rice is a classic Greek side dish made with long-grain rice, aromatic herbs, tangy lemon, and savory feta cheese. It's a versatile and flavorful accompaniment to a wide range of main dishes, from grilled meats and seafood to vegetarian entrees.

Whether served at a family dinner or a festive gathering, Greek Rice is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to the sun-drenched shores of Greece.

What Is Greek Rice Made Of?

Long-Grain Rice- Choose a high-quality long-grain rice variety, such as jasmine or basmati, for the best results.
Olive Oil- Use extra-virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and fruity aroma.
Onion- Finely chopped onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Garlic- Fresh minced garlic infuses the rice with its aromatic essence.
Vegetable Broth- Vegetable broth serves as the flavorful cooking liquid for the rice, enhancing its taste and texture.
Lemon Juice- Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright and tangy note to the rice, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
Dried Oregano- A quintessential herb in Greek cuisine, dried oregano lends its distinctive flavor to the rice.
Red Pepper Flakes- Just a few to add a subtle heat to the dish.
Salt and Pepper- Season the rice to taste with salt and pepper for optimal flavor.
Feta Cheese- Crumbled feta cheese provides a creamy and salty contrast to the rice, adding richness and depth to the dish.
Fresh Parsley- Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

How To Make Greek Rice

Sauté Aromatics. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant.
Cook Rice. Add the long-grain rice to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly toasted and fragrant.
Add Broth and Seasonings. Pour vegetable broth into the skillet, along with freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the rice simmer gently until tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
Fluff and Serve. Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top, and gently fold them into the rice.
Serve. Transfer the Greek Rice to a serving platter or bowl, garnish with additional parsley if desired, and serve hot as a flavorful side dish or main course.

Close up overhead image of Greek rice on a white plate

Tips And Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for making delicious Greek rice:

Rinse the Rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This helps prevent the rice from becoming too sticky while cooking.
Fluff with a Fork. After the rice is cooked, fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains. Avoid stirring too vigorously, as this can make the rice mushy.
Let it Rest. Allow the cooked rice to rest, covered, off the heat for a few minutes before serving. This helps redistribute the moisture and ensures a fluffy texture.

Variations

Here are some variations for lemon Greek rice:

Add Vegetables- Enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the rice by adding diced vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, or spinach. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic before adding the rice and liquid.
Olives- For a Mediterranean twist, stir in some chopped Kalamata olives along with the lemon zest and juice. The briny flavor of the olives adds depth to the rice dish.
Toasted Pine Nuts- Toasted pine nuts add a nutty crunch and richness to the rice. Sprinkle them over the cooked rice before serving for extra texture and flavor.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp- Turn the lemon Greek rice into a complete meal by serving it with grilled chicken or shrimp. The protein adds heartiness and makes the dish more filling.

What To Serve With Greek Rice

Greek rice is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of Mediterranean-inspired sides and main courses. Here are some delicious options to serve alongside it:

Hummus and Pita Bread- Create a Mediterranean mezze platter by serving Greek rice alongside hummus, tzatziki, olives, and warm pita bread. The creamy hummus and tangy tzatziki provide a cool contrast to the warm rice.
Unstuffed Dolmas- Grape leaves with a mixture of rice, pine nuts, and herbs, are a traditional Greek appetizer that pairs well with Greek rice. The flavors of the two dishes complement each other beautifully.
Greek Yogurt- A bowl of creamy Greek yogurt topped with honey and chopped nuts makes a simple and refreshing dessert to enjoy after a meal of Greek rice. The yogurt provides a cool contrast to the warm rice dish.

How Long Does It Last?

Greek Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or gently warm the rice in a skillet with a splash of water or broth until heated through.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze Greek rice for later.

Allow the Greek rice to cool completely to room temperature before freezing. Divide the cooled Greek rice into individual portions and transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Label it with the date and contents to keep track of when it was prepared. Place the containers in the freezer.

When you're ready to enjoy it, transfer the frozen portion to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat the rice in a skillet with a splash of water or broth until heated through, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed.

More Great Rice Recipes

Mexican Ground Beef and Rice Casserole
Spam Fried Rice
Mexican Rice
Pressure Cooker Rice and Dal
Jamaican Rice and Peas
Galinhada

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Greek Rice Recipe | Lemon Greek Rice