Baked Spinach Lemon Rice

Brighten up your dinner table with this vibrant and flavorful Baked Spinach Lemon Rice, a perfect blend of zesty citrus, fresh herbs, and tender basmati rice. This easy-to-make side dish combines nutrient-packed spinach, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and fragrant dill and parsley for a dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious. Baked to perfection in a single oven-safe skillet, the rice absorbs the tangy vegetable broth for maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Ideal for weeknight meals or as an elegant accompaniment to grilled fish or chicken, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is gluten-free, customizable, and ready in under an hour. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil for a refreshing finishing touch!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup white basmati rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then strain and set aside.

Step 3

In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring it gets coated in the oil and onion mixture. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 6

Add the vegetable broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then remove from heat. Add the chopped spinach, dill, and parsley, folding them into the mixture evenly.

Step 8

Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.

Step 9

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed the liquid and is tender.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and fluff the rice with a fork. Adjust salt and pepper to taste if needed.

Step 11

Serve warm as a side dish or light main course, garnished with extra herbs or lemon wedges if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	946.1 grams (946.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1245

Total Fat 33.60g	43%
Saturated Fat 5.60g	28%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3563mg	155%
Total Carbohydrate 202.40g	74%
Dietary Fiber 13.70g	49%
Total Sugars 12.60g
Protein 26.50g	53%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 252mg	19%
Iron 8mg	42%
Potassium 1310mg	28%

*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: 24.8%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 66.5%