Greek Rice Pilaf

Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this flavorful Greek Rice Pilaf, a side dish that’s bursting with vibrant ingredients and aromatic spices. Perfectly cooked long-grain white rice is infused with the tangy brightness of fresh lemon juice and zest, the earthy warmth of oregano, and the subtle richness of bay leaf-simmered broth. Sautéed onion and garlic create a fragrant base, while a finishing sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. This easy-to-make recipe requires just 35 minutes from start to finish and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables. Whether you're crafting a casual weeknight dinner or a festive spread, this lemony rice pilaf will elevate your dishes with its irresistible Mediterranean flair.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons ground black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.

Step 3

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

Step 4

Add the rice and stir well to coat it with the oil. Toast the rice for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to turn slightly golden.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and stir to combine.

Step 6

Add the bay leaf, oregano, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir lightly to mix.

Step 7

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

Step 8

Let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 9

Remove the saucepan from heat and discard the bay leaf. Fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 10

Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top.

Step 11

Serve the Greek Rice Pilaf warm as a side dish to grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1237.5 grams (1237.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	770

Total Fat 30.80g	39%
Saturated Fat 4.90g	25%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3776mg	164%
Total Carbohydrate 108.30g	39%
Dietary Fiber 5.80g	21%
Total Sugars 7.90g
Protein 15.40g	31%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 149mg	11%
Iron 6mg	33%
Potassium 594mg	13%

*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: 35.9%

Protein: 8.0%

Carbs: 56.1%