Zucchini Rice Pilaf

Transform your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and wholesome Zucchini Rice Pilaf, a perfect blend of fresh vegetables, zesty citrus, and aromatic herbs. This one-pan dish starts with sautéed zucchini and onion, infused with garlic for a savory base, and combines it with fluffy long-grain white rice simmered in vegetable broth for maximum flavor. The final touch of fresh parsley, lemon juice, and zest brightens each bite, making it an irresistibly light yet satisfying side dish or vegetarian main. Ready in just 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for busy nights or as a crowd-pleasing addition to your next family gathering. Naturally gluten-free and bursting with fresh, garden-inspired flavors, Zucchini Rice Pilaf is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 2 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the diced zucchini to the pan and sauté for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the zucchini begins to soften and lightly brown.

Step 5

Stir in the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the rice to lightly toast and absorb the flavors.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth, and season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 8

Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Step 10

Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1249.2 grams (1249.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	921

Total Fat 46.10g	59%
Saturated Fat 12.70g	64%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.10g
Cholesterol 31mg	10%
Sodium 3519mg	153%
Total Carbohydrate 112.40g	41%
Dietary Fiber 13.10g	47%
Total Sugars 20.20g
Protein 20.60g	41%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 213mg	16%
Iron 7mg	39%
Potassium 2227mg	47%

*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: 43.8%

Protein: 8.7%

Carbs: 47.5%