This Green Rice is a flavorful and vibrant dish that combines the richness of pesto with tender jasmine rice. Perfect as a side dish or light meal, this recipe is quick, easy, and full of fresh herb flavors. With a blend of spinach, parsley, and dill (or mint), it’s a simple way to elevate your rice with some vibrant green goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Green Rice because it’s a simple yet flavorful twist on your typical rice dish. The homemade pesto, made from fresh herbs and olive oil, infuses the rice with a burst of color and taste. It’s super easy to make and requires minimal ingredients, making it a go-to for quick weeknight dinners or a healthy side dish to pair with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some greens!
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pesto:
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2 cups baby spinach leaves
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½ cup fresh parsley
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¼ cup fresh dill (or fresh mint)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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½ lemon, juiced
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½ teaspoon kosher salt
For the Rice:
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4 cups jasmine rice, cooked and cooled
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⅓ cup vegetable broth
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½ cup pesto (from above)
Directions
Step 1: Make the Pesto
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In a food processor, combine the spinach, parsley, dill (or mint), olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
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Pulse until smooth. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and blend again to ensure everything is well incorporated.
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Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary. Set the pesto aside.
Step 2: Heat the Rice
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In a skillet, add the cooked jasmine rice, pesto, and vegetable broth.
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Heat the rice over medium heat, stirring constantly to ensure the rice is well-coated in the pesto and the broth is absorbed, for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Serve
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Once the liquid is absorbed and the rice is hot, remove it from the heat.
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Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
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Make-Ahead Tip: The pesto can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The rice itself is also great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.
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Herb Variations: You can easily swap the dill for mint, or even use basil for a more traditional pesto flavor.
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Vegan Option: This recipe is already vegan, but if you want to add some extra richness, try stirring in some vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4-6 servings. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cook time is 3 minutes, making the total time 18 minutes.
Variations
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Green Rice with Pine Nuts: Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top for extra crunch and flavor.
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Spicy Green Rice: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a small jalapeño in the pesto for a bit of heat.
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Cheesy Green Rice: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese at the end for a creamy, cheesy version of the rice.
Storage and Reheating
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Leftovers: Store any leftover Green Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little more broth or water to loosen it if necessary.
FAQs
Can I use white rice instead of jasmine rice?
Yes, you can use white rice instead of jasmine rice, but jasmine rice has a unique fragrance and texture that pairs wonderfully with the pesto. Use your preferred type of rice for a more customized dish.
Can I make the pesto ahead of time?
Yes, the pesto can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, this dish would pair well with grilled chicken, tofu, or roasted vegetables for added protein.
Can I use store-bought pesto instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time. However, homemade pesto adds a fresher, brighter flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
This Green Rice is a fresh, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. The vibrant green pesto gives it a burst of flavor and color, making it a great choice for spring or summer meals. Quick, easy, and packed with nutrients, this dish will be a hit with everyone at the table! Enjoy!
Print
How To make A Green Rice
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
Description
This vibrant Green Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish featuring jasmine rice coated in a fresh, herbaceous pesto. Quick to prepare and packed with the bright flavors of spinach, parsley, and dill, it’s the perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients
4 cups jasmine rice, cooked and cooled
⅓ cup vegetable broth
½ cup pesto
For the Pesto:
2 cups baby spinach leaves
½ cup fresh parsley
¼ cup fresh dill or fresh mint
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ lemon, juiced
½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pesto
In a food processor, combine the spinach, parsley, dill (or mint), olive oil, lemon juice, and salt.
Process until smooth, scraping the sides as needed. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a skillet, combine the cooked jasmine rice, pesto, and vegetable broth.
Heat the rice over medium heat, stirring constantly to coat the rice with the pesto and reduce the broth for 1-2 minutes.
Step 3: Serve
Once the liquid has absorbed and the rice is hot, remove from heat.
Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Herb Variations: You can experiment with other herbs like basil, cilantro, or thyme in the pesto for different flavors.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Pairing: This green rice pairs well with grilled chicken, seafood, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
