Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice

This Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice is a bright, tangy, and satisfying dish inspired by Mediterranean cooking. The mix of lemon, garlic, olive oil, and herbs gives the rice a fresh and zesty taste that works perfectly as a side or even as a light main dish. It’s quick, easy, and full of sunny Greek flavor.

Whether you’re pairing it with grilled chicken, lamb, or salmon—or serving it with roasted vegetables—this Greek lemon rice recipe adds a burst of freshness to any meal. Let’s make this simple and authentic Greek-style lemon rice step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Greek Lemon Rice

You’ll love this homemade Greek lemon rice because it’s:

• Made with authentic Greek flavors like lemon, garlic, and oregano.
  
• Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes.
  
• Light but full of nutrients from olive oil and herbs.
  
• A versatile side dish that matches almost any protein or vegetable.
  
• Customizable with different herbs, nuts, or spices.
  
• Always fluffy, aromatic, and beautifully bright on the plate.
  
• Comforting and refreshing all at once—a real taste of the Mediterranean.
  

Ingredients for Traditional Greek Lemon Rice

• 1 cup long-grain rice
  
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  
• 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested
  
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
  
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  

Tip: Rinse your rice until the water runs clear—this keeps it fluffy and prevents it from clumping.

Step-by-Step Greek Lemon Rice Recipe Instructions

1. Rinse the rice

Wash the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This step ensures your rice stays light and fluffy.

2. Warm the lemon broth

In a small saucepan, combine the broth with lemon juice and zest. Heat gently to infuse that signature Mediterranean lemon rice flavor.

3. Sauté the garlic

In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it brown.

4. Add the rice

Stir the rice into the pot with the garlic so every grain is coated in the oil. This helps build flavor and texture.

5. Add the broth and seasonings

Pour in the warm lemon broth. Add oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir once, then cover and lower the heat.

6. Cook the rice

Let the rice simmer on low for about 15–18 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the grains are tender.

7. Fluff and garnish

Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Fluff gently with a fork and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Taste and add more lemon juice if you want that extra zesty Greek lemon rice kick.

How to Serve Greek Lemon and Herb Rice

This Greek lemon rice side dish goes well with almost anything.

• Serve it with grilled chicken, beef, or lamb.
  
• Pair it with roasted vegetables or lentil stew for a vegetarian option.
  
• Use it as the base for Mediterranean rice bowls.
  
• Garnish with lemon wedges, dill, or feta cheese.
  
• Serve it family-style in a large bowl, or plate it neatly with tzatziki or Greek salad.
  
• For extra flavor, drizzle a little olive oil and lemon juice before serving.
  

Tips for Perfect Homemade Greek Lemon Rice

• Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
  
• Try herbs like dill or thyme for variation.
  
• Add toasted almonds or pine nuts for texture.
  
• Serve warm for the best taste and aroma.
  
• Experiment with different broths such as seafood broth for a coastal twist.
  

Delicious Variations of Lemon Rice Pilaf

• Vegetable Medley: Add diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach during cooking.
  
• Zesty Rice Salad: Chill the rice, then mix with chickpeas, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette.
  
• Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf: Sauté onion and carrot before adding garlic for extra depth.
  

How to Store and Reheat Easy Greek Lemon Rice

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
To freeze, place cooled rice in freezer bags for up to 1 month.
To reheat, thaw overnight and warm gently with a splash of broth to keep it mois

Frequently Asked Questions About Simple Greek Lemon Rice

Conclusion: A Tangy Greek Lemon Rice Dish You’ll Make Again

This easy and tangy Greek lemon rice is fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. It’s a simple dish that brings the sunny taste of Greece right into your kitchen. Whether you call it lemon rice pilaf, Greek-style rice with lemon, or fluffy lemon rice, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

For more Mediterranean-inspired dishes, follow my Pinterest page for recipes and cooking ideas:
https://www.pinterest.com/emiliorecipes/

Related Recipes for Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice Lovers

• Zesty Lemon Pepper Chicken
  
• Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon
  
• No-Bake Lemon Éclair Cake
  
• Whipped Pink Lemonade
  
• Old-Fashioned Rice Pudding
  
• Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice
  
• Asian Chicken Rice
  
• Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice

Print Recipe

This Flavorful Greek Lemon Rice is a bright, tangy, and satisfying dish inspired by Mediterranean cooking. The mix of lemon, garlic, olive oil, and herbs gives the rice a fresh and zesty taste that works perfectly as a side or even as a light main dish.

• Author: Emilio
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 medium lemon, juiced and zested
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the broth with lemon juice and zest, then heat gently.
3. In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds.
4. Add the rice and stir until every grain is coated in the oil.
5. Pour in the warm lemon broth, add oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir once, then cover and lower the heat.
6. Simmer for 15–18 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
7. Remove from heat, rest for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork, and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve with grilled chicken, lamb, salmon, or roasted vegetables. Add a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice before serving for extra flavor.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: greek lemon rice, mediterranean rice, lemon herb rice, side dish, easy rice recipe