Greek Lemon Rice

If there’s one side dish that can quietly steal the show, Greek Lemon Rice is it. Light, fluffy, and kissed with sunshine-y citrus, this recipe is the kind of dependable favorite you’ll lean on when dinner needs a little something extra—without extra work. Whether you’re juggling carpools, deadlines, or just the eternal “what’s for dinner?” question, this rice has your back.

I love recipes like this because they prove comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy or complicated. This Greek Lemon Rice comes together fast on the stovetop, uses pantry staples, and somehow makes even a basic weeknight meal feel intentional. Think: your kitchen smells like a cozy Mediterranean café, but you’re still in yoga pants. Win-win.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Rice

Let’s be honest—side dishes don’t always get the love they deserve. But this one? It earns a standing ovation.

• Bright but comforting: The lemon adds freshness without overpowering.
• Weeknight-friendly: From pan to plate in about 25 minutes.
• Plays well with others: Perfect with grilled chicken, seafood, roasted veggies, or even tucked into a grain bowl.
• Customizable: Add herbs, feta, or pine nuts depending on your mood (or what’s in the fridge).
• Naturally vegetarian: A crowd-pleaser for mixed tables.

This is the kind of recipe that feels simple the first time—and essential every time after.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy, Promise)

Here’s the beauty of this dish: it leans on basics, but the result tastes anything but basic.

• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or basmati): Long-grain keeps things fluffy and separate.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For richness and that classic Mediterranean feel.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds gentle sweetness.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced: Because garlic makes everything better.
• 2¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth: Broth = flavor. Water just can’t compete.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy and aromatic.
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon: The star of the show.
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Fresh and clean.
• Optional add-ins: Fresh dill, crumbled feta, or even pine nuts.

If you’ve cooked rice before, you’re already halfway there.

How to Make Greek Lemon Rice (Step-by-Step, No Stress)

This recipe is straightforward, but a few small steps make a big difference in flavor and texture.

1. Start with the aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until soft and translucent. You’re not rushing this—let the onion mellow and sweeten.

2. Add garlic (briefly!)

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. As soon as you smell that garlic goodness, move on. Burnt garlic is a mood killer.

3. Toast the rice

Add the rice to the pan and stir for 1–2 minutes. This quick toast coats the grains in oil and helps keep them fluffy later. Tiny step, big payoff.

4. Bring it all together

Pour in the broth, then add oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a stir and bring everything to a gentle boil.

5. Simmer and relax

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes. Try not to peek—rice likes privacy.

6. Lemon magic at the end

Once the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, remove the pan from heat. Stir in the lemon juice, zest, parsley, and dill if you’re using it.

7. Fluff and finish

Fluff with a fork (never a spoon), sprinkle with feta if desired, and serve warm.

That’s it. No drama. Just really good Greek Lemon Rice.

Little Tips That Make a Big Difference

• Zest first, juice second. It’s much easier to zest a whole lemon than a squeezed one.
• Love lemon? Add extra zest or use a second lemon for more punch.
• Rice too wet? Let it sit uncovered for a few minutes, then fluff again.
• Rice too dry? Stir in a tablespoon or two of warm broth.
• Serving later? Reheat gently with a splash of broth to bring it back to life.

And remember: if your rice looks a little too glossy at first, don’t panic. It settles beautifully as it rests.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

I first made this Greek Lemon Rice during one of those weeks where everything felt loud—busy schedule, endless to-do list, zero energy for complicated meals. I needed something fast, comforting, and flexible.

I served it with grilled chicken one night, roasted vegetables the next, and straight from the fridge on day three (don’t judge). Every time, it delivered. Bright enough to feel fresh, cozy enough to feel like home. Now it’s one of those recipes I make without thinking—muscle memory cooking at its best.

What to Serve With Greek Lemon Rice

This rice is a team player. A few favorite pairings:

• Grilled or roasted chicken
• Pan-seared salmon or shrimp
• Lamb chops or meatballs
• Roasted zucchini, eggplant, or asparagus
• Chickpea salads or hummus plates

It also works beautifully as a base for bowls—just add protein, veggies, and maybe a dollop of yogurt sauce.

FAQs About Greek Lemon Rice

A Bright Finish for Any Meal

There’s something quietly powerful about a recipe that’s easy, flexible, and consistently delicious—and Greek Lemon Rice checks every box. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t demand attention but always earns compliments. Light enough for summer, cozy enough for winter, and simple enough for real life.

If you’re looking for a side that brings freshness, comfort, and a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table, this Greek Lemon Rice is ready whenever you are. Grab a lemon, turn on the stove, and let dinner feel just a bit easier tonight.

Make It a Full Greek-Inspired Meal

If you’re serving this Greek Lemon Rice and want to turn it into a truly satisfying, well-rounded meal, a few thoughtfully paired dishes can make all the difference. These options keep the flavors bright, cozy, and unmistakably Mediterranean—perfect for weeknights, casual entertaining, or easy meal prep:

• Serve it alongside Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo for a comforting, protein-packed dinner that feels special without extra effort.
• Add another herby side like Greek Orzo with Lemon and Herbs to create a beautiful Mediterranean spread everyone can help themselves to.
• For chilly evenings or when you’re craving something soothing, this rice pairs beautifully with Greek Lemon Chicken Soup—bright, cozy, and deeply comforting.
• If bowls are more your style, use this rice as the base for Greek Chicken Gyro Bowls—fresh, filling, and perfect for make-ahead lunches.
• And if you enjoy seeing how classic dishes are prepared in different kitchens, this authentic Greek lemon rice recipe is a lovely reference for comparing flavors and techniques.

These pairings keep the meal feeling effortless, flavorful, and just a little bit special—exactly how weeknight cooking should feel.

Greek Lemon Rice

---

• Author: Mounia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Greek Lemon Rice is light, fluffy, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor and herbs. This easy Mediterranean side dish comes together quickly and pairs perfectly with chicken, seafood, or vegetables.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup long-grain white rice or basmati

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2¼ cups chicken or vegetable broth

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Zest of 1 lemon

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• Optional: fresh dill or crumbled feta

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.

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

3. Add the rice and stir for 1–2 minutes to lightly toast the grains.

4. Pour in the broth, then add oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.

5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

6. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and dill if using.

7. Fluff with a fork and garnish with feta if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For a stronger lemon flavor, add extra zest or use a second lemon.

Let the rice rest uncovered for a few minutes before fluffing for the best texture.

This dish reheats well with a splash of broth to refresh it.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg