Dinner

Greek Lemon Spinach Rice Recipe

Name: Greek Lemon Spinach Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ cup chopped onion; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; Zest from one lemon; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; ½ pound baby spinach (8 ounces), coarsely chopped; 2 cups vegetable broth; 4 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped and divided; ½ teaspoon salt; A few grinds freshly ground black pepper; Juice from one lemon, about 3 tablespoons

ByMaya Quinn February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

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Introduction

Greek Rice is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that brings fresh herbs and lemon zest to tender basmati rice. With spinach and fragrant dill, it’s a bright and healthy accompaniment perfect for Mediterranean meals or any time you want a delicious twist on classic rice.

A white bowl filled with cooked rice mixed with finely chopped green herbs and spinach, giving the rice a speckled texture of light brown and dark green. The rice is topped with bright yellow thin lemon zest strips finely spread on the top. The bowl is placed on a white towel with blue and yellow stripes, set on a white marbled surface. Behind the bowl are two whole yellow lemons, green spinach leaves, and sprigs of fresh dill, adding vibrant color to the scene. A silver spoon rests partly visible beside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup basmati rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
Zest from one lemon
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ pound baby spinach (8 ounces), coarsely chopped
2 cups vegetable broth
4 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped and divided
½ teaspoon salt
A few grinds freshly ground black pepper
Juice from one lemon (about 3 tablespoons)

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the basmati rice under running cold water until the water runs clear. Set aside to drain.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the lemon zest, ground cumin, and chopped spinach. Cover the pan and cook until the spinach wilts, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the drained rice, vegetable broth, 2 tablespoons of the chopped dill, salt, and black pepper to the spinach mixture. Stir well to combine and bring it to a boil.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer gently until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
Step 6: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice along with the remaining fresh dill. Fluff the rice gently before serving.
Step 7: Optionally, garnish with thin lemon strands for an extra bright note before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use jasmine rice instead of basmati for a slightly stickier texture.
Add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch.
Substitute fresh dill with fresh parsley or mint if preferred.
For a richer flavor, cook the rice in half vegetable broth and half lemon-infused water.

Storage

Store leftover Greek rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a dish filled with cooked rice mixed with wilted green leafy vegetables, showing individual grains coated with light yellow seasoning and bits of green herbs scattered throughout. The rice and greens are inside a shiny metal container with a silver spoon partially submerged in the mixture. The texture of the rice is fluffy and slightly moist, while the greens add a soft, wilted texture and deep green color contrast. The image has a clean white marbled surface beneath the container. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular white rice instead of basmati?

Yes, you can substitute regular long-grain white rice, but the cooking time and texture may vary slightly. Adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.