10+ Rice Recipes Healthy for Wholesome Eating

Rice is a versatile and nutritious grain that can be part of a healthy diet. It is easy to prepare and can be paired with various ingredients to create delicious meals. You can make a wide range of healthy rice recipes that are not only good for you but also packed with flavor.

These recipes can include different types of rice, such as brown, wild, or even cauliflower rice. Each variety offers unique benefits and can help you explore new tastes in your cooking.

Whether you are looking for simple side dishes or hearty main meals, there are plenty of options to satisfy your hunger and keep your meals interesting.

Brown Rice Stir-Fry with Tofu

Brown rice stir-fry with tofu is a tasty and healthy meal you can whip up quickly. It brings together nutritious brown rice, colorful veggies, and protein-packed tofu.

Start by cooking your brown rice. Use vegetable stock for extra flavor.

In a large pan or wok, heat some vegetable oil. Add tofu cubes and cook them until they turn golden brown.

Next, toss in your favorite vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli. Stir-fry until they are crisp-tender.

Then, add the cooked rice along with soy sauce, sesame oil, and any desired seasonings.

Give everything a good stir until it’s heated through, and enjoy your delicious stir-fry.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2.5 cups vegetable stock
• 1 cup tofu, cubed
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, etc.)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring vegetable stock to a boil in a saucepan.
2. Add brown rice, cover, and simmer for 55 minutes.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add tofu cubes and stir-fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Add vegetables and stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes.
6. Stir in cooked rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
7. Cook until everything is heated through; serve hot.

2) Quinoa and Rice Salad with Herbs

A Quinoa and Rice Salad with herbs is a great way to enjoy a nutritious meal. This dish combines fluffy quinoa and rice with fresh herbs for a tasty side or light main course.

You can make it easily by mixing your favorite ingredients. Add chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers for crunch. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro brighten the flavors.

Dressing your salad with olive oil and lemon juice enhances the taste. It’s a refreshing choice for picnics or barbecues.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup chopped cucumbers
• 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped bell peppers
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or cilantro)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and brown rice.
2. Add chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers.
3. Drizzle olive oil and lemon juice over the mixture.
4. Toss in fresh herbs and season with salt and pepper.
5. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for an hour before serving.

3) Spinach and Rice Stuffed Peppers

Spinach and rice stuffed peppers are a tasty and healthy option for a meal. You’ll find this dish both colorful and satisfying. The combination of flavors makes it a favorite for many.

To prepare, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Next, select your bell peppers and halve them. This allows for easy stuffing.

For the filling, mix cooked brown rice, chopped spinach, diced onions, and seasonings. You can add cheese for extra flavor if you like. Stuff this mixture into the pepper halves.

Place your stuffed peppers in a baking dish. Cover them with foil and bake for about 25-30 minutes. This helps the peppers become tender.

Remove the foil in the last few minutes to brown the tops slightly if desired. Serve them warm, and enjoy your healthy meal!

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers (any color)
• 3 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 package frozen chopped spinach
• 1 onion, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cheese for topping

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Halve the bell peppers and remove seeds.
3. In a bowl, mix brown rice, spinach, onion, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff the mixture into the pepper halves.
5. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake for a few extra minutes if desired.

4) Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup

Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup is a comforting dish full of flavor. It’s perfect for any time you want something cozy and healthy. The bright lemon adds a fresh twist to the tender chicken and rice.

You can make this soup with simple ingredients. Start with chicken, rice, and fresh lemon juice. Add in vegetables like carrots and celery for more nutrition.

This soup is not just tasty; it’s also quick to prepare. It takes about 30 minutes to make, making it ideal for busy days.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• ½ cup rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add carrots and celery; sauté for 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
4. Add rice and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Mix in shredded chicken and lemon juice.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

5) Mushroom and Rice Pilaf

Mushroom and rice pilaf is a delicious and healthy dish that you can easily make at home. This recipe is perfect as a side or even a main meal. Plus, it’s packed with flavor!

You’ll start by sautéing fresh mushrooms, onions, and peppers in butter. This step brings out their natural sweetness. Then, you add rice, water, and seasonings like garlic powder and black pepper for an extra kick.

Cook everything together until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. This usually takes about 14 to 16 minutes. You can also add vegetables or cheese if you’d like to customize it.

Ingredients

• 1 cup rice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat (about 350°F/175°C).
2. Add the mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in rice, water, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.
5. Cover and simmer for 14 to 16 minutes, until rice is tender.

6) Rice and Black Bean Bowl

A Rice and Black Bean Bowl is a simple and tasty dish. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. The combination is nutritious and filling. You can customize it with your favorite toppings.

Start with cooked rice as the base. Brown rice works well for added fiber. Then, mix in canned black beans for protein. Rinse and drain them before adding to the bowl.

Top your bowl with fresh veggies like diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or avocado. You might also want to drizzle a bit of lime juice or your favorite dressing. For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili powder.

This dish is not only easy to make but also good for you. Enjoy your Rice and Black Bean Bowl as a hearty meal anytime!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice (brown or white)
• 1 can black beans (15 oz)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• Lime juice to taste
• Spices (optional: cumin, chili powder)

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Rinse and drain black beans.
3. In a bowl, layer rice and black beans.
4. Add diced tomatoes and bell peppers.
5. Top with avocado slices and lime juice.
6. Season with spices if desired.

7) Curried Cauliflower Rice with Peas

Curried cauliflower rice with peas is a tasty and healthy side dish. It’s a great way to enjoy veggies while keeping your meals light. With the right spices, it adds flavor and color to your plate.

To make this dish, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. You start with cauliflower, which you can easily turn into rice-sized pieces. Add fresh peas for texture and sweetness. Spices like curry powder will bring warmth to the dish.

This recipe cooks quickly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious in a hurry. You can serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, or enjoy it on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 large head of cauliflower, grated or processed
• 1 cup of fresh or frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• Salt, to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add grated cauliflower and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes.
3. Mix in curry powder and salt, cooking for another minute.
4. Stir in peas and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes.

8) Mediterranean Rice and Bean Skillet

A Mediterranean Rice and Bean Skillet is a quick and tasty meal. It combines rice, beans, and flavorful spices for a wholesome dish. You can make it in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Start by cooking some brown rice, which adds fiber and nutrients. Then, mix in black beans for protein. This dish has a light and fresh taste with added herbs and spices like cumin and parsley.

Feel free to toss in colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers and tomatoes. This keeps the meal vibrant and delicious. You can also serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
3. Add bell pepper and sauté for 3-5 minutes.
4. Stir in black beans, tomatoes, cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook until heated through, about 5 minutes.
6. Mix in the cooked rice and garnish with parsley.

9) Ginger Garlic Fried Rice

Ginger Garlic Fried Rice is a simple and tasty dish. It’s packed with flavor from ginger and garlic, along with colorful vegetables. This recipe is great as a side or a complete meal.

To make this dish, start with cooked rice. Fresh ingredients like carrots, green beans, and onions add nutrition and color. You can also adjust the vegetables to your liking.

Using ginger and garlic gives a nice aroma and unique taste. A splash of soy sauce can enhance the flavors, but feel free to leave it out for a lighter option.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• Soy sauce (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F or 175°C).
2. Add the onion, carrots, and green beans. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and ginger; cook for another minute.
4. Add the cooked rice and soy sauce if using. Mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

10) Mexican-Style Rice and Beans

Mexican-style rice and beans is a tasty and nutritious dish. It combines rice with the goodness of beans, making it filling and satisfying.

Start by using long-grain brown rice or white rice, depending on your preference. Cooking it in vegetable broth adds extra flavor. You can also mix in fresh salsa for a zesty kick.

For added nutrition, consider using black or pinto beans. They are a great source of protein and fiber. Don’t forget to sauté onions and spices in olive oil for that delicious aroma.

Serve your Mexican-style rice and beans with toppings like cilantro or avocado. This dish is great as a main meal or a side.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain brown or white rice
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup black or pinto beans (cooked)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• Olive oil
• Spices (like cumin, chili powder)
• Fresh salsa

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Sauté chopped onion until soft.
3. Add rice and stir for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in vegetable broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
6. Cook for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.
7. Stir in beans and spices.
8. Serve with fresh salsa on top.