10+ White Rice Recipes Healthy for Delicious, Nutritious Meals

10+ White Rice Recipes Healthy for Delicious, Nutritious Meals

White rice is a staple in many kitchens around the world. It’s versatile and can be used in various dishes. You can create healthy meals with white rice that are both satisfying and nutritious.

A bowl of steamed white rice surrounded by colorful, chopped vegetables and herbs on a wooden table

In this article, you will discover a variety of delicious white rice recipes that incorporate wholesome ingredients. These recipes are perfect for any meal, whether it’s a quick lunch or a comforting dinner.

Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry

A colorful stir-fry sizzling in a wok, filled with vibrant cauliflower rice, mixed vegetables, and savory seasonings

Cauliflower rice stir-fry is a tasty and healthy alternative to regular rice. You can prepare it quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Start with frozen riced cauliflower for convenience. Fresh cauliflower works well too, but it takes a bit more time to prepare.

You can use any mix of vegetables you like. Frozen stir-fry veggies, such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers, are easy to find. Just be sure they are low in carbs if that’s your goal. Heat some sesame oil in a skillet and add garlic and ginger for flavor.

Cook the riced cauliflower with the veggies until tender. Add soy sauce or coconut aminos for a savory finish. This dish pairs well with proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu.

Ingredients

  • 1 bag of frozen riced cauliflower
  • 2 cups mixed stir-fry vegetables
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or coconut aminos

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
  2. Add garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in riced cauliflower and mixed vegetables.
  4. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
  5. Add soy sauce or coconut aminos; mix well and serve.

Garlic Herb Rice with Vegetables

A steaming plate of garlic herb rice with colorful mixed vegetables

Garlic herb rice with vegetables is a tasty and healthy side dish. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies and herbs. This dish pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Start by cooking your rice according to package instructions. Use vegetable broth for extra flavor.

In a pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas. Sauté them until they are tender.

Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in your cooked rice. Season with herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme. A pinch of salt and pepper will enhance the flavors.

For a fresh twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving. This will brighten up the dish and add a nice zing.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of white rice
  • 2 cups of vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 cup of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, peas)
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lemon (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the rice in vegetable broth.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Sauté minced garlic and mixed vegetables until tender.
  4. Stir in the cooked rice and season with herbs, salt, and pepper.
  5. Add lemon juice if desired before serving.

3) Lemon Parmesan Rice

A bowl of lemon parmesan rice topped with fresh herbs and surrounded by vibrant yellow lemons

Lemon Parmesan Rice is a delightful side dish that’s full of flavor. It combines the tangy taste of lemon with the richness of parmesan cheese. This dish pairs well with many meals.

To start, you will need some basic ingredients. These include white rice, broth, fresh lemon juice, parmesan cheese, garlic, and a little parsley for garnish. You can find a simple recipe online to follow.

Cooking it is easy. Begin by heating the broth in a saucepan. Once it’s boiling, add the rice. Cook it according to package instructions.

In a separate pan, sauté some garlic in a bit of oil until fragrant. After the rice finishes cooking, combine it with the garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan cheese. Stir well.

Serve hot and sprinkle some parsley on top for extra color. Enjoy this tasty and healthy side with your favorite dishes!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 1.5 cups broth
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic
  • Fresh parsley

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, bring broth to a boil.
  2. Add rice and cook as directed.
  3. In a pan, sauté minced garlic in oil.
  4. Once rice is done, mix in garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

4) Brown Rice and Quinoa Mix

A bowl of mixed brown rice and quinoa surrounded by scattered white rice grains, with fresh vegetables and herbs on the side

Brown rice and quinoa make a healthy and tasty combination. Both grains are packed with nutrients and work well together in various dishes. Quinoa adds a nice crunch and extra protein to your meal.

You can use this mix as a side dish or base for salads and bowls. It’s easy to cook and can absorb flavors from spices and dressings. Start by rinsing both grains to remove any bitterness.

To cook, use a ratio of 2 parts liquid to 1 part brown rice and quinoa combined. This ensures a fluffy and delicious texture. For added flavor, you can use broth instead of water.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup brown rice
  • 1/2 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water or broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse the brown rice and quinoa under cold water.
  2. In a pot, combine the rinsed grains and liquid.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
  4. Cover and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked.
  5. Fluff with a fork and serve.

5) Coconut Lime Rice

A bowl of coconut lime rice with fresh lime slices and shredded coconut on a wooden table

Coconut lime rice is a flavorful side dish that pairs well with many meals. The combination of coconut milk and lime juice gives it a unique taste that brightens up any plate.

To make this dish, start by rinsing one cup of long-grain white rice. Next, you’ll want to cook it with one cup of unsweetened coconut milk and one cup of water. Add a pinch of salt for extra flavor.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender.

Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the juice of one fresh lime. This will add that refreshing zing you’re looking for.

For a little extra garnish, you might sprinkle some lime zest on top. Enjoy your coconut lime rice!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 lime (juice and zest)
  • Pinch of salt

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
  2. Combine rice, coconut milk, water, and salt in a pot.
  3. Bring to a boil.
  4. Reduce heat and cover.
  5. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until rice is tender.
  6. Fluff rice with a fork.
  7. Stir in lime juice and zest.

6) Spinach and Feta Rice Salad

A bowl of spinach and feta rice salad with fresh ingredients on a wooden table

Spinach and Feta Rice Salad is a fresh and nutritious dish that you can enjoy any time. It’s easy to make and packed with flavors.

Start by cooking white rice according to the package instructions. Once it’s ready, let it cool. Meanwhile, wash and chop fresh spinach. You can use baby spinach or regular spinach.

In a large bowl, combine the cooled rice and spinach. Crumble in some feta cheese for a creamy touch. You can also add diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives for extra flavor and texture.

Dress your salad with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber (optional)
  • 1/4 cup olives (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the white rice as per package instructions.
  2. Let the rice cool.
  3. Wash and chop the spinach.
  4. In a large bowl, mix rice, spinach, and feta cheese.
  5. Add optional ingredients if desired.
  6. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
  7. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Toss everything together and serve.

7) Avocado and Cilantro Rice

A bowl of fluffy white rice mixed with chunks of ripe avocado and fresh cilantro leaves, creating a vibrant and healthy dish

Avocado and cilantro rice is a tasty and healthy option. This dish combines creamy avocados with fragrant cilantro and lime. It works well as a side or a base for your favorite meals.

To make this dish, start with cooked rice. You can use white rice, brown rice, or any variety you prefer. The creaminess of the avocado adds a great texture.

The freshness of cilantro and a splash of lime juice enhances the flavor. You can also add spices like cumin to give it an extra kick.

This rice is not only delicious but packed with healthy fats and vitamins from the avocado. It fits nicely into a balanced diet.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 ripe avocados
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mash the avocados in a bowl.
  2. Stir in lime juice, cilantro, and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Mix the mashed avocado blend into the warm cooked rice.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Ginger Soy Rice Bowl

A white ceramic bowl filled with fluffy white rice, topped with colorful vegetables and drizzled with ginger soy sauce

This Ginger Soy Rice Bowl is a simple and tasty meal that you can whip up quickly. It combines the rich flavors of ginger and soy sauce with your favorite vegetables and rice.

Start with cooked white rice as your base. You can use leftover rice for convenience. In a pan, heat some sesame oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant. Then, add your choice of vegetables, like bell peppers or broccoli.

Once the vegetables are tender, pour in soy sauce and toss everything together. Serve this mix over your rice. You can top it off with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for added crunch.

This dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Sauté garlic and ginger until fragrant.
  3. Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
  4. Stir in soy sauce and combine well.
  5. Serve over cooked rice and garnish as desired.

9) Mediterranean Rice with Olives

A colorful bowl of Mediterranean rice, mixed with vibrant green olives and fresh herbs, sits on a rustic wooden table

Mediterranean rice with olives is a flavorful dish that combines the goodness of rice with rich ingredients. You can use long-grain rice or basmati for a great texture.

To begin, cook the rice in vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor. While it cooks, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until they are soft. Then, add spices like cumin and turmeric for warmth.

As the rice finishes cooking, mix in chopped olives, diced tomatoes, and fresh herbs like parsley or basil. This adds a delicious Mediterranean twist.

Serve your rice warm, garnished with a sprinkle of feta cheese if you like.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 cup olives, pitted and chopped
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice under cold water.
  2. Cook the rice in broth according to package instructions.
  3. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  4. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
  5. Stir in cumin and turmeric; cook for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Combine cooked rice, olives, and tomatoes.
  7. Mix in fresh herbs and serve warm.

10) Mushroom and Thyme Rice

A wooden bowl filled with mushroom and thyme rice, surrounded by fresh thyme sprigs and whole mushrooms on a rustic table

Mushroom and thyme rice is a delightful and simple dish. The earthy flavor of mushrooms combined with the fragrant thyme creates a tasty side or main dish.

Start by sautéing sliced mushrooms in a bit of olive oil until they’re golden brown. This enhances their flavor and texture. Then, add cooked white rice to the mushrooms.

Stir in fresh or dried thyme for an aromatic touch. You can also add some garlic for extra flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This dish goes well with chicken, fish, or can be enjoyed on its own. It’s a great addition to your healthy meal options.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 1 cup sliced mushrooms
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
  • 1-2 cloves garlic (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cook the white rice according to package instructions.
  2. In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until golden brown.
  4. Then, stir in the cooked rice and thyme.
  5. Add minced garlic if using and season with salt and pepper.

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