Meet your next obsession: Lemon Feta Basil Rice, a vibrant, tangy, and deeply satisfying side dish that brings Greece right to your kitchen. Every bite is filled with bright lemon, creamy feta, and the garden-fresh sparkle of basil—perfect for elevating your weeknight dinner or starring at your next backyard gathering. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make Lemon Feta Basil Rice a regular on your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursts of Fresh Flavor: The combination of zesty lemon, fragrant basil, and salty feta turns simple rice into a show-stopping dish.
- Quick and Effortless: You only need one big bowl and about 25 minutes, making this perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Flexible and Versatile: Lemon Feta Basil Rice is just as happy next to grilled chicken as it is piled high with chickpeas or served as part of a mezze spread.
- Restaurant-Worthy with Pantry Staples: You probably have everything for this recipe already—no fancy techniques required, just simply amazing flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Lemon Feta Basil Rice is truly in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings its own personality to the dish, and together, they form a harmonious blend of flavor, color, and texture. Here’s why you shouldn’t skip a single one!
- Cooked rice (or grains, any kind): This is the base. Jasmine, basmati, brown, or even quinoa—all work beautifully and soak up the flavors perfectly.
- Lemon juice (from one whole lemon): This brightens everything and is truly what lifts the rice from basic to crave-worthy.
- Olive oil: Adds silkiness, a subtle, earthy richness, and helps carry those aromatic flavors through every grain.
- Salt and black pepper: Don’t underestimate these; they balance the tang and saltiness, keeping everything in check.
- Feta cheese (crumbled): Salty, creamy, and irresistibly briny, feta melts just slightly into the hot rice for pure, swoon-worthy bites.
- Fresh basil (hand torn or chiffonade): The magic finishing touch! Basil brings a sweet herbal aroma and a pop of color that makes Lemon Feta Basil Rice utterly irresistible.
Variations
This Lemon Feta Basil Rice is easy to adapt and personalize to fit whatever you have on hand, your dietary needs, or just your latest craving. Don’t be afraid to play around and make it truly your own!
- Add protein: Toss in cooked chickpeas, shredded rotisserie chicken, or grilled shrimp to turn this into a hearty main dish.
- Try different herbs: Swap out basil for fresh dill, parsley, or even mint for a new twist every time.
- Go vegan: Use vegan feta or try crumbled tofu seasoned with a dash of lemon and olive oil for a plant-based delight.
- Switch up the grains: Quinoa, bulgur, or even farro can step in for rice—each brings its own lovely texture.
How to Make Lemon Feta Basil Rice
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by cooking your rice using your favorite method—stovetop, rice cooker, or even in the microwave if you’re in a pinch. Fluffy, hot rice is key because it soaks up the lemon and olive oil dressing like a dream.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Dressing
While the rice is working its magic, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. The dressing should taste bright and punchy—it’s okay if it seems a bit strong at this stage, because it will mellow out as it’s mixed into the rice.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
As soon as the rice finishes cooking, add it to the bowl with the lemon dressing. Use a fork to break up any clumps and make sure each grain gets lovingly coated in that lemony goodness. If the dressing has separated, just give it a quick whisk again before adding the rice.
Step 4: Add the Feta and Basil
While the rice is still hot, sprinkle in the crumbled feta. Let your fingers do the work to break up extra-large chunks—some melting is encouraged! Finally, tear or chiffonade the basil leaves and gently toss them in, releasing their fragrance and color into every bite of your Lemon Feta Basil Rice.
Step 5: Serve Warm
Spoon the finished Lemon Feta Basil Rice into a serving bowl, and let the golden colors and fragments of feta and basil speak for themselves. The rice is best enjoyed warm, so dig in right away for maximum flavor!
Pro Tips for Making Lemon Feta Basil Rice
- Rice Texture Matters: If you prefer a fluffier dish, spread freshly cooked rice on a tray for a few minutes before dressing to let excess steam escape—no mushy rice here!
- Choose Great Feta: Opt for a good block of feta in brine—it’s creamier and tangier than pre-crumbled versions and crumbles easily by hand.
- Add Basil at the End: Stir basil in at the very last minute to preserve its bright green color and fresh flavor—nothing beats that fragrant pop!
- Double the Batch: This Lemon Feta Basil Rice disappears fast, so don’t be shy about doubling the recipe for meal prep, potlucks, or second helpings.
How to Serve Lemon Feta Basil Rice
Garnishes
The finishing touches can turn Lemon Feta Basil Rice from simple to simply stunning. A zesting of fresh lemon over the top, extra basil ribbons, or a shower of toasted pine nuts take the flavor (and the wow-factor) up a notch. If you have it, a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving never hurts either.
Side Dishes
Lemon Feta Basil Rice shines alongside just about anything. Think juicy grilled chicken or fish, falafel, roasted vegetables, or as the anchor to a mezze platter loaded with hummus and olives. Its zesty flavor balances spiced or smoky mains beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring extra flair by serving the rice inside roasted bell pepper halves, scooped onto lettuce leaves for a fresh wrap, or molded into ramekins for a neat dinner-party shape. You can even layer Lemon Feta Basil Rice into jars for picnic-ready Mediterranean grain salads!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. Lemon Feta Basil Rice keeps beautifully for up to 3 days and is just as tasty cold as it is warm.
Freezing
You can freeze Lemon Feta Basil Rice! Let it cool completely first, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight—it may lose a bit of basil’s vibrancy, but the flavors will still be fabulous.
Reheating
To reheat, splash a little water over the rice and microwave in 30-second bursts, fluffing between each, or warm gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil after warming for that signature pop!
FAQs
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Can I make Lemon Feta Basil Rice with brown rice or quinoa?
Absolutely! Brown rice, quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice are fantastic alternatives. Just cook the grains as you normally would, and follow the recipe steps as written. Each grain adds its own unique texture and flavor while soaking up the lemony dressing perfectly.
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Is this dish good served cold?
Yes—Lemon Feta Basil Rice is delicious chilled! It makes a fantastic lunchbox or potluck salad the next day. Just know that chilled rice may firm up, so let it come to room temperature or give it a quick warm-up if you prefer a softer texture.
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Can I prep this ahead of time for a party?
You sure can! Cook and dress the rice a few hours ahead and chill. Save the basil and feta to add right before serving for the brightest flavor and best texture. This makes Lemon Feta Basil Rice a dream for entertaining.
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How can I make this dish less tangy if I find lemon overwhelming?
If you prefer a milder lemon flavor, simply reduce the lemon juice or add a pinch of sugar or honey to the dressing. Taste as you go, and feel free to adjust until it’s just right for you—Lemon Feta Basil Rice is all about making it your own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something sunny, bold, and impossibly easy, Lemon Feta Basil Rice is your answer. I hope you give it a try—you might just find a new favorite that’s destined to join your dinner rotation. Grab a lemon, some feta, and fresh basil, and let this bright, beautiful dish light up your table!
Print
Lemon Feta Basil Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Mixing, Tossing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Lemon Feta Basil Rice recipe that combines the zing of lemon, the creaminess of feta cheese, and the freshness of basil with fluffy cooked rice. This dish is a perfect side or main course that is easy to make and bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Rice:
- 3 cups cooked rice (or grains, any kind)
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (one whole lemon)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/3 cup fresh basil (hand torn or chiffonade)
Instructions
- Cook Rice: Prepare the rice using your preferred method.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Rice and Dressing: Once the rice is cooked, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Stir to combine and break up the rice.
- Emulsify Dressing: Whisk the lemon juice and olive oil again if separation occurs before adding the rice.
- Add Feta Cheese: While the rice is hot, add the feta cheese. Stir to distribute, ensuring any large chunks are crumbled.
- Include Basil: Tear or thinly slice the basil leaves and add them to the rice. Toss to combine.
- Serve: Serve the Lemon Feta Basil Rice warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
