πŸ₯„ Homestyle recipes, tested & loved
πŸ₯˜Recipes by Nani
Dinner

Fresh and Zesty Green Rice

This vibrant green rice is packed with fresh herbs and zesty lime for a side dish that brightens up any meal.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 Mexican· October 29, 2026
Fresh and Zesty Green Rice
recipesbynani.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
40 minutes
Total
50 minutes
Serves
6

This green rice is a favorite in my kitchen because it turns a plain bowl of rice into something truly special. The combination of fresh cilantro, nutritious spinach, and bright lime juice creates a beautiful color and a flavor that pairs perfectly with tacos, grilled chicken, or fish.

Everything bakes together in the oven, which makes it a simple side dish to manage while you focus on the rest of your dinner. If you want an extra kick of flavor, feel free to toss in a jalapeΓ±o when blending the green sauce.

🧺 Ingredients

  • 2 cups long grain white rice
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro, packed
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

πŸ‘©β€πŸ³Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. 2

    Combine the cilantro, spinach, garlic, onion, lime juice, and one cup of the broth in a blender. Process until the mixture is smooth and bright green.

  3. 3

    Place the dry rice in a 9x13 inch baking dish and stir in the olive oil until the grains are coated.

  4. 4

    Pour the green mixture and the remaining two cups of broth into the baking dish with the rice. Add the salt and stir everything together well.

  5. 5

    Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the steam.

  6. 6

    Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.

  7. 7

    Remove from the oven, let it sit covered for five minutes, then fluff with a fork before serving.

πŸ’‘ Tips

Serve this rice alongside grilled shrimp or fajitas for a complete meal. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, add a small splash of water to keep the grains moist.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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