10+ Health Rice Recipes for Delicious and Nutritious Meals

Rice is a versatile ingredient that can be a foundation for many healthy meals. Exploring various healthy rice recipes can help you add flavor and nutrition to your diet in a simple way.

Whether you’re looking for new side dishes or main courses, rice can easily fit into your cooking routine.

By incorporating different vegetables, proteins, and spices, you can create delicious meals that are good for you. These recipes will not only satisfy your taste buds but also ensure you enjoy a balanced diet.

1) Chicken Burrito Skillet

Chicken Burrito Skillet is a simple and tasty dish. It combines chicken, rice, beans, and cheese all in one pan. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes!

Start by cooking your chicken pieces with some seasoning. Then, add black beans, zesty tomatoes, and cooked brown rice. It’s a great way to get protein and fiber in your meal.

Top it off with cheese while it’s still hot. This adds a delicious melty touch and makes it even better!

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup brown rice
• Taco seasoning
• Shredded cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Cook chicken until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in black beans and tomatoes.
4. Add cooked brown rice and taco seasoning.
5. Mix well and heat through.
6. Top with cheese and cover until melted. Enjoy!

2) Lemon Rice Pilaf

Lemon Rice Pilaf is a bright and tasty dish that’s simple to make. You can enjoy it as a side or on its own. The blend of rice, lemon, and spices gives it a refreshing flavor.

To prepare this pilaf, start with long-grain rice and sauté it with onions and garlic. After that, you’ll add chicken broth for richness and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for zing.

The dish gets its fluffy texture from simmering the rice until it’s perfectly cooked. Top it with fresh herbs like parsley for extra freshness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
6. Fluff the rice and stir in lemon zest.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with parsley before serving.

3) Spinach Rice Delight

Spinach Rice Delight is a simple and healthy dish you can make in one pot. It combines the goodness of spinach with rice for a tasty meal. You can enjoy it as a main course or a side dish.

Start by cooking basmati rice and adding fresh spinach. You can include herbs and spices like garlic and lemon for extra flavor. This dish is not only colorful but also packed with nutrients.

You will love how quick and easy it is to prepare. It’s perfect for a busy day when you need something quick yet nutritious.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until it runs clear.
2. In a pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Add salt.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Stir in chopped spinach and lemon juice. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Fluff rice with a fork and serve warm.

4) Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf

Cranberry Wild Rice Pilaf is a delightful dish that mixes sweet and savory flavors. It’s perfect as a side or even a main course. The combination of wild rice, cranberries, and nuts creates a tasty and healthy meal.

You can make this pilaf easily in one pot. It’s a great option if you want something gluten-free and vegan. Serve it warm or let it cool for a refreshing salad.

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the wild rice under cold water.
2. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the onion until soft.
3. Add wild rice and stir for 1 minute.
4. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
6. Stir in cranberries and pecans, then season with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve warm.

5) Easy Lemon Rice

Easy Lemon Rice is a quick and flavorful side dish. It brightens up any meal with its zesty taste. You can make it with just a few ingredients.

To prepare, start by cooking white rice. Once it’s fluffy, add lemon juice, zest, and olive oil. You can also mix in crushed garlic for more flavor. This dish is not only tasty but also simple and flexible.

This recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without too much effort. You can pair it with various main dishes or enjoy it on its own.

Ingredients

• 1 cup white rice
• 2 cups water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Lemon zest to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the rice and combine it with water in a pot.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce heat and cover. Cook for about 15-20 minutes until done.
3. In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, lemon zest, and crushed garlic.
4. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lemon mixture.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

6) Vegan Burrito Bowl

A Vegan Burrito Bowl is a tasty and healthy meal. It combines brown rice, black beans, fresh veggies, and lots of flavor. You can customize it with your favorite toppings.

Start with seasoned brown rice as the base. Add black beans for protein and fiber. Include sautéed corn, diced tomatoes, and avocado for creaminess. You can also add a squeeze of lime for extra zing.

This dish is perfect for meal prep. You can make several bowls in advance. Just store them in your fridge for quick and easy lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• Lime juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook brown rice according to package instructions.
2. Sauté corn in a pan until warm.
3. In a bowl, layer rice, black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado.
4. Drizzle with lime juice before serving.

7) Healthy Vegetable Fried Rice

Healthy Vegetable Fried Rice is a tasty and easy dish to make at home. You can use leftover brown rice for a quick meal. This recipe includes plenty of colorful veggies like carrots, peas, and corn.

You can add flavors with garlic and ginger, making it delicious. It’s a great way to pack in nutrients while enjoying your meal. Plus, you can customize it with whatever veggies you have at home.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup peas
• 1 cup corn
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute.
3. Stir in carrots, peas, and corn; cook until tender.
4. Add cooked rice and soy sauce; mix well.
5. Season with salt and pepper; serve warm.

8) Peanut Chickpea Rice Bowl

This Peanut Chickpea Rice Bowl is a delicious and nutritious meal. It combines fluffy rice with crispy chickpeas and colorful vegetables. The dish is topped with a creamy peanut sauce for a burst of flavor.

To make this bowl, you can use cooked rice of your choice. Add roasted chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This meal is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite toppings. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can enhance the taste. Enjoy this healthy bowl as part of your meal prep or whenever you need something tasty.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, kale, or carrots)
• 2 tablespoons peanut sauce
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss chickpeas with olive oil and roast for 20-25 minutes.
3. Sauté mixed vegetables in a pan until tender.
4. Assemble the bowl with rice, chickpeas, and veggies.
5. Drizzle with peanut sauce and top with sesame seeds and cilantro.

9) One-Pot Chicken & Rice

One-Pot Chicken and Rice is a simple and comforting dish. It combines tender chicken with flavorful rice and vegetables. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

You can use frozen vegetables and pantry staples, which makes it easy to prepare. It cooks all in one pot, saving you time on cleanup.

Start by sautéing the onion and chicken until browned. Then add rice, water, and your choice of vegetables. Let it all simmer until the rice is fluffy and the chicken is cooked through.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 3 cups water
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs and spices (such as garlic powder and paprika)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot, sauté onion until it softens.
2. Add chicken and cook until it browns.
3. Stir in rice, water, and frozen vegetables.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low.
6. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
7. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

10) Brown Rice Tabbouleh

Brown Rice Tabbouleh is a healthy twist on the classic Middle Eastern dish. It’s fresh, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Using brown rice instead of bulgur adds a nutritious touch.

To make this dish, you will need herbs, vegetables, and a zesty dressing. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

This recipe is simple and quick to prepare. You can enjoy it chilled, making it great for warm days.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 cup parsley leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the brown rice according to package instructions. Let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, parsley, mint, and tomatoes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the rice mixture and toss to combine.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.