Greek Rice (Easy Mediterranean Rice Recipe)

If you’re looking for a flavorful side dish that pairs with almost anything, this Greek rice is about to become a new favorite. This Mediterranean rice recipe is made with fragrant spices, sautéed onion, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herbs for a simple but incredibly flavorful dish.

Mediterranean food is my absolute favorite and so after years of eating greek rice at my favorite greek restaurants, I knew I had to come up with a delicious greek rice recipe that rivals them all. I think I accomplished what I set out to do. 😉 This rice is fluffy, aromatic, and full of Mediterranean flavors thanks to turmeric, cumin, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. Made with basmati rice, this dish cooks up light and tender every time.

Whether you’re serving it with chicken souvlaki, grilled lamb chops, tzatziki, or a fresh Greek salad, this Greek rice dish is the perfect side dish for your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Rice

This easy Greek rice recipe uses simple ingredients but delivers big flavor.

• Fluffy and aromatic long grain rice
• Packed with classic Mediterranean flavors
• Made with pantry staples
• Ready in about 25 minutes
• A perfect side dish for almost any Greek food

It’s similar to a Greek rice pilaf, where the rice is lightly toasted and simmered until perfectly tender.

Ingredients for Greek Rice

This Mediterranean rice uses a handful of simple ingredients that work together to create an incredibly flavorful dish. This post may contain affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use and love.

You’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• ¾ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• ¼ cup toasted pine nuts

The turmeric gives the rice its beautiful golden color, while the spices bring warm Mediterranean flavors that pair beautifully with grilled meats and vegetables.

Best Rice to Use

For the best texture, use basmati rice, which is a long grain rice known for its light and fluffy texture. This type of rice cooks up beautifully and keeps the grains separate, creating perfectly fluffy rice.

You can substitute other varieties of white rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking times slightly.

How to Make Greek Rice

This Mediterranean rice recipe is very simple and comes together in one pot.

1. Sauté the onion

Heat olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

2. Toast the spices

Stir in the turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the spices become fragrant.

3. Add the rice and water

Pour in the water (or chicken broth) and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful bits. Add the basmati rice, give everything a good stir, and bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer the rice

Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

5. Finish with herbs and pine nuts

Remove the pot from heat and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the cilantro, parsley, and toasted pine nuts. These fresh herbs are optional but really elevate the dish.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Optional Lemon Variation

If you love Greek lemon rice, you can easily turn this into a bright lemon rice recipe. Simply stir in:

• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (juice from 1/2 of a small lemon)
• ½ teaspoon lemon zest

The citrus adds a bright flavor that complements the spices beautifully. Just be careful not to add too much lemon juice, which can introduce a slightly bitter flavor if overdone.

Serving Suggestions

This Greek style rice pairs beautifully with many Mediterranean dishes.

Try serving it with:

• Greek Lamb Chops
• Tzatziki sauce
• Chicken souvlaki
• Chicken shawarma
• Roasted vegetables
• A fresh Greek salad

It works equally well alongside grilled meats or as a base for a main dish bowl.

Alternative Cooking Methods

Rice Cooker

You can easily make this Mediterranean rice in a rice cooker.

1. Sauté the onion, garlic, and spices in a skillet first.
2. Transfer everything to the rice cooker with the rice and liquid.
3. Cook according to your rice cooker’s white rice setting.

Instant Pot

To make this Greek rice recipe in the Instant Pot:

1. Use the sauté function to cook the onion, garlic, and spices.
2. Add the rice and liquid.
3. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes, then allow a 10 minute natural release.

Storage Tips

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat, add a splash of water and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop to restore the texture of the fluffy rice.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean rice recipe is a simple, flavorful side that brings authentic Greek food flavors right to your kitchen. With warm spices, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herbs, it’s easy to see why rice like this has become a time favorite at many Greek restaurants.

Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this easy Greek rice is a delicious addition to your next Mediterranean meal. Enjoy it along some Greek Lamb Chops, Greek Salad, and Tzatziki and you have yourself a delicious feast, perfect for any holiday or weekend dinner.