Spinach Artichoke Mediterranean Rice Recipe
A vibrant and flavorful Spinach Artichoke Mediterranean Rice dish that combines tender rice with fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers, finished with creamy feta and a hint of lemon for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal or side.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish / Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Rice Base:
- 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Mediterranean Veggies:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, chopped (canned or frozen, drained)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup roasted red peppers, diced
For the Creamy Finish:
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and soft. Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes. Pour in broth, season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the rice cooks, heat a small skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté spinach, artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and roasted red peppers for 3–4 minutes until warmed through and flavors meld.
- Combine & Finish: Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and gently fold in the sautéed vegetables. Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt or cream cheese if using, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the Spinach Artichoke Mediterranean Rice warm as a hearty side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for a nuttier flavor and extra fiber but increase cooking time accordingly.
- For a vegan version, omit feta and Greek yogurt and consider using a plant-based alternative.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil will add extra richness; drain or chop accordingly.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like olives or zucchini for more variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: spinach artichoke rice, Mediterranean rice, vegetarian rice dish, healthy rice recipe, spinach and artichoke, feta rice, easy Mediterranean meal