Mediterranean Yellow Rice

This quick and easy Mediterranean Yellow Rice recipe yields the most flavorful and fluffy result! Onion, turmeric, and cumin are sautéed to release the aromatics before cooking the rice to tender perfection. Add toasted pine nuts for a crunch and serve this vegan Greek pilaf as a side dish along with kebobs, lamb koftas, or grilled veggies.

Mediterranean Rice Recipe

I made a batch of these Lamb Koftas and Tzatziki Sauce and needed a simple side to go along with them.

Recently I had a delightful yellow rice at a local Greek spot so I decided to try it out.

I got started by sautéing a little oil and onion.

Then a few aromatic ground spices were tossed in and toasted slightly. (Wow does your kitchen smell in-CREDIBLE when you do this!)

Next, I added in basmati rice and water and simmered until the rice was tender and fluffy.

And of course, those fresh herbs and toasted pine nuts needed to be mixed in right at the end.

The combo of fresh herbs and ground spices really takes this delicious side dish to the NEXT level of flavor!

This yellow Mediterranean rice, with its vibrant color and nutty flavor, is the perfect addition to any Greek-themed night. Try it with Greek Chicken Shish Kabobs, Greek Turkey Burgers, or even Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs.

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make this yellow rice recipe include:

• Rice. Use long-grain basmati rice. It has a delicious taste and aroma that is also a little nutty and floral. You can substitute it with white rice, but it won’t be nearly as flavorful.
• Water. You can also substitute vegetable broth or chicken broth for a more classic rice pilaf recipe. If you do, make sure you adjust the amount of salt added accordingly.
• Onion. Sweet onion was used and is recommended. Yellow or white onion will also work. 
• Spices. Turmeric gives this rice a yellow color, cumin an earthy taste, and paprika for a slightly sweet heat.
• Herbs. Fresh herbs are key! It’s worth it to incorporate both cilantro and parsley. Flat-leaf parsley is preferred, but curly leaf can be used.
• Nuts. Get the perfect crunch with toasted pine nuts. You can also use coarsely chopped and toasted almonds or leave the nuts out completely if allergic.

How to Make Mediterranean Yellow Rice

Below you’ll find the simple steps to make this Mediterranean rice recipe:

Sauté the Onion

Start by adding oil and diced onion to a medium saucepan over medium or medium-high heat. Once the onion becomes translucent, add crushed garlic and cook for another minute.

Mix in turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt until combined. Toast until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the Rice

Rinse the rice in a strainer until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. This keeps the rice from getting too sticky.

Pour in the water and add in the rice to the cooked onion. Stir well and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any bits that are stuck. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.

Cook until it’s tender and fluffy.

Serve It Up

Remove from the heat. Add the finishing touches by mixing in aromatic herbs, like chopped cilantro and parsley, and toasted pine nuts. Enjoy!

Meal Prep and Storage

• To Prep-Ahead: This rice is best if made just before serving. You can measure out the spices and chop the fresh herbs if you want to get ahead the day before.
• To Store: Keep leftover Mediterranean rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. 
• To Freeze: This freezes great in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 4-6 months.
• To Reheat: Either warm up this rice in the microwave, or add to a skillet with a little oil and water.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

• Nut-free: Leave out the pine nuts.

Can you eat rice on a Mediterranean diet?

Yes, you can definitely enjoy rice while on a Mediterranean diet. It’s important, however, to pay attention to what type of rice you eat. Your healthiest options contain whole grains like brown rice, farro, millet, or whole-wheat couscous. (Here’s more on the question, Is brown rice healthier than white rice?)

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Toast a little bit. This releases the aromatics of the spices before adding in the rice and water.
• Keep an eye on them. Pine nuts can burn quickly when toasting, so watch closely. 
• Fresh is best. Use fresh herbs instead of dried for the best flavor. 
• Cook to serve. This rice has the best texture when cooked just before serving.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Rice

This easy side dish rounds out any Mediterranean-inspired menu. All of the following recipes make a perfect pairing:

Mediterranean recipes like Greek Chicken Shish Kabobs, Greek Turkey Burgers, and Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs are made even better with this rice.

Hearty sides like Gluten-Free Falafel, Mediterranean Chickpea Salad, Greek Cucumber Salad, and Mediterranean Couscous Salad are also delicious alongside this recipe.

Don’t forget the Greek Tzatziki Sauce, Homemade Hummus, and Baba Ganoush to complete this Mediterranean feast.

More Rice Recipes

It’s super simple to elevate a plain pot of rice into a flavor-packed side. Explore these recipes to take your rice to the next level:

Add some flavor with Cilantro Lime Rice, Mango Coconut Rice, or Instant Pot Mexican Rice.

If you’re watching your carbs, try plain Cauliflower Rice or Cauliflower Fried Rice.

Check out How to Reheat Rice too!