Mediterranean Lemon Rice with Chickpeas, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Lemon Rice with Chickpeas, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for any meal. It combines tangy lemon, fresh herbs, and creamy feta for a satisfying vegetarian option that’s easy to make and full of wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

• 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
• 1.5 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 oz grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 15 oz canned chickpeas, drained
• 6 oz feta cheese, diced into small cubes
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (optional)
• Fresh oregano for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the uncooked rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Remove from heat and keep covered.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add half of the halved grape tomatoes, minced garlic, dried oregano, and salt. Cook for about 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
4. Step 4: Add chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cooked rice and drained chickpeas, mixing well.
6. Step 6: Add 3 tablespoons lemon juice and the remaining halved grape tomatoes. Reheat over medium heat, stirring to combine. Optionally, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil for richness.
7. Step 7: In a separate bowl, combine diced feta cheese with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, and fresh oregano if using. Toss to coat the feta evenly.
8. Step 8: Mix half of the feta mixture into the skillet with the lemon rice. Warm gently to soften the cheese, then remove from heat.
9. Step 9: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve topped with the remaining feta mixture and garnish with fresh oregano.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute chickpeas for cooked white beans and omit the feta or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
• If you prefer a more citrusy flavor, add extra lemon zest along with the juice.
• Fresh spinach can be swapped for kale or Swiss chard for a different green.
• Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth makes this dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the tomatoes for a mild spicy kick.

Storage

Store leftover lemon rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep the rice moist. The feta may firm up slightly when chilled but will soften upon reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute jasmine rice with basmati or long-grain white rice. Adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio according to the package instructions for best results.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This recipe holds up well in the fridge and can be enjoyed cold or reheated. Keep the feta mixture separate if you prefer to add it fresh when serving.

Mediterranean Lemon Rice with Chickpeas, Spinach, Tomatoes, and Feta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 57 reviews

This vibrant Mediterranean Lemon Rice recipe blends fluffy jasmine rice with juicy grape tomatoes, fresh spinach, tangy lemon juice, and creamy feta cheese. Chickpeas add heartiness while oregano and garlic infuse aromatic flavors, creating a light yet satisfying one-pan meal perfect for any occasion.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice & Broth

• 1 cup uncooked jasmine rice
• 1.5 cups chicken broth

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 8 oz grape tomatoes, sliced in half
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped

Seasonings & Oils

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano (optional)

Additional Flavorings & Protein

• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 15 oz canned chickpeas, drained
• 6 oz feta cheese, diced into small cubes

Instructions

1. Rinse Rice: Place uncooked jasmine rice in a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and rinse under cold water, moving the rice with your hands until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. Cook Rice: Combine the rinsed rice and chicken broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Remove from heat and let it rest covered.
3. Prepare Tomato & Spinach Mixture: In a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat, add half of the halved grape tomatoes, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook for about 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juice.
4. Wilt Spinach: Stir chopped fresh spinach into the tomato mixture and cook until wilted.
5. Add Rice and Chickpeas: Incorporate cooked rice and drained chickpeas into the skillet, stirring to combine.
6. Add Lemon Juice and Remaining Tomatoes: Mix in 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice plus the remaining halved grape tomatoes. Reheat gently while stirring. Optionally, add an extra tablespoon of olive oil for richness.
7. Make Feta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine diced feta cheese, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano if available. Stir until cheese is evenly coated.
8. Combine Feta with Rice: Mix half of the feta mixture into the skillet with the lemon rice. Warm gently to soften cheese and blend flavors, then remove from heat. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Serve and Garnish: Serve the Mediterranean lemon rice topped with the remaining feta mixture and a sprinkle of fresh oregano for garnish.

Notes

• Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing clumping and ensuring fluffy texture.
• Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor; bottled lemon juice may dull the taste.
• You can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this dish vegetarian.
• Adding fresh oregano is optional but adds an aromatic freshness to the dish.
• This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it suitable for meal prep or picnics.

Keywords: Mediterranean rice, lemon rice, chickpeas, spinach, feta cheese, one-pan meal, healthy rice recipe, vegetarian-friendly, easy dinner