Mediterranean lemon spinach rice with chickpeas & yogurt drizzle
This Mediterranean Lemon Spinach Rice is light, fragrant, and comforting. Fluffy rice is cooked with gentle herbs, folded with tender chickpeas and fresh spinach, then finished with a cool garlic-lemon yogurt drizzle. It’s perfect as a main vegetarian dish or a side with grilled chicken or fish.
⏱ Time Required
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
For the Rice
1 cup basmati or long-grain rice
2 cups water or vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp dried oregano
¼ tsp cumin powder
Salt, to taste
Add-ins
1 cup cooked chickpeas
1½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tbsp lemon juice
Yogurt Drizzle
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 small garlic clove, grated
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt, to taste
1–2 tbsp water (to thin)
Garnish (Optional)
Fresh parsley or dill
Toasted almonds or pine nuts
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the rice
Rinse rice until water runs clear.
In a pot, add rice, water/broth, olive oil, oregano, cumin, and salt.
Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes until fluffy.
2. Add chickpeas & spinach
Gently fold chickpeas and spinach into hot rice.
Cover and rest for 3–4 minutes until spinach wilts.
3. Finish
Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Taste and adjust salt.
4. Prepare yogurt drizzle
Mix yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and water until smooth.
5. Serve
Spoon rice into bowls, drizzle with yogurt sauce, and garnish.
🌟 Tips & Variations
Add peas or zucchini for extra vegetables
Make it vegan with plant-based yogurt
Serve with grilled chicken, fish, or falafel
For richer flavor, stir in 1 tbsp olive oil at the end
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use brown rice?
Yes, increase water and cooking time (about 35–40 minutes).
Q: Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes, keeps well in the fridge for 3 days.
Q: Can I skip yogurt?
Absolutely — it tastes great on its own or with tahini sauce.
🥗 Nutritional Information
Calories: 360 kcal
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 55 g
Fat: 10 g
Fiber: 7 g
Calcium: 16% DV
Iron: 18% DV