Lemon-Garlic Rice Pilaf with Fresh Herbs

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-25 · Updated 2026-05-25

Fluffy long-grain rice pilaf cooked with bright lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs for a fragrant side dish. This mediterranean-inspired rice & grains ready in about 25 minutes pairs long-grain white rice, olive oil, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. Step 3: Add the drained rice to the saucepan and stir continuously for 2 minutes to coat the grains with oil and toast slightly.
4. Step 4: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Step 5: Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill before serving.