Lemon-Rice Pilaf with Dill and Feta

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-23 · Updated 2026-07-23

A fragrant rice pilaf cooked in lemon-infused broth with fresh dill and sprinkled with creamy feta cheese. This Greek-inspired rice and grain recipe, ready in about 30 minutes, pairs long grain white rice, olive oil, onion, finely chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear; drain well.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1 small finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the grains with oil. Toast the rice for 2 minutes until lightly golden.
4. Step 4: Pour in 3 cups chicken broth, 3 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 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 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill.
6. Step 6: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese over the top. Serve warm alongside main dishes.