One-Pot Greek Lemon Rice with Spinach and Feta
A vibrant and comforting one-pot rice dish infused with lemon juice, fresh spinach, and crumbled feta for a fresh Mediterranean flavor. This greek-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs long grain white rice, olive oil, medium, finely chopped onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 3/4 cup, crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium finely chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until rice grains are glossy.
- Step 4: Pour in 3 cups vegetable broth, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Step 5: Remove lid and stir in 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach. Cover again and cook for 5 more minutes until rice is tender and spinach is wilted.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and gently fold in 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill. Let rest covered 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Greek Lemon Rice with Spinach and Feta take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Greek Lemon Rice with Spinach and Feta?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long grain white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Greek Lemon Rice with Spinach and Feta?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Greek Lemon Rice with Spinach and Feta for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pot Greek Lemon Rice with Spinach and Feta vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
