Stovetop Lemon Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts and Fresh Herbs
Fluffy rice simmered with bright lemon juice, toasted pine nuts, and fresh herbs for a fragrant side dish inspired by Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired rice & grains (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs long grain white rice, olive oil, pine nuts 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 cup long grain white rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup pine nuts and toast, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove pine nuts and set aside.
- Step 2: In the same saucepan, add 1 cup long grain white rice and toast for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until rice looks translucent.
- Step 3: Pour in 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 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 absorbed.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and fluff rice gently with a fork. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and the toasted pine nuts. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stovetop Lemon Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts and Fresh Herbs take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (5 min prep + 20 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 Stovetop Lemon Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts and Fresh Herbs?
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 Stovetop Lemon Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts and Fresh Herbs?
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 Stovetop Lemon Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts and Fresh Herbs 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 Stovetop Lemon Rice Pilaf with Pine Nuts and Fresh Herbs 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.
