10 Delicious Spinach and Rice Recipes for Every Occasion | Easy & Flavorful

Looking for delicious and easy spinach and rice recipes? You've come to the right place! Whether you're cooking a quick weeknight dinner, planning a weekend brunch, or looking for healthy meal ideas, these 10 flavorful recipes will transform simple ingredients into satisfying meals. Each dish includes step-by-step instructions and pro tips for perfect results every time.

10 Delicious Spinach and Rice Recipes to Try

1. Lemon & Herb Spinach Rice Pilaf

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions:

1. Rinse rice until water runs clear.
2. Heat oil in a saucepan, toast rice for 2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add broth, lemon zest, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
4. Fluff rice and stir in spinach until wilted. Serve immediately.

2. Smoky Spanish-Inspired Rice with Spinach

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown rice
• 2 1/2 cups tomato juice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
• Handful of baby spinach

Instructions:

1. Sauté paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper in oil for 1 minute.
2. Add rice and stir for another minute.
3. Pour in tomato juice, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes until rice is tender.
4. Stir in spinach just before serving for vibrant color and freshness.

3. One-Pan Coconut Curry Spinach Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken or veg broth
• 1 tbsp yellow curry paste
• 2 cups chopped spinach

Instructions:

1. Combine rice, coconut milk, broth, and curry paste in a large pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 18-20 minutes.
3. Fluff rice and mix in spinach until wilted. Serve with fresh cilantro.

4. Mediterranean Spinach Rice Salad

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives
• 2 tbsp feta cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp oregano

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa or rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked grain, spinach, tomatoes, olives, and feta.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle oregano. Toss gently and serve chilled.

5. Creamy Spinach and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix cooked rice, spinach, cheese, sour cream, milk, and garlic powder in a baking dish.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

6. Thai-Inspired Coconut Spinach Rice

Ingredients:

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp red curry paste
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 lime, juiced

Instructions:

1. Combine rice, coconut milk, broth, and curry paste in a pot. Bring to boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes.
2. Stir in spinach and lime juice. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

7. Spinach and Rice Stuffed Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 2 cups spinach
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1 tsp cumin

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Blanch peppers in boiling water for 3 minutes.
3. Mix rice, spinach, tomatoes, cheese, and cumin. Stuff peppers and place in baking dish.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes.

8. One-Pot Spinach and Rice Skillet

Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup chopped spinach
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and garlic in oil until soft.
2. Add rice and toast for 2 minutes. Pour in broth and paprika.
3. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes.
4. Stir in spinach until wilted. Serve immediately.

9. Spinach and Rice Fried Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/2 cup diced carrots

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet.
2. Scramble eggs and set aside.
3. Sauté carrots until tender. Add rice, spinach, and soy sauce.
4. Stir in eggs and cook until heated through. Serve hot.

10. Indian-Spiced Spinach Rice (Palak Rice)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 tbsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 onion, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in oil until golden. Add rice and toast for 2 minutes.
2. Pour in broth, garam masala, and turmeric. Bring to boil, then simmer covered for 15-18 minutes.
3. Stir in spinach until wilted. Serve with yogurt or naan.

Mistake	Smart Solution
Leaving spices near the stove	Store in a cool, dark pantry away from heat and moisture
Using plastic containers long-term	Transfer to airtight glass jars
Buying in bulk without checking shelf life	Buy smaller quantities of more delicate spices like saffron or cardamom

Spice	Shelf Life	Tips
Ground Cumin	3–4 years	Keep sealed tightly; loses potency over time
Cinnamon Sticks	4–5 years	Last longer than ground version
Garam Masala	6 months	Best when fresh; homemade blends ideal
Crushed Red Pepper	2–3 years	Can fade in color and heat level

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best spices to pair with spinach and rice?

For spinach and rice dishes, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and garam masala are top choices. Toasted cumin adds earthiness, smoked paprika brings depth, and garam masala creates rich curry-like flavors. Lemon zest or fresh herbs like cilantro provide brightness when added at the end.

How can I prevent my spinach from making the rice too watery?

To avoid watery rice, squeeze excess moisture from frozen spinach before adding it. For fresh spinach, wilt it in a separate pan first or add it during the last few minutes of cooking so it doesn't release too much liquid into the rice.

Should I use fresh or dried spices for spinach and rice dishes?

Dried spices like cumin, paprika, and garam masala work best when added during cooking to infuse flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley should be added at the end for brightness. Toasting dried spices before use enhances their aroma and flavor.

How long can I store cooked spinach and rice?

Cooked spinach and rice will keep for 3-5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cool quickly after cooking and store separately from wet sauces. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to refresh texture.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in these recipes?

Yes! Frozen spinach works well and is convenient. Thaw completely and squeeze out excess water before adding. Typically, 10 ounces of frozen spinach equals about 2 cups of cooked fresh spinach.

Final Thoughts

With these 10 easy and flavorful recipes, you can transform simple spinach and rice into delicious meals for any occasion. Whether you're making a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a special dish for guests, these recipes offer versatility and rich taste without complicated steps.

Remember to experiment with spices and fresh ingredients to make each dish your own. Happy cooking!