25 Healthy Rice Recipes You'll Love (2024)

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Are you on the hunt for delicious and carb-filled dishes to fill you up for lunch or dinner? These healthy rice recipes are here to save the day! Packed with wholesome ingredients and plenty of veggies, they are effortless and hassle-free. And so comforting. What more can you ask for?

25 Healthy Rice Recipes You'll Love (1)

There’s just something I love about rice!

It’s just so satisfying and versatile!

It’s one of my favorite grains. I usually cook a big batch and add it to my favorite bento box or lunch bowl to give me that quick energy I can only get from complex carbs.

But it’s also perfect for whizzing together a quick healthy dinner.

You can jazz it up with just about anything – toss in a rainbow of veggies, use it as a side to a creamy curry, or pair it with your favorite protein.

There are so many options!

Ready to be inspired?

For more information, click below to set the debate of Brown Rice vs. White Rice! Which one is healthier and why?

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25 Simple Healthy Rice Recipes

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Healthy Fried Rice

When you’re craving Chinese takeout, this healthy fried rice recipe is a nutritious alternative.

The low-sodium soy sauce and sesame oil give the dish a savory flavor, while the fresh vegetables keep things wholesome.

Plus, it stores for up to 5 days in the fridge if you’re on the hunt for a new meal prep marvel!

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Cold Rice Salad (Italian Style)

Want a hit of the Tuscan sun without hopping on a flight?

The bold summer flavors in this colorful salad are just the ticket.

The long-grain brown rice offers tons of fiber and nuttiness. But it's the bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions that add sweetness.

And did I mention that this recipe gets vitamin A, iron, and selenium from the protein powerhouse tuna?

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Salmon Poke Bowl

I love poke bowls when the weather starts heating up.

This one is perfectly bulked out with sushi-grade salmon too!

The sticky marinade is slightly spicy thanks to sriracha, and it balances beautifully with the sweet mango.

Oh, and the protein-packed edamame, pickled cucumbers, and crunchy radishes are great additions.

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Italian Stuffed Peppers

Photo Credit:www.wellplated.com

The melty cheese in this recipe gives these peppers a wonderfully rich flavor, while the herby topping keeps things grounded.

I can’t get enough of the parmesan and mozzarella combo here.

But it’s the melt-in-your-mouth peppers that steal the show!

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Butternut Squash Risotto

This easy rice recipe is jazzed up with sweet butternut squash, fresh sage, and grated parmesan cheese.

It’s supremely savory (thanks, vegetable broth!) and gets an amazing creaminess from all the stirring.

Considering how decadent it is, you might be surprised to know that it’s ready and on the table in 45 minutes flat!

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Vegetarian Burrito

Photo Credit:dishingouthealth.com

I’ll never turn down a stuffed-to-the-brim burrito.

This one is seriously elevated with cilantro lime rice and spiced black beans.

Plus, everything’s mellowed out by an avocado cream sauce!

If you’re worried about hitting your 5-a-day, this burrito gets a fresh flavor from tons of onions and peppers!

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Oven Baked Chicken and Rice

Photo Credit:www.recipetineats.com

Forget the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house.

This chicken and rice pilaf is way better!

Not only is it made in a single dish for easy clean-up, but the rich chicken broth and dried herbs add extra flavor.

And honestly, the sticky chicken glaze made with apricot jam is no slouch either!

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Vegan Poke Bowl

This vegan poke bowl is my favorite healthy rice recipe to cook when the weather is warm and the sun’s out.

It's packed with ginger and soy-marinated tofu, crunchy rainbow veggies, and super-sweet mango.

The result is a satisfying and filling lunch that you can easily pack up in a bento box for the road!

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Fish Taco Bowls

Photo Credit:dishingouthealth.com

Deconstructed fish tacos? Where do I sign up?!

This hearty rice recipe combines black beans, tangy cabbage, and cilantro-lime rice with a creamy Jalapeño Verde Sauce.

To top things off, the perfectly golden white fish brings so much protein and an unbeatable flaky texture to the table.

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Japanese Bento Box

If you want to feel like a child again, this adorable bento box is packed with plenty of fresh ingredients.

The spicy salt and chili edamame add a kick of heat to the cabbage-heavy Japanese salad and amazing Tamagoyaki-inspired omelet.

And the sashimi-style salmon adds tons of health benefits because of those heart-healthy omega-3s!

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Creamy Wild Rice Chicken Soup

Photo Credit:www.halfbakedharvest.com

This cozy bowl of wild rice chicken soup is like a warm hug and is packed with pantry staples.

It combines juicy boneless chicken breasts with sweet carrots, crunchy celery, and a huge handful of herbs.

And don’t even get me started on the incredible texture you get from the heavy cream.

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Vegetarian Paella

Is there anything better than a spoonful of hearty and colorful paella to quell your hunger?

This incredibly easy rice dish is ready to rumble in just 30 minutes, and the best part is cooking everything in a single large skillet!

The base recipe is 100% veggie, but you can throw in chicken thighs or seafood for an extra protein punch.

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Coconut Lime Grilled Chicken and Rice

Photo Credit:pinchofyum.com

This gorgeous coconut lime grilled chicken is marinated to perfection and drizzled with a dreamy (and creamy!) sauce.

Throwing the chicken thighs on the grill makes them incredibly moist.

Oh, and the bed of fluffy rice just soaks up those amazing juices!

The perfect summer dinner that’ll give you an excuse to use the BBQ!

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Chickpea Curry

If you’re a huge fan of traditional Indian curries but want to lighten things up, this 10-minute marvel is THE answer.

It's made low-calorie by replacing heavy cream with coconut milk.

And don’t worry, you keep all the flavor by working with old-school spices!

I love serving it with a steaming pile of white rice (or cauliflower rice!) and a hunk of charred naan bread.

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Vegan Sushi Bowl

This super easy and healthy rice recipe combines crispy tofu with crunchy veggies, creamy avocado, and sticky sushi rice!

It’s an easy way to work more whole grains into your diet, and I love that it refrigerates for up to 5 days.

Meatless Monday meal prep, anyone?

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Spanish Rice and Beans

Photo Credit:dishingouthealth.com

Don’t have time to head to the grocery store for supplies? No worries!

This simple Spanish recipe makes use of pantry staples, is cooked in one pot, and is certifiably delicious.

All you need is long-grain white rice, kidney beans, a handful of classic aromatics, and briny olives!

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Asparagus Risotto

If you adore rich and creamy risottos made with zero butter, then you’ve come to the right place.

The vegetable broth is the perfect base that gives the rice an amazing savory flavor.

And the tender asparagus complements the herbs perfectly for a well-rounded and delicious dinner.

To make things even more glorious, this dairy-free risotto is super speedy and takes just 35 minutes to make!

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Asian-Style Chicken Rice Bowls

Photo Credit:ournourishingtable.com

I adore Asian-style cooking, and the flavorful ground chicken and crunchy veggies in this recipe are to die for.

A bunch of the depth comes from the tamari and hoisin sauce, but the sesame oil brings an earthy nuttiness that dials things up.

And if you’re in the midst of a manic week, this dish meal preps beautifully for an envy-inducing office lunch!

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Vegan Brown Rice Sushi

Photo Credit:www.lazycatkitchen.com

Ordering an entire tray of sushi isn’t exactly friendly on your pocketbook.

But these homemade maki rolls are just as good.

They’re stuffed with crunchy fresh veggies and get a surprisingly strong kick from pickled ginger and wasabi.

And that signature crackle you get from the nori sheets? You just can’t beat it.

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Mexican Rice Bowl

When you’re dealing with a busy week, there’s something beautiful about grabbing a balanced bento box.

This Mexican bowl includes a hefty portion of black beans, red peppers, avocado, and leftover rice.

The garlicky dressing gives the box moisture and aromatic flavor, but I adore adding chili flakes for extra spice!

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Shrimp Fried Rice

Photo Credit:www.wellplated.com

If you're not feeling stir-fries or salads for dinner, this shrimp fried rice is a perfect alternative.

You can use virtually any veggies you have on hand (including frozen!) and everything is cooked in a single pan for ease.

Did I mention the warm and complex soy and sesame oil sauce coats the shrimp to perfection?

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Golden Rice Pilaf

Photo Credit:dishingouthealth.com

Grab that packet of rice from the pantry and prepare to put it to excellent use with this 30-minute recipe!

It’s an easy side dish for everything from organic chicken to grilled beef and crispy tofu.

You get a probiotic boost from the yogurt and the antioxidant hit from the pomegranate.

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Sesame Shrimp Asian Greens Rice Bowl

Photo Credit:www.foodiecrush.com

If you don’t have a major appetite for dinner tonight, why not fill the void with sesame shrimp, edamame, and brown rice?

This recipe is loaded with protein, vitamins, and healthy greens and can be rustled up in just over 30 minutes!

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Lettuce Wraps

Photo Credit:www.feastingathome.com

These lettuce wraps are one of the healthiest options around if you’re craving a veggie-heavy midweek meal.

The teriyaki mushrooms give the wraps a meat-like texture, while the rice is crucial for bulking things out.

They’re the perfect side dish for larger meals, but they’re also a satisfying light bite on their own!

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Veggie Burrito Bowl (Chipotle Inspired!)

This vegan burrito bowl is so good it may be enough to replace Chipotle entirely.

This plant-based delight is loaded with cilantro lime rice, crispy vegetables, and tangy corn salsa.

It offers everything from healthy fats to complete proteins and complex carbs – in short, the ultimate overachiever!

Is brown rice healthier than white rice?

This is like asking whether an apple is healthier than apple juice.

Brown Rice

When you eat brown rice, you get the whole package. It’s like eating a fresh apple.

  • Fiber: A cup of cooked brown rice gives you about 3.5 grams of fiber. Now, this might not seem much, but in the grand scheme of things, it counts! Fiber keeps your digestion smooth, and it’s also known for keeping you feeling satisfied longer.
  • Nutrients: Brown rice is a treasure trove of nutrients. It’s got a good amount of manganese, which is great for your bones and metabolism. It’s also got a decent hit of selenium, magnesium, and B vitamins.
  • Glycemic Index (GI): Brown rice has a GI of around 50 (source), which is medium. The Glycemic Index is a scale that tells you how quickly a food can raise your blood sugar levels. Lower is usually better, especially for people managing diabetes.

White Rice

White rice is like apple juice, where some parts are stripped away, taking some of the nutrients with them.

  • Fiber: White rice isn’t exactly a fiber powerhouse. A cup of cooked white rice gives you just about 0.6 grams of fiber. That’s quite a bit less when compared to brown rice.
  • Nutrients: The milling process that white rice goes through strips away a good chunk of the nutrients. It’s not completely devoid, though, and in some places, they fortify white rice with vitamins to compensate.
  • Glycemic Index (GI): White rice has a higher GI, coming in at around 72 (source). This means it can spike blood sugar levels more quickly than brown rice.

So, by the numbers, brown rice seems to have an edge over white rice in terms of nutritional value.

However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and dietary needs.

Some people find white rice easier to digest, and it’s also the star of many cultural dishes, like curries, risotto, or paella.

So, in the grand ‘rice-off,’ brown rice might have more nutrients, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy white rice from time to time!

FAQ

Is it healthy to eat rice every day?

Just like most things in life, balance is key! Rice can absolutely have a place on your plate daily, as long as you’re watching portions and keeping the rest of your diet varied and nutritious.

If you’ve got conditions like diabetes or you’re looking to lose a few pounds, you might need to be a bit more mindful of the serving size, though.

Is it safe to reheat rice?

Reheating rice is totally fine, as long as you’re careful about it. You know that saying, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”?

Well, there’s this pesky bacteria in rice called Bacillus cereus that seems to live by that mantra.

It can hang around after cooking, but if you cool and store your rice promptly and properly (like popping it in the fridge within an hour), then reheat it so it’s piping hot, you’ll be good to go!

Does rice make you gain weight?

Gaining weight isn’t really about one specific food. It’s more about how much you’re eating overall and how active you are.

Sure, rice is high in carbs and can pack a calorie punch if you eat a lot of it, but enjoying it as part of a balanced diet isn’t going to make you gain weight overnight.

Portion size is key here, and mixing it up with other food groups is important. Think about it like this: rice is like the supporting actor in your meal, not the star of the show.

This is where the healthy rice recipes you’ll find here come in handy!

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25 Healthy Rice Recipes You'll Love (28)

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25 Healthy Rice Recipes You’ll Love

Are you on the hunt for delicious and carb-filled dishes to fill you up for lunch or dinner? These healthy rice recipes are here to save the day! Packed with wholesome ingredients and plenty of veggies, they’ll spice up your recipe binder.

Course: Brunch

Author: Sara Trezzi

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25 Healthy Rice Recipes You'll Love (2024)
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