Healthy Rice Recipes: 15 Ways to Make a Delicious Meal Out of the Ultimate Grain

Is rice the ultimate healthy grain? It's a gluten-free pantry staple with wide appeal, and our collection of easy recipes for rice-centric mains and sides is sure to wow and satisfy your family and friends.

Rice Salad with Asparagus and Peas

Arborio rice, commonly used in risotto, has short, plump grains and adds silky texture to this veg-packed salad that's flavored with anchovies, garlic, and basil.

It's the spices that really set this aromatic chicken-and-rice dish apart. We're talking cloves, peppercorns, cardamom, cumin, coriander, mace, saffron, turmeric, cinnamon, and more.

Whether you call it jook, congee, or simply rice porridge, this popular Asian dish is always a good idea. It makes a nourishing breakfast or a delicious light lunch or dinner.

A healthy pantry dinner that's also quick to make. Keep your kitchen stocked with long-grain rice, canned tomatoes, frozen spinach, and frozen shrimp and you're set!

We're going to get this out of the way up front: Brown rice has more fiber, nutrients, and flavor than white rice. It takes longer to cook, but you can make it a few days ahead and refrigerate it, covered. This recipe combines it with black beans, onions, poblanos, avocado, and queso fresco.

Sure, there is chicken noodle soup, but this is just as comforting and works magic with the leftover meat, lemons, shallots, and pan juices from roast lemon chicken.

Just the thing for leftover brown rice! Team it with thinly sliced shiitake mushrooms and thyme, wrap up the whole thing in parchment, and bake. Serve with fresh greens and lemon wedges for a light, healthy supper.

Packed with iron, vitamin E, and antioxidants, black rice has been associated with liver and stomach health in China for hundreds of years. Try it in this haute yet easy-to-make salad with roasted broccoli and a roasted garlic vinaigrette.

It's amazing what you can do with a jar of salsa! It transforms ordinary rice into a delectable side dish for beans and roast chicken. Finish with parsley leaves for a pop of color and freshness.