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

By Caroline Miguelez
Marcus Nilsson
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.
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Rice Salad with Asparagus and Peas

Marcus Nilsson
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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.

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Chicken Biryani

Martyna Szczesna
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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.

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Peruvian Chicken Soup with Rice and Potatoes

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Our take on the traditional Peruvian soup aguadito de pollo gets its heft from humble white rice and russet potatoes.

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Jook

Bryan Gardner
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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.

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Green Rice

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You know that green is good. With lime juice and plenty of cilantro and parsley, this side dish is postively verdant. Pair it with tacos, salmon, or swordfish.

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Shrimp with Tomatoes, Spinach, and Rice

Alpha Smoot
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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!

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Black Beans with Rice and Avocado

David Malosh
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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.

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Jeweled Rice

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Golden raisins are the jewels in a sea of long-grain rice. Partner this gem-like side with chicken, pork, fish, or curry mains.

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Roast Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup

Chris Court
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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.

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Squeamish Squash with Rice

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Despite its name, this jasmine rice, ginger, and butternut squash dish is delish throughout fall and winter -- not just for Halloween.

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Shiitake Mushrooms and Brown Rice En Papillote

Bryan Gardner
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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.

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Chipotle Chicken and Rice

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Long-grain white rice is cooked in the same pot as the chicken and chiles in adobo in this fuss-free dinner. All the flavors meld, and the result is delicious.

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Chicken and Brown Rice

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Nothing is better than a comforting one-pot meal like this hearty vegetable-packed stew made in a skillet.

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Black Rice and Broccoli with Almonds

John von Pamer
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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.

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Zesty Spanish Rice

Bryan Gardner
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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.

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Which Rice for Which Dish Video

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