This simple pesto rice recipe makes a flavorful side dish or a tasty base in your favorite grain bowl! It’s easy to turn rice into a crave-worthy dish!

pesto rice
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I love adding spices and seasoning to my rice to add flavor. From this cilantro lime rice to this Spanish brown rice, I adore finding new combinations of seasonings! It’s a great way to elevate a simple pantry staple into a tasty side dish. It’s also a great way to add flavor to the base of your next grain bowl!

This pesto rice recipe is a flavorful and easy side dish that’s perfect for any occasion! Made with fluffy white rice and vibrant pesto sauce, this side dish is delicious yet simple. It’s a quick and delicious way to add some Italian flair to your meal, and it pairs perfectly with your favorite protein or veggies. Give this recipe a try and elevate your weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings!

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Rice– I recommend using long-grain basmati rice, but you can use any kind of rice you prefer. You may need to adjust the cooking time using brown or short-grain rice.
  • Pesto– You can make pesto from scratch or use store-bought pesto. I like the Butoni brand of pesto or you can make my homemade walnut pesto recipe.
  • Oil– I like to toast the rice in a little oil before cooking to enhance the flavor.
  • Balsamic vinegar– The vinegar is optional, but I like the umami flavor it adds to the rice.
  • Lemon juice- A squeeze adds a little acidity and brightness.

How to Make Pesto Rice

Add the oil and rice to a large non-stick skillet and toast for 4-5 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Add the pesto, two cups of water, and balsamic vinegar. Stir, then cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is fluffy an the water is absorbed.
pesto rice
Squeeze the lemon juice over the cooked rice and fluff with a fork. Generously salt to taste.

How to Make Pesto Rice in a Rice Cooker

  • If you have a rice cooker, you can add the oil and rice to the bottom of the rice cooker. Sauté the oil and rice in the rice cooker for 2-3 minutes.
  • Add the pesto, two cups of water, and balsamic vinegar. Top with the lid and let the rice simmer until cooking cycle completes.
  • Squeeze the lemon juice over the cooked rice and fluff with a fork. Generously salt to taste.

Benefits of Toasting Rice

Toasting rice can bring out its nutty flavor and add a pleasant texture to your rice. When rice is toasted, the heat causes the natural sugars in the rice to caramelize, creating a rich, toasty flavor. You don’t have to toast it if you’re short on time or you don’t want to add additional oil, but I love the subtle flavor it adds to this rice!

My Favorite Store-Bought Pesto

You can make the pesto from scratch if you like, but I prefer to use store-bought to keep things simple! My favorite store-bought pesto is Buitoni’s Pesto, which has a great flavor that tastes homemade. America’s Test Kitchen recommended it, and I’m glad I tried it! It’s the best tasting pesto I’ve found so far.

Variations

If you love cilantro, try my cilantro pesto recipe. If you’d like to add a salty flavor to this rice, try adding freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top! You could also garnish it with fresh basil, pine nuts, or chopped walnuts. For a more savory flavor, use vegetable broth in place of the water when cooking the rice. If you want a stronger pesto flavor, add an additional 2 tablespoons of pesto after cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use jasmine rice instead of basmati rice? Yes, but Jasmine rice typically requires a bit more water and a longer cooking time than Basmati rice, so adjust accordingly.
  • Can I make this in a rice cooker? Yes, see the directions in the recipe card.
  • Can I do this with other flavors? Try my rice cooker Mexican rice for a different twist!
  • Do I have to toast the rice? I think it adds more flavor, but you can skip that step if you’re short on time.

How to Serve Pesto Rice

I love using this rice in these halloumi rice bowls or as the base of these Mediterranean chickpea bowls. You could also enjoy it as a side dish with your favorite protein or serve it with roasted vegetables and chickpeas.

How to Store Leftovers

Keep leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to reheat the rice, place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Sprinkle with 1-2 teaspoons of water and cover with a plate. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the rice is heated through. Stir the rice halfway through to ensure even heating.

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pesto rice

Pesto Rice

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 16 reviews
  • Author: Liz Thomson
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 cups 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian
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Description

This simple pesto rice recipe makes a flavorful side dish or a tasty base in your favorite grain bowl! It’s easy to turn rice into a crave-worthy dish!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
  • 1 cup long-grain basmati rice
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/4 cup pesto
  • 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions

Stovetop Method

  1. Add the oil and rice to a large non-stick skillet and toast for 4-5 minutes over medium heat, stirring frequently.
  2. Add the pesto, two cups of water, and balsamic vinegar. Stir, then cover the skillet with a tight fitting lid and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is fluffy an the water is absorbed.
  3. Squeeze the lemon juice over the cooked rice and fluff with a fork. Generously salt to taste.

Rice Cooker Method

  1. Add the oil and rice to the bottom of the rice cooker. Sauté the oil and rice in the rice cooker for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add the pesto, two cups of water, and balsamic vinegar. Top with the lid and let the rice simmer until cooking cycle completes.
  3. Squeeze the lemon juice over the cooked rice and fluff with a fork. Generously salt to taste.