Dinner

Fresh Green Rice Bake

This vibrant rice dish uses fresh greens and citrus to turn plain grains into something special.

By Enzo81 KitchenΒ· MexicanΒ· October 30, 2026
Fresh Green Rice Bake
enzo81.xyz
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
45 minutes
Total
55 minutes
Serves
6

Green rice is one of those side dishes that makes a meal feel much brighter. By blending fresh cilantro and spinach with lime, you create a beautiful green base that packs a lot of flavor into every bite. It is a favorite in our house because it pairs perfectly with grilled chicken or fish.

To keep the color bright and fresh, make sure to blend your greens until they are very smooth. If you like a little extra heat, feel free to add a diced serrano pepper into the blender with the spinach.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups long grain white rice
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

6Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

  2. 2

    Place the cilantro, spinach, lime juice, garlic, and salt into a blender with a splash of the broth. Blend until you have a smooth green liquid.

  3. 3

    Combine the rice, the green liquid, the remaining broth, and the olive oil in a large baking dish.

  4. 4

    Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

  5. 5

    Bake for about 45 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.

  6. 6

    Fluff the rice with a fork before serving warm.

Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can serve this with extra lime wedges on the side for guests to squeeze over their portion right before eating.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

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