12+ Healthy Rice Pilaf Recipes You’ll Love to Make!

Rice pilaf is one of those comforting dishes that can be both simple and delicious. With endless possibilities for flavors and ingredients, it’s easy to whip up a batch that will impress anyone at your dinner table. Here are five healthy rice pilaf recipes that are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients.

Lemon Herb Quinoa Pilaf

Lemon Herb Quinoa from Food.com

Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Lemon juice, vegetable oil, dried rosemary Total Time: 30 min.

Herbed Lemon Quinoa Recipe from Foolproof Living

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Lemon juice, garlic, radishes, sliced almonds, raw quinoa Total Time: 25 min.

Lemon Herb Quinoa from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.2. Ingredients: Roasted red pepper, lemon, fresh basil Total Time: 35 min.

This vibrant dish combines fluffy quinoa with fresh herbs and a zesty lemon dressing, making it a refreshing side or a hearty main dish. You’ll find a delightful mix of parsley, dill, and basil, which adds a garden-fresh taste to the nutty quinoa. What makes this recipe special is its lightness, perfect for warm days or when you want something bright and lively on your plate.

Vegetable Brown Rice Pilaf

Brown Rice Pilaf from Ciao Florentina

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Brown rice, ribs, nutritional yeast, red bell pepper, carrot Total Time: 40 mins.

Vegetable Rice Pilaf from Veggie Society

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Grain brown rice, ribs, nutritional yeast, red bell pepper, carrot Total Time: 1 hr.

Brown Rice Vegetable Pilaf Pulao (Glutenfree & Vegan) from Easy Cooking with Molly

Rating: 5. Ingredients: Green beans, brown rice, cooking brown rice, sweet corn, frozen green peas Total Time: 15 mins.

Imagine a bowl filled with earthy brown rice, colorful veggies, and a hint of garlic. This vegetable brown rice pilaf features peas, carrots, and bell peppers, all sautéed to bring out their natural sweetness. It’s popular not just for its flavor but also for its health benefits, as brown rice is a whole grain that keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

Mushroom Spinach Wild Rice Pilaf

Rice Pilaf from Simply Recipes

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 40 min Total Time: 40 min.

Rice Pilaf from Preppy Kitchen

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 40 min Total Time: 40 min.

Sarah's Rice Pilaf from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7. Ingredients: 50 min Total Time: 50 min.

This hearty dish brings together wild rice, savory mushrooms, and fresh spinach, creating a wonderful medley of textures and flavors. The earthy taste of the wild rice pairs perfectly with the umami of the mushrooms, while spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. What makes it irresistible is the way the ingredients meld together, creating a cozy, comforting meal that’s perfect for chilly nights.

Coconut Curry Rice Pilaf

Creamy Coconut Curry Rice With Vegetables from Carrie Walder

Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 55 min Total Time: 55 min.

Coconut Curry Rice with Veggies from The Healthy Maven

Ingredients: 40 min Total Time: 40 min.

Coconut Curry Rice from Food.com

Rating: 5. Ingredients: 25 min Total Time: 25 min.

This exotic pilaf features jasmine rice simmered in creamy coconut milk and a blend of warm spices like turmeric and cumin. The rich, aromatic flavors transport you to a tropical paradise while still being healthy. The best part? It’s easy to make, and everyone will be asking for seconds after just one bite of this deliciously fragrant dish!

Chickpea Tomato Rice Pilaf

Greek Tomato & Chickpea Rice from Planetarian Life

Ingredients: 15 min

Chickpea Rice Pilaf from Veggies Save The Day

Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: 30 min

Vegan Spanish Chickpeas and Rice from Vegan Cocotte

Rating: 4.6. Ingredients: 40 min

This protein-packed pilaf combines fluffy rice with hearty chickpeas and juicy tomatoes, all tossed in a blend of spices that pack a flavorful punch. The warmth of cumin and coriander brings the whole dish together, making it a satisfying option for any meal. It’s beloved for its versatility, as you can enjoy it warm or chilled, making it perfect for meal prepping or potlucks!