main dishes greek

Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice) with Lemon and Dill

Classic Greek spinach rice—a simple, nourishing dish of rice, spinach, lemon, and dill. Comfort food that comes together in 30 minutes.

vegetarian vegan gluten free dairy free
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Prep 10 min
Cook 25 min
Total 35 min
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.

  2. Add rice and stir to coat with oil. Toast for 1 minute until fragrant.

  3. Add broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.

  4. While rice cooks, heat remaining olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add spinach in batches, wilting each batch before adding more. Cook until all spinach is wilted and most liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.

  5. When rice is done (liquid absorbed, rice tender), fluff with a fork. Add wilted spinach, dill, parsley, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.

  6. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

  7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve with lemon wedges and an extra drizzle of olive oil.

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon juice after reheating to brighten the flavor. Not ideal for freezing as the rice texture can become mushy.

FAQ

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for spanakorizo?

Yes, frozen spinach works well. Use about 10 ounces of frozen spinach, thawed and thoroughly squeezed dry. Skip the wilting step and stir it directly into the cooked rice. Fresh spinach gives a lighter texture, but frozen is a convenient and equally nutritious substitute.

What type of rice is best for spanakorizo?

Long-grain white rice is traditional and gives the best texture. Basmati or jasmine rice also work well. Avoid short-grain or arborio rice, which will make the dish too starchy and sticky. For a whole-grain option, use long-grain brown rice but increase the cooking time by 15 minutes.

Is spanakorizo a main dish or a side dish?

In Greece, spanakorizo is typically served as a main course with crusty bread and feta cheese on the side. It can also work as a hearty side dish alongside grilled fish or chicken. On its own, it is a complete vegan meal rich in iron, fiber, and vitamins.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings

Customize Ingredients

Vegetables
Spinach (Raw)
454 g
Onion (Yellow/White)
110 g
Garlic
9 g
Fruits
Lemon (Whole)
75 g
Grains & Bread
Long-Grain White Rice (Uncooked)
185 g
Oils & Fats
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
54 g
Herbs & Spices
Fresh Dill
26 g
Fresh Parsley
16 g
Salt
6 g
Black Pepper
1 g
Liquids
Vegetable Broth
480 g

Per Serving

343kcalCalories
8gProtein
48gCarbs
14gFat
4gFiber
Sodium
549mg24% DV
Potassium
800mg17% DV
Calcium
149mg11% DV
Iron
3.9mg22% DV
Magnesium
109mg26% DV
Vitamin C
45.2mg50% DV
Vitamin A
716µg80% DV
Vitamin K
564.3µg470% DV
Folate
232µg58% DV
Long-Grain White Rice (Uncooked)
Spinach (Raw)
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Onion (Yellow/White)
Garlic
Fresh Dill
+5 more
* Nutrition is an estimate; actual values vary by ingredient brands and cooking methods. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

The Story Behind This Dish

Spanakorizo is the Greek answer to “what’s for dinner when you don’t feel like cooking?” It’s rice, spinach, and a few aromatics coming together in 30 minutes.

This is everyday Greek food—not restaurant food, but what people actually eat at home. It’s simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.

Why this works:

  • The spinach wilts into the rice. Every grain gets coated with spinach and herbs.
  • Lemon brightens everything. A generous squeeze at the end makes the flavors pop.
  • Dill is essential. It’s the herb that makes this taste Greek.

Tips for perfect spanakorizo:

  • Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch
  • Don’t skip wilting the spinach separately—it removes excess moisture
  • Add the herbs at the end to preserve their fresh flavor
  • Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side

Make it a meal:

  • Top with crumbled feta (non-vegan version)
  • Serve alongside grilled fish or chicken
  • Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top
  • Serve with a simple cucumber-tomato salad

Variations:

  • Use brown rice for more fiber (increase cooking time to 40 minutes)
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
  • Stir in a handful of frozen peas with the rice

Next: Try Mushroom and Lentil Ragù for another plant-based Mediterranean dish.

See also: Mediterranean Rice Pilaf — a versatile base for many dishes.