Greek Spinach Rice Salad
A vibrant Greek-inspired salad combining tender rice, fresh spinach, juicy tomatoes, green onions, and tangy feta, all brightened with lemon and herbs for a refreshing dish.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups water ⓘ
- 1 cup long-grain rice ⓘ
- 2 cups fresh spinach ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, seeded and chopped tomato ⓘ
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp crumbled Feta cheese ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp olive oil ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp minced fresh oregano ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp ground red pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring 2 1/4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chopped spinach, chopped tomatoes, sliced green onions, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, olive oil, water, minced oregano, garlic powder, and ground red pepper.
- Mix well and serve immediately or chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier salad, consider adding cooked chickpeas or quinoa for extra protein. If fresh spinach is unavailable, you can use frozen spinach—just be sure to thaw and drain it well. You can substitute the Feta cheese with a dairy-free alternative if needed. Adding some diced cucumber or bell peppers can enhance the freshness, making it reminiscent of Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek Spinach Rice Salad makes a delightful main dish or a side dish, pairing wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish. It also complements other Mediterranean recipes like Stuffed Endive or Crostini With Tomato Pesto. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a light yogurt sauce or a refreshing tzatziki.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you can serve it cold for a refreshing lunch option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Spinach Rice Salad contains roughly 624 calories, with 15g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (200% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (44% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious.
What can I use instead of lemon juice?
If you don't have lemon juice, lime juice is a great substitute and will add a different but refreshing flavor. Apple cider vinegar can also work, adding a tangy note to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for vegans?
To make this salad vegan, simply omit the Feta cheese or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based, making it a perfect option for vegan diets.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).