Herbed Walnut Rice

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: Mediterranean

Herbed Walnut Rice is a fragrant, flavorful side dish featuring toasted walnuts, fresh herbs, and tender vegetables, perfect for a hearty, comforting meal.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup carrot, shredded
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried marjoram
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 cups cooked rice, cooked in chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook onion, carrot, walnuts, marjoram, thyme, and rosemary in butter until vegetables are tender and fragrant.
  2. Transfer to a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook until vegetables are tender and crisp.
  3. Stir in cooked rice and chopped parsley; heat thoroughly before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, toast the walnuts before adding them to the skillet. You can substitute the walnuts with pecans or almonds if desired. Fresh herbs can also replace dried ones; use three times the amount. Adjust the seasoning to your taste, and feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or peas for more color and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Herbed Walnut Rice as a delightful side dish to grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It pairs beautifully with Cocuzza With Eggs for a hearty meal. For an easy vegetarian option, enjoy it alongside a fresh salad like Pasta Spinach Salad (Low-Fat) or with Mediterranean recipes that include chickpeas or lentils.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Herbed Walnut Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out, and heat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. It can also be microwaved, but stir occasionally for even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Herbed Walnut Rice contains roughly 605 calories, with 17g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (333% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (132% of the Daily Value), and potassium (80% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 522mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).

605 kcal 30% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 16.9g 34% DV
Total Fat 12.1g 16% DV
Carbs 118.6g 43% DV
Fiber 37g 100% DV
Sugar 49.1g 98% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 521.8mg 23% DV
Potassium 3750.4mg 80% DV
Cholesterol 15mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3000mcg 100% DV
Vitamin C 47.6mg 53% DV
Calcium 555.6mg 43% DV
Iron 10.9mg 61% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat
Contains Milk Tree nuts

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 use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice, but be aware that it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to adjust the quantity of broth accordingly to ensure the rice cooks properly and absorbs the flavors.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. Ensure that the chicken broth is substituted with vegetable broth to maintain flavor while keeping the dish plant-based.

What other herbs can I use in this recipe?

You can experiment with various herbs such as basil, dill, or oregano. Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor profile, so feel free to mix and match based on your preference and what you have on hand.

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).

Mediterranean recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →