Fresh & Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe for Summer 2026 Recipe

Introduction

Cilantro Lime Rice is a simple yet vibrant side dish that can elevate any meal with its fresh, zesty flavor and fluffy texture. Perfect for tacos, grilled meats, or veggie bowls, this recipe brings restaurant-quality results to your own kitchen. Let’s dive in and make your new favorite rice!

Ingredients

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 3 cups water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 6 teaspoons olive oil (divided)
• Juice of 1 fresh lime
• 6 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 bay leaf

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse the jasmine rice under cool water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and ensure fluffy grains.
2. Step 2: In a medium pot, combine 3 cups water, rinsed rice, 2 teaspoons salt, and 2 teaspoons olive oil. Stir to combine.
3. Step 3: Add the bay leaf to the pot for subtle aromatic flavor.
4. Step 4: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, watching carefully to avoid boiling over.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer without lifting the lid for 15 minutes.
6. Step 6: While rice cooks, roll the lime on the counter, squeeze the juice into a small bowl, and finely chop the cilantro leaves.
7. Step 7: Remove the pot from heat and carefully lift the lid. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Transfer rice to a large bowl and fluff gently with a fork.
8. Step 8: Drizzle remaining olive oil, pour in the fresh lime juice, and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the rice. Gently fold to combine without mashing the rice.
9. Step 9: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra lime juice, salt, or cilantro as desired.
10. Step 10: Serve warm, garnished with extra cilantro if you like, alongside your favorite main dishes.

Tips & Variations

• Use jasmine rice for its delicate floral aroma and fluffy texture; basmati rice can be a substitute but avoid short-grain varieties unless you prefer sticky rice.
• Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest flavor; bottled juice can taste flat.
• Rinse the rice thoroughly to prevent clumping and achieve perfect fluffiness.
• For a nutty twist, toast the rinsed rice in olive oil for a few minutes before adding water.
• Add diced bell peppers or spinach with the cilantro for extra color and nutrients.

Storage

Store leftover cilantro lime rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to restore moisture. Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain fluffy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of rice for this recipe?

Jasmine rice is preferred for its fragrance and texture, but basmati can work as well. Avoid short-grain rice if you want fluffy, separate grains instead of sticky rice.

How do I keep the rice from getting mushy?

Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove starch, use the correct water-to-rice ratio (1.5 cups water per 1 cup rice), simmer gently without stirring, and fluff with a fork after cooking to keep grains separate.

Fresh & Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe for Summer 2026 Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 52 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Fresh & Easy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe offers a vibrant, zesty, and fluffy side dish that’s perfect for elevating any meal. Made with fragrant jasmine rice, fresh cilantro, and tangy lime juice, it delivers bright, fresh flavors and a perfectly light texture. Easy to prepare on the stovetop with simple pantry ingredients, this cilantro lime rice is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and versatile enough to pair with tacos, grilled meats, vegetarian dishes, and more—making it an essential staple for summer 2026 and beyond.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Rice and Cooking Ingredients

• 2 cups jasmine rice
• 3 cups water
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 6 teaspoons olive oil (divided)
• 1 bay leaf

Flavorings

• Juice of 1 fresh lime
• 6 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Rinse the Rice: Place the jasmine rice in a fine-mesh strainer or large bowl and rinse under cool running water or by swirling and draining until the water runs clear, about 2-3 washes. This removes excess starch for fluffy, separate grains.
2. Add Ingredients to Pot: In a medium pot, combine rinsed rice, 3 cups water, 2 teaspoons salt, and 2 teaspoons olive oil. Stir to combine for even seasoning and to help keep rice from sticking.
3. Add Bay Leaf: Place 1 bay leaf into the pot to infuse subtle aromatic flavor during cooking.
4. Bring to a Boil: Set the pot over high heat and bring water to a rolling boil with lively bubbling. Watch closely to prevent boil-over.
5. Simmer Gently: Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let simmer quietly for 15 minutes without stirring or lifting the lid.
6. Prep Cilantro and Lime: While rice simmers, roll lime firmly on the counter then slice and juice it, straining out seeds if desired. Remove cilantro leaves from stems and finely chop them.
7. Fluff the Rice: After 15 minutes, turn off heat and remove the lid carefully. Remove the bay leaf and transfer rice to a large bowl. Use a fork to fluff gently, separating grains.
8. Add Final Flavors: Drizzle remaining 4 teaspoons olive oil, pour fresh lime juice, and sprinkle chopped cilantro evenly over the rice. Gently fold everything together with a spatula to coat without mashing the grains.
9. Taste and Adjust: Taste the rice and add extra lime juice, salt, or cilantro if desired to customize flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the cilantro lime rice into bowls or serving dishes. Garnish with extra cilantro if desired. Serve warm as a versatile side to tacos, grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian plates.

Notes

• Use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for the best vibrant flavor.
• Stick with jasmine rice for its floral aroma and fluffy texture; basmati is a good substitute but avoid short-grain rice.
• Do not lift the lid while rice cooks to ensure proper steam absorption and texture.
• Use a fork, not a spoon, to fluff rice gently to keep grains separate.
• Bay leaf adds subtle depth; be sure to remove it before serving.
• For a healthier twist, swap white jasmine rice for brown jasmine rice to increase fiber content.
• Adjust olive oil quantity to reduce fat if desired, or substitute with avocado oil for a lighter taste.
• This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and can be enjoyed as part of many dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: cilantro lime rice, fresh cilantro rice, lime rice, easy rice side dish, Mexican rice recipe, vegan rice side, gluten free rice, jasmine rice recipe