One-Pot Greek Lemon Rice with Feta and Herbs – Great for BBQs & Potlucks

One-pot Greek lemon rice with feta and herbs—easy, zesty, and perfect for BBQs, potlucks, or as a flavorful side for grilled meats and veggies.

A Zesty Mediterranean Side Dish That Steals the Show

It was a warm Sunday afternoon, and the backyard smelled like charred burgers and SPF 50. It was Father's Day, and naturally, half the family had already claimed “grill master” title while the rest hovered near the snack table like ants to a picnic. I, however, walked in carrying a humble bowl of rice.

But not just any rice—Greek Feta Cheese Rice with Lemon Zest and Herbs. Warm, fluffy, lemon-scented grains studded with briny feta and speckled with fresh green herbs. Let’s just say, the potato salad didn’t stand a chance.

This dish is perfect for literally any occasion—Father’s Day, family reunions, potlucks, Sunday lunches, or solo dinner nights when you need something comforting but still a little fancy.

Let’s dive in.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 18–20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings Yield: 4 servings (as a side dish)

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📝 Ingredients

For the rice:

• 1 cup long grain white rice (basmati or jasmine work well)
• 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the flavor mix-in:

• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• Juice of ½ lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup crumbled Greek feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or mint as an alternative)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional garnish/add-ins:

• 1–2 tablespoons chopped green onion or chives
• 1–2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds
• ¼ cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons chopped kalamata olives

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🍚 How to Make Greek Feta Cheese Rice with Lemon and Herbs

Step 1: Rinse and prep the rice

Rinse 1 cup of long grain white rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer. Swish the rice around with your hand while rinsing until the water runs mostly clear. This helps remove excess starch and results in fluffier, non-sticky rice.

Step 2: Cook the rice

In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth for more flavor), ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Stir once to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low and cover the pot tightly with a lid.

Let the rice simmer undisturbed for 15–18 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed. Do not lift the lid during cooking—steam is essential for perfect rice.

Step 3: Let it rest

Once the liquid has been absorbed, remove the saucepan from heat. Keep the lid on and let the rice rest for 5–10 minutes. This step lets the steam finish cooking the rice evenly and allows the grains to firm up.

Step 4: Fluff and flavor

Remove the lid and use a fork to gently fluff the rice. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and the juice of half a lemon.

Immediately stir in:

• 1 minced garlic clove
• Zest of 1 lemon
• ½ cup crumbled feta
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill (or mint)
• A few cracks of black pepper

Gently fold everything together until the feta is lightly melted and evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the lemon juice, herbs, salt, or pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve and garnish

Transfer the rice to a serving bowl. Top with optional add-ins like green onions, pine nuts, cherry tomatoes, or kalamata olives for an extra pop of texture and flavor.

Serve warm, at room temperature, or even chilled for a summer side.

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🥄 Ingredient Swaps & Variations

➤ Vegan Option:

Use a plant-based feta alternative or skip it and add more olives or toasted nuts for umami and crunch.

➤ Gluten-Free:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check that your vegetable broth is gluten-free.

➤ Make It a Meal:

Add grilled shrimp, chickpeas, lemon chicken, or crispy tofu for a full meal.

➤ Seasonal Twists:

• Spring: Add green peas or chopped asparagus
• Summer: Serve chilled with cucumbers and tomatoes
• Fall: Stir in roasted sweet potatoes or butternut squash
• Winter: Wilt in some spinach or sautéed kale

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🍽️ What to Serve It With

This rice is wildly versatile and can be dressed up or down:

• Grilled lamb, chicken, or salmon
• Baked falafel and tzatziki
• Stuffed peppers or dolmades
• Big Greek salad with cucumbers, olives, and red onion
• As a filling for wraps or pita pockets

Hosting a summer BBQ or Father’s Day lunch? Serve this as the centerpiece alongside grilled meats and fresh veggie platters.

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❓FAQs + Troubleshooting

Can I make this rice ahead of time?
Yes! It keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth, or serve chilled.

Why is my rice mushy?
Too much liquid or overcooking. Stick to the 1:2 rice-to-liquid ratio and avoid lifting the lid while it cooks.

Can I use brown rice or quinoa?
Definitely! Brown rice needs about 40 minutes of cooking. Quinoa works great, too—cook it according to package directions, then add the mix-ins.

Is bottled lemon juice okay?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended. Bottled can taste dull and flat. You want that zingy citrus to shine!

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🙌 Final Thoughts

You know that feeling when you bring the one dish everyone ends up asking the recipe for? That’s this one. Greek Feta Cheese Rice with Lemon Zest and Herbs is your new go-to—vibrant, quick, and wildly delicious.

Make it once and you’ll wonder how you ever served plain rice before.

👉 If you try it, tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below—what did you add? What did you pair it with? I want all the zesty details!

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Other RICE recipes to enjoy:

Cilantro-Lime Rice i >  a delightful party for your taste buds, introducing invigorating, tangy zest to your plate. 
 Basmati Rice with Shrimp > why not treat your taste buds to this delightful Basmati Rice with Shrimp? Your dinner game just got a whole lot more exciting.
Cilantro-Lime Rice >  delicious and easy-to-make dinner that can be made in an Instant Pot. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights

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