Cilantro Lime Rice: A Flavorful Side Dish Your Family Will Love!

Name: Cilantro Lime Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cups white rice; 4 cups water; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, juiced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt to taste

Posted on February 20, 2026

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Is there anything better than a warm, fluffy bowl of rice that’s bursting with zesty flavor? This Cilantro Lime Rice comes together in about 30 minutes and is made all in one pot for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! Switch up the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry, it’s a great way to clean out the fridge and use up any leftover veggies or proteins you have. Let’s get started on this delicious dish that’ll become your new go-to recipe!

Ingredient Breakdown for Cilantro Lime Rice

Here’s What You’ll Need

2 cups white rice
4 cups water
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt to taste

And oh, the beauty of this dish? You can also adjust most of these ingredients based on what you have at home! So, let’s dive into the cooking process!

Let’s Get Cooking!

Rinse the rice: First things first! Give the rice a good rinse under cold water until the water runs clear, this helps remove excess starch and makes it less sticky. It’s a game-changer for rice texture, trust me!
Boil the water: In a medium pot, bring the 4 cups of water to a vigorous boil. Then add the rinsed rice. It’s like throwing in a warm blanket on a cold night, so satisfying!
Simmer down: After you’ve added the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 18-20 minutes. You want it to be tender and all the water absorbed. During this time, you can smell that lovely rice cooking away, it’s pure comfort!
Let it rest: Once the rice is done, remove it from the heat but keep it covered for about 5 minutes to let it steam. This is key for achieving that fluffy finish!
Fluff and flavor: Grab a fork and fluff the rice gently, as you do this, stir in the olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Taste, taste, taste! This is where the magic happens, my friends.
Serve warm: Now it’s ready! Serve this Cilantro Lime Rice warm as a side dish, or pile it on your plate as a base for a delicious burrito bowl.

Why I Love This Cilantro Lime Rice

This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick, easy, and let’s face it delicious. I’m a real sucker for anything loaded with flavor, and this rice really delivers! Plus, it has that vibrant green from the cilantro and the zesty lift from the lime, making it not just tasty but also so pretty on the plate! And the best part is its incredible versatility, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, whether it’s different herbs or adding in some sautéed veggies. It has truly become a family favorite of ours!

If you loved this Cilantro Lime Rice, be sure to check out my Jailhouse Rice, my Broccoli and Cheese Risotto, or my Tasty Caramelized Onion Risotto!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes! With just a couple of simple steps, you’re ready to impress your family with a side dish that seems fancy but is actually straightforward. Seriously, who has time to spend an hour on dinner?

One Pot Wonder

Cleaning up after dinner is almost never fun, but with this Cilantro Lime Rice, it’s all made in one pot! You can enjoy a delicious homemade meal while keeping kitchen cleanup to a minimum. It’s a win-win!

Budget-Friendly

Using everyday ingredients keeps this dish accessible and budget-friendly. Rice is typically inexpensive, making this recipe perfect for families trying to stretch their grocery dollars. You can enjoy a flavorful and healthy meal without breaking the bank!

Customizable

This Cilantro Lime Rice is super customizable! You can add in black beans, corn, or chopped bell peppers to amp up the nutrition (and fun!). It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover veggies from the fridge and create something new each time!

Comfort Food

Let’s face it, rice is the ultimate comfort food! When I make this dish, I know it’ll be satisfying and will bring my family to the table. Loaded with tons of flavor, this rice can be the star of a meal or the perfect supporting player!

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

Cilantro Lime Rice goes perfectly with grilled chicken, fish tacos, or as a base for burrito bowls. You could even enjoy it with some sautéed shrimp and a fresh salad on the side. The lemony brightness of this rice just pairs so well with everything!

Storage

If you have leftovers (which, let’s be honest, may not happen), you can store the rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the rice in the microwave for a minute or two until warmed through. You might want to add a few splashes of water or extra lime juice to bring back some of that moisture!

Freezer Friendly

Want to make it ahead of time? Yes! You can freeze this Cilantro Lime Rice for up to 3 months. Just defrost in the fridge overnight before you reheat!

Final Tips for Success

Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Lime Rice

Tons of Flavor: The combination of fresh cilantro and zesty lime creates a flavor explosion in every bite!
Easy Cleanup: Minimal dishes to wash, keeping your kitchen mess down to a minimum.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a double batch for easy meals throughout the week.
Family Appeal: The whole family will love the burst of flavors, and who doesn’t love rice?

So, there you have it! This quick and easy Cilantro Lime Rice recipe brings a bowl of sunshine to your dining table. Whether you’re having a taco night or just need a comforting side dish to go along with your meal, this rice is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Now get your ingredients together, and let’s whip up this lovely dish that trust me, will be part of your family’s dinner rotation for years to come! Happy cooking! For more Recipes Follow Us in our Pinterest.