If you’re looking to elevate your rice game, this Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice is just the recipe you need. Imagine fluffy rice, infused with a burst of fresh lime, a hint of cilantro, and the creamy richness of ripe avocado. It’s like the perfect side dish that’s not just tasty but totally satisfying. Whether you’re serving it with tacos, grilled chicken, or just a scoop by itself, this rice is sure to be a new favorite at your table. Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough of it!
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Why You’ll Love Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice
Fresh and Flavorful: The fresh lime juice and cilantro bring a zesty brightness that lifts the rice to a whole new level. And the avocado? It adds the perfect creamy texture that makes every bite indulgent.
Quick and Easy: This is the kind of side dish that comes together quickly, but still feels special enough to serve at a gathering or for a weeknight dinner.
Customizable: You can adjust the lime and cilantro to your liking, and if you want an extra kick, a little jalapeño or hot sauce works wonders!
Healthy: With avocado and cilantro, this rice is packed with nutrients and healthy fats. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and health.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves rice, and this flavorful twist is bound to please even picky eaters. Plus, it’s easy to make a large batch if you’re serving a crowd.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious and creamy rice dish:
Rice: Long grain white rice is traditional, but you can use brown rice for a heartier version.
Avocado: A ripe avocado adds richness and creaminess to the rice, making it feel extra indulgent.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the dish and complements the lime perfectly.
Lime: The juice of fresh limes gives the rice a zesty, refreshing taste that perfectly balances the richness of the avocado.
Olive Oil: A bit of olive oil helps to add moisture to the rice and enhances the overall flavor.
Salt: Just a pinch of salt to bring all the flavors together.
Water or Broth: For cooking the rice; broth can add even more flavor, but water works perfectly fine.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s make this rice come to life:
Cook the Rice: Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. If you want extra flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
Mash the Avocado: While the rice is cooking, cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Mash it up until smooth, but still a bit chunky.
Mix the Rice and Avocado: Once the rice is done cooking, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains. Then, gently fold in the mashed avocado, making sure the rice gets coated in its creamy goodness.
Add Lime and Cilantro: Squeeze the fresh lime juice over the rice, and sprinkle with the chopped cilantro. Mix everything together until well combined.
Season to Taste: Taste your rice and add a pinch of salt if needed. If you want a little extra flavor, drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil for a smooth finish.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 240 (varies depending on portion size)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice
As a Side Dish: This rice is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, like chicken, steak, or fish. It also pairs wonderfully with Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, or enchiladas.
With Beans: Add a side of black beans or refried beans to make this a complete meal. The creamy rice and savory beans go so well together!
In a Bowl: Serve it in a bowl with your favorite toppings. Try adding a scoop of salsa, sour cream, or even a fried egg for a fun twist.
With Grilled Veggies: Grilled or roasted veggies like peppers, zucchini, or corn would complement this rice beautifully. It’s light but filling and can be the star of a healthy meal.
Additional Tips
Adjust the Lime: If you love lime, feel free to add a bit more juice to the rice. You can also add some zest for extra citrusy punch.
Make it Spicy: Add finely diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to give this rice a little extra kick. The heat balances out the creaminess of the avocado perfectly!
Use Brown Rice: If you prefer brown rice, it’s an excellent substitute. Just make sure to cook it according to the instructions as it takes a bit longer.
Leftovers: This rice is great for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Customize the Toppings: Get creative with toppings! A sprinkle of cheese, a drizzle of sour cream, or a handful of diced tomatoes can make this rice even more irresistible.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use frozen cilantro instead of fresh?
A1: Yes, you can! Just make sure to use it in moderation, as frozen cilantro tends to be more intense in flavor.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: The rice is best enjoyed fresh, but if you need to make it ahead, store it in an airtight container and add the avocado and lime right before serving.
Q3: Can I use a different type of rice?
A3: Absolutely! You can use jasmine rice, basmati rice, or even quinoa for a different texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking method accordingly.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the avocado fresh, try covering the rice with plastic wrap directly touching the surface.
Q5: Can I add other ingredients to the rice?
A5: Yes! You can mix in ingredients like corn, diced tomatoes, or even black beans for added flavor and texture.
Q6: Can I use a different fat instead of olive oil?
A6: Yes, you can use butter, avocado oil, or any other cooking oil you prefer.
Q7: Can I make this rice ahead of time?
A7: You can cook the rice ahead of time, but I recommend adding the avocado and lime just before serving to keep it fresh.
Q8: Can I use lime zest too?
A8: Definitely! Lime zest adds a beautiful burst of citrus flavor. Feel free to add some for an extra limey kick.
Q9: Can I make this rice spicy?
A9: Yes, add diced jalapeño or a bit of chili powder for some heat. It pairs wonderfully with the creamy avocado and lime.
Q10: Can I freeze Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice?
A10: It’s not ideal to freeze rice with avocado, as the texture of the avocado changes when frozen. But the rice itself can be frozen and enjoyed without the avocado.
Conclusion
Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice is the kind of dish that makes a simple meal feel special. It’s fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it the perfect side or even a main dish on its own. Whether you’re serving it with tacos, grilled meats, or enjoying it as part of a healthy bowl, this rice is sure to become a new staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try, and you’ll see how easy it is to elevate your everyday meals!
Print
Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice is creamy, zesty, and packed with fresh flavors! Made with long-grain rice, mashed avocado, and lime, it’s the perfect easy side dish for tacos, burrito bowls, or grilled meats. Quick, healthy, and delicious!
Ingredients
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1 cup long-grain rice
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2 cups water
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1 large avocado, peeled and mashed
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1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
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1 lime, juice and zest
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Salt, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the rice: In a pot, bring rice and water to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
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Mix in the flavors: Stir in mashed avocado, cilantro, lime juice, and zest. Mix well.
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Season and serve: Add salt to taste and serve warm.
Notes
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Use day-old rice for a quicker prep time.
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Sauté onions and garlic in oil and mix them in for extra flavor.
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Swap the rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg