Description
This Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice is a vibrant, creamy, and flavorful side dish perfect for adding a fresh twist to your meals. Made with fluffy long grain white rice, ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, and zesty lime, this recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, making it a healthy and delicious accompaniment inspired by Mexican flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups water or broth
Avocado Mixture
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, which helps the rice cook fluffy and prevents it from becoming sticky.
- Cook the Rice: In a saucepan, combine the rinsed rice with 2 cups of water or broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been mostly absorbed.
- Rest the Rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the steam to finish cooking the rice evenly and ensures a fluffy texture.
- Prepare the Avocado Mixture: While the rice rests, mash the ripe avocado in a medium bowl until smooth. Stir in fresh lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a creamy, zesty dressing.
- Combine and Fluff: Fluff the cooked rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Then, fold in the avocado mixture along with the chopped fresh cilantro until the rice is evenly coated and the ingredients are well combined.
- Serve: Serve the avocado cilantro lime rice warm as a delicious side dish or as a base for bowls with your favorite proteins and vegetables.
Notes
- For extra flavor, cook the rice in vegetable or chicken broth instead of water.
- Brown rice or quinoa can be used as a nutritious alternative to white rice; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Add chopped jalapeño or green onion to the avocado mixture for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
