Spanakorizo Recipe (Greek Spinach Rice)

Name: Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 cup medium grain white rice; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 - 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth; 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped); 2 green onions (finely sliced); 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped); 1/2 lemon (juice and zest of); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (to taste); 1/4 teaspoon pepper (to taste); feta cheese (crumbled (for serving))

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This Spanakorizo Recipe is a quick and flavorful Instant Pot dish featuring tender spinach, fluffy rice, and bright lemony goodness. With just a handful of simple ingredients, this classic Greek spinach rice comes together effortlessly in one pot.

Perfect as a healthy side, we love to serve this with Oven Baked Lamb Shanks, a Greek Village Salad and this Greek Rice Pudding Recipe for dessert!

spanakorizo greek spinach rice with lemon and dill in the instant pot hero image close up in black bowl with lemon and feta crumbled.

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Spanakorizo is a traditional Greek dish combining spinach, rice, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley. It's a staple in Greek households, often enjoyed as a comforting main dish or a hearty side.

Looking for more Greek side dish ideas? Try our Easy Greek Lemon Potatoes or Fasolakia.

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Why We Love This Recipe
Spanakorizo Rice Ingredients
Substitutions & Variations
How To Make Spanakorizo Greek Spinach Rice
Expert Tips for Success
Storage
Recipe FAQs
More Greek Recipes You'll Love ♥️
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Why We Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Made in the Instant Pot, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Have you tried our Avgolemono Soup Instant Pot Recipe? It's another delicious Greek favorite that comes together fast!
Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with spinach and fresh herbs, it's a great way to include greens in your diet.
Family-Friendly: The mild flavors and creamy texture appeal to both kids and adults.
Versatile Dish: Can be served as a main dish or a side, suitable for various dietary preferences.

Spanakorizo Rice Ingredients

A labeled ingredient photo of everything needed to make Spanakorizo.

Medium Grain White Rice: Provides a creamy texture that absorbs flavors well.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish.
Onion: Gives a sweet, savory base.
Garlic: Adds depth and aroma.
Vegetable Broth: Enhances the flavor of the rice.
Fresh Spinach: A nutritious leafy green that adds color and texture. If you love spinach in Greek dishes, check out our highly requested Spinach and Feta rolls.
Green Onion: Provides a mild onion flavor.
Dill: Adds a fresh, slightly tangy taste.
Lemon: Adds zest and acidity.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors.
Feta Cheese: Optional garnish for a creamy, tangy finish.

A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Substitutions & Variations

Rice: You can substitute medium grain white rice with basmati or jasmine rice for a different texture.
Vegetable Broth: Chicken broth can be used instead of vegetable broth for added flavor.
Fresh Spinach: Frozen spinach can be used if fresh is not available; just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.

How To Make Spanakorizo Greek Spinach Rice

spanakorizo greek spinach rice with lemon and dill process shot 1 rice being rinsed.

STEP ONE: Prepare the Ingredients

Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the spinach and green onions. Juice and zest the lemon.

spanakorizo greek spinach rice with lemon and dill process shot 2 sautéing onions and garlic

STEP TWO: Sauté the Aromatics

Set the Instant Pot to 'Sauté' mode. Add the extra virgin olive oil to the pot. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

spanakorizo greek spinach rice with lemon and dill process shot 3 adding rice and liquid before sealing.

STEP THREE: Cook the Rice

Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat. Pour in the vegetable broth, and add a pinch of salt and pepper.

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to 'Sealing.' Cook on 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' for 4 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release.

spanakorizo greek spinach rice with lemon and dill process shot 4 adding spinach, green onion, and dill.

STEP FOUR: Combine and Serve

Open the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the chopped spinach, green onions, fresh dill, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top.

Expert Tips for Success

👩‍🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!

✔️ DO Use fresh dill and lemon juice for best flavor.
✔️ DO Fully thaw and drain spinach to avoid excess water in the dish if using frozen.
✔️ DO Fluff the rice gently with a fork after cooking to keep the grains separate.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Spanakorizo is generally not freezer-friendly, as freezing can negatively affect the texture of the rice and spinach, making them mushy upon reheating. To reheat, microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Recipe FAQs

What is Spanakorizo made of?

Spanakorizo is a traditional Greek dish made of spinach, rice, dill, lemon juice, onions, garlic, and olive oil. The rice used is typically medium grain, which absorbs the flavors well, and the dish is often garnished with feta cheese.

How healthy is Spanakorizo?

Spanakorizo is a very healthy low calorie dish packed with nutrients from spinach, which is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber. The use of olive oil adds healthy fats, while the lemon juice provides vitamin C and enhances the absorption of iron from the spinach.

Can you make Spanakorizo ahead of time?

Yes, Spanakorizo can be made ahead of time. You can prepare and cook the dish, then store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.