Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice) combines rice, spinach, lemon, dill, garlic, and feta into a simple Greek-inspired side dish made in the Instant Pot. It's great for Mediterranean meals, Greek side dishes, and easy rice recipes. The lemon and dill brighten the rice while the spinach and feta add savory flavor and texture.
Looking for more Greek side dish ideas? Try our Easy Greek Lemon Potatoes, Crispy Smashed Potato Salad Recipe, or this Fasolakia (Green Bean Stew).
Spanakorizo Recipe (Greek Spinach Rice) at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 15 minutes
- 🧊 Optional Chill: None
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 🔥 Cook Method: Instant Pot pressure cooking
- 🍽️ Cuisine (or General Category): Greek rice side dish
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Greek Lemon Chicken and Potatoes, Pan Seared Lamb Loin Chops, Oven Baked Lamb Shanks, Greek Village Salad, roasted vegetables, Greek Rice Pudding Recipe
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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The lemon juice and fresh dill brighten the rice while the feta adds creamy salty flavor on top. ~Jami
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!
- 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
- 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.
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How To Make Spanakorizo Greek Spinach Rice
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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📖 Recipe
Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice)
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spatula
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
- ½ lemon juice and zest of
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper to taste
- feta cheese crumbled (for serving)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 if needed. Serve warm with a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top.
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Notes
- Rinse the rice until the water runs clear.
- Sauté the onion before pressure cooking for a deeper flavor.
- Stir the spinach in after cooking while the rice is still hot.
- Add the lemon juice at the end for fresher flavor.
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