Zesty Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe That Wows Every Time

Crafting a delightful avocado cilantro lime rice that dances with vibrant flavors might sound like a culinary adventure.

Creamy avocados blend seamlessly with zesty lime and fresh herbs.

Unexpected combinations create magic in your kitchen, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Bright green hues promise a feast for both eyes and palate.

Fresh cilantro adds a punch of brightness that makes this dish irresistible.

Weeknight dinners or casual gatherings will never be the same once you master this quick and easy recipe.

Let’s uncover the secrets to making this mouthwatering side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why This Lime Rice Always Satisfies

• Boost Your Meal Prep: This rice recipe transforms a basic side dish into a vibrant, flavorful companion that elevates any main course with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting cilantro and lime amounts to match your personal taste preferences, making it a flexible dish for various palates.
• Nutrient-Packed Side Dish: Combining creamy avocado with zesty lime and fresh cilantro creates a nutritious rice option loaded with healthy fats and bright, refreshing flavors.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps, perfect for home cooks seeking a delicious side dish without complicated techniques.

Everything You Need for Cilantro Lime Rice

• White Rice: A fluffy and neutral grain that absorbs the vibrant flavors of the recipe.

• Avocado: A creamy ingredient that adds richness and smooth texture to the rice.
• Cilantro: A fresh herb that provides a bright and zesty green flavor.
• Lime Juice: A tangy liquid that brings a sharp and refreshing citrus note.
• Lime Zest: A concentrated citrus ingredient that adds intense lime flavor.

• Salt: A simple seasoning that balances and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Water: A basic liquid used to cook the rice and achieve the perfect texture.

Steps for Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice Success

Step 1: Prepare The Rice Base

Place rice in a medium saucepan with water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.

Once boiling, lower the temperature to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice cook quietly for about 20 minutes.

The rice is ready when all water has been completely absorbed and the grains appear fluffy.

Step 2: Create Creamy Flavor Fusion

Grab a ripe avocado and mash it thoroughly until smooth.

Finely chop fresh cilantro leaves. Zest the lime carefully to extract its bright green outer layer.

• Mashed avocado
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime zest
• Fresh lime juice

Gently fold all ingredients together, ensuring an even distribution of flavors throughout the rice.

Step 3: Enhance And Elevate

Sprinkle sea salt across the rice, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect seasoning balance. Transfer the vibrant green-flecked rice to a serving dish.

Enjoy the rice warm, allowing the fresh herbs and citrus notes to shine through. The creamy avocado will provide a luxurious texture that complements the bright lime and herbaceous cilantro.

Cooking Tips for Creamy Lime Rice Perfection

• Mash ripe avocados thoroughly to ensure smooth, even distribution throughout the rice for a silky texture.
• Chop cilantro just before mixing to maintain its bright green color and vibrant flavor profile.
• Use fresh lime juice and zest for a more intense, zesty taste compared to bottled alternatives.
• Let rice cool slightly before adding avocado to prevent turning the mixture too mushy or watery.
• Swap white rice with brown or cauliflower rice for a healthier, low-carb version of this dish.

Fun New Takes on Avocado Lime Rice

• Spicy Jalapeño Edition: Add finely diced jalapeños for a zesty kick, creating a bold and fiery rice variation that tingles your taste buds.
• Mexican Street Corn Style: Mix in grilled corn kernels, cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of chili powder for a street food-inspired rice experience.
• Herb Garden Blend: Replace cilantro with a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, mint, and chives for a vibrant and aromatic rice dish.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber, and a touch of dried oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired rice variation.

What Goes Well With Cilantro Lime Rice Bowl

• Pair with Grilled Proteins: Complement the creamy, zesty rice with chargrilled chicken, shrimp, or fish to create a balanced and vibrant meal that highlights the fresh cilantro and lime flavors.
• Elevate with Mexican-Inspired Sides: Serve alongside black beans, pico de gallo, and crispy tortilla chips to enhance the Latin-inspired profile of the dish and add textural contrast.
• Match with Refreshing Beverages: Cool down the rice's bright notes with a crisp margarita, Mexican beer like Corona, or a citrusy white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc that echoes the lime's tanginess.
• Create Salsa Verde Harmony: Top the rice with a homemade salsa verde to amplify the green, herbal undertones of cilantro and provide an extra layer of zesty complexity.

Storing Avocado Rice the Best Way Possible

Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and keep flavors fresh.

Transfer cooled rice to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. Label with the date to track freshness.

Place rice in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Warm rice in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or lime juice to restore moisture. Stir gently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but adjust cooking time and water ratio accordingly. Brown rice typically needs more water and longer cooking time.

• How ripe should the avocado be?

Choose a ripe avocado that’s soft but not mushy. It should yield slightly when gently pressed but not have brown spots or feel overly soft.

• Is this dish suitable for vegans?

Absolutely! This Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice is naturally vegan and contains no animal products. It’s a great plant-based side dish or base for other recipes.

• Can I make this rice ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.

Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty avocado cilantro lime rice brings Mexican-inspired freshness to your plate, combining creamy avocado with tangy lime and fragrant herbs. Rich, herbaceous grains complement any main dish, offering you a delightful side that elevates simple meals with bold, refreshing flavors.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 large avocado
• 1 lime

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• Salt, to taste

Liquid:

• 2 cups water

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Instructions

1. Rinse rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy texture.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine rice with water, bringing to a rapid boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed.
4. Remove from heat and let rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow steam to distribute evenly.
5. Gently fluff rice with a fork to separate grains and prevent clumping.
6. While rice is still warm, fold in creamy mashed avocado, releasing its rich, buttery flavor.
7. Incorporate finely chopped fresh cilantro, spreading its vibrant green color and herbaceous notes throughout the rice.
8. Squeeze fresh lime juice and sprinkle lime zest, adding a bright, citrusy dimension to the dish.
9. Season with kosher salt and gentle pepper, balancing the creamy and tangy elements.
10. Serve immediately while warm, allowing the aromatic herbs and citrus to shine.

Notes

• Use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Opt for ripe, creamy avocados that mash easily and blend smoothly into the rice for a rich, luxurious texture.
• Choose long-grain white rice for the best fluffy consistency, or swap with brown rice for added nutritional value and a nuttier taste.
• Garnish with extra chopped cilantro and a lime wedge to boost visual appeal and provide a fresh, zesty finish to the rice.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg