This Mediterranean Rice Bowl is one I keep coming back to — it’s quick, packed with fresh flavor, and always hits the spot on busy weeknights.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
How Many Servings?
4 servings
This Mediterranean rice bowl is one of my go-to meals for busy weeks — simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for meal prep. Inspired by farmer’s market ingredients, I toss rice with za’atar, feta, and a mix of fresh veggies like asparagus, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s earthy, vibrant, and comes together in just 30 minutes — no fuss, just real flavor.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Rice Bowl
- Olive Oil: As the base, olive oil adds a luscious and fruity undertone, coating each element of the bowl with richness.
- Red Onion and Garlic: Sautéed to perfection, red onion and minced garlic infuse savory warmth, building a robust foundation for the bowl.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Chopped fresh tomatoes add a juicy and vibrant element, enhancing the Mediterranean rice bowl’s overall freshness.
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A blend of za’atar, paprika, and sumac gives this bowl its signature Mediterranean flavor — earthy, citrusy, and just a touch smoky. They bring warmth, brightness, and bold depth to every bite.
- Fresh Asparagus: Trimmed and cut into smaller pieces, fresh asparagus provides a crisp and verdant element, enhancing the bowl’s texture and visual appeal.
- Sliced Kalamata Olives: Kalamata olives add a briny and salty kick and infuse the bowl with a Mediterranean touch, balancing the flavors.
- Jasmine Rice: Washed and soaked for optimal fluffiness, jasmine rice forms the hearty and satisfying base, absorbing the vibrant flavors of the bowl.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: A creamy and tangy delight, crumbled feta cheese crowns the bowl and offers a luxurious and indulgent finish.
- Fresh Mint and Parsley: Chopped fresh mint and parsley contribute a burst of herbaceous freshness, creating a harmonious balance in the bowl.
- Toasted Pine Nuts (Optional): Toasted pine nuts add a nutty and toasty dimension for those seeking an extra crunch, elevating the overall texture.
What Type of Rice Should I Use?
For this dish, jasmine rice is my favorite — it’s fragrant, light, and stays fluffy without clumping. I usually start with 1.5 cups uncooked, which makes about 4 cups cooked rice — perfect for a hearty, shareable bowl. You can adjust the amount based on how many people you’re serving.
What to Serve with Farmer’s Rice
Farmer’s rice with za’atar and feta is a delicious and filling meal all on its own, but it also pairs well with various other Mediterranean dishes. A great side dish next to roasted chicken with za’atar and sumac would complement the rice’s earthy flavors. Alternatively, it could be served alongside Mediterranean drumsticks or grilled kofta kababs and grilled shrimp skewers for a complete and satisfying meal. It would also be a great accompaniment to Mediterranean shrimp with spicy harissa. A lighter option, a simple Greek salad, would perfectly complement the bold and flavorful rice.
What Can I Add to My Mediterranean Rice Bowl?
- Versatile Veggies: Experiment with various vegetables, swapping out any you don’t fancy for your favorites. Think green beans, zucchini, squash, bell peppers, eggplant, or broccoli florets. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and presentation.
- Fresh Herbs: In addition to the aromatic herbs mentioned, add basil, dill, cilantro, or oregano for a unique and refreshing flavor. Sprinkle them as a garnish or mix them into the rice during the final cooking stages.
- Nutty Crunch: Nuts and seeds, such as toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or chopped walnuts, boost the texture and nutrition. Sprinkle them over the rice bowl just before serving.
- Olive Delight: Embrace the Mediterranean vibe with olives, whether Kalamata or green ones. Chop or keep them whole for bursts of saltiness. Explore other Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or artichoke hearts for added complexity.
- Citrus Zest: Grate lemon or orange zest into your rice bowl for a vibrant, citrusy twist. This simple addition enhances the flavors and adds a refreshing touch to complement other ingredients beautifully.
Preparation
Prep & Sauté the Aromatics
Rinse 1½ cups of jasmine rice and soak it in water for 20 minutes. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté ½ cup of chopped red onion for about 2 minutes, until just softened.
Build Flavor with Veggies & Spices
Stir in 1 teaspoon each of paprika, sumac, and salt, plus 2 tablespoons of za’atar for bold Mediterranean flavor.
Add 1 cup of chopped asparagus and ½ cup of sliced Kalamata olives, and stir everything together until well combined.
Add Rice & Simmer
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Finish with Herbs & Feta
Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork and stir in ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese, plus ½ cup each of chopped fresh mint and parsley. Serve warm and enjoy every flavorful bite!
Garnish & Serve
Enjoy your delicious Farmer’s Rice with Za’atar and Feta — fresh, flavorful, and satisfying!
Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-prepare Mediterranean Farmer’s Rice with Za’atar and Feta bowl that will indeed become a staple in your meal rotation.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
How Many Servings?
4 servings
Ingredients:
| 1 tablespoon olive oil | |
| 1/2 cup red onion, chopped | |
| 3 garlic cloves, minced | |
| 1 cup fresh tomatoes, chopped | |
| 1 teaspoon paprika | |
| 1 teaspoon sumac | |
| 1 teaspoon salt | |
| 2 tablespoons zaatar | |
| 1 cup fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into smaller pieces | |
| 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives | |
| 1 1/2 cups of jasmine rice, washed and soaked in water for 20 minutes | |
| 2 cups of warm water | |
| 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese | |
| 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped | |
| 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped | |
| 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional) |
Preparation
Before you begin, prep and measure out all your ingredients for easy assembly. Rinse 1½ cups of jasmine rice and soak it in water for 20 minutes. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté ½ cup of chopped red onion for about 2 minutes, until just softened.
Add 1 cup of chopped fresh tomatoes and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté for 2 more minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon each of paprika, sumac, and salt, plus 2 tablespoons of za’atar for bold Mediterranean flavor. Add 1 cup of chopped asparagus and ½ cup of sliced Kalamata olives, and stir everything together until well combined.
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Pour in 2 cups of warm water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to steam. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork and stir in ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese, plus ½ cup each of chopped fresh mint and parsley. Serve warm and enjoy every flavorful bite!
If desired, sprinkle ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts over the rice just before serving for extra crunch and richness. Enjoy your delicious Farmer’s Rice with Za’atar and Feta — fresh, flavorful, and satisfying!
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Rana’s Notes!
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
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Have you tried making a Mediterranean Rice bowl with zaatar and feta? If so, what ingredients did you include? I would love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to leave a comment below.