Pesto Rice
This simple and delicious pesto rice recipe is sure to become a family favorite! You only need 15 minutes and less than 10 ingredients to serve this healthy meal that can easily be accommodated as a flavorful side dish!
Why you will love this recipe
- Pesto rice is so flavorful and delicious
- This mouthwatering recipe takes minimal ingredients
- This easy rice dish comes together in less than 15 minutes
- This recipe is perfect for any occasion and can be had as a main or as a side dish
- My toddler loves it for lunch or dinner
- This recipe is gluten free and can be made vegan and vegetarian friendly
- The rice is easy to store and reheat making it a great meal prep recipe
What is pesto rice?
Pesto rice is a creamy rice dish full of protein, veggies and flavor that comes together so quickly! This recipe was created when I was looking in the fridge wondering if there was anything I could make for my toddler and I had leftover rice, pesto, turkey and broccoli. I threw it together in a pan and stirred together, like fried rice, and my toddler loved it SO MUCH – he had seconds! I knew I had to make it again to recreate this delicious masterpiece!
Ingredients and substitutions
- Rice– I like to use white rice but you may use basmati, jasmine, brown or any other kind of rice you prefer
- Broccoli – I like to add broccoli to this because my toddler loves it but you may use zucchini, cauliflower, peas or bell peppers
- Ground turkey – you may use ground chicken, beef, pork, bison, or salmon. Omit if you are vegan or vegetarian
- Pesto – I like to use store-bought but you can make your own pesto at home
- Parmesan cheese– you may use goat, cheddar or feta cheese
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Olive oil – you may use olive oil
My Favorite store-bought pesto
You can make pesto from scratch if you’d like but I have always preferred to use store-bought just to keep things quick and simple. My favorite store-bought pesto is the vegan cilantro pesto from the brand Bolani. They use very simple and whole ingredients, which is what I always look for on an ingredient label!
Trader Joe’s has a good pesto as well but I haven’t gotten that in a long time, so unsure if they have changed the ingredients or not.
How to make Pesto Rice
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil and ground turkey. Season with garlic powder and black pepper then stir to cook until brown, about 5 minutes.
- When the turkey is done, add cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and pesto to the pan and stir until the pesto is well combined with the other ingredients.
- Add grated parmesan to the pan and stir for another 30 seconds. Serve and enjoy!
How to serve and store
This pesto rice has it all – protein, vegetables, starch, and flavor! You could serve as is as the main dish with maybe some fruit for toddlers. If you omit the broccoli and ground turkey, this would make a delicious side dish with your favorite protein!
Store in an airtight glass container for 3 to 5 days in fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, place on a pan with some oil or butter for a few minutes and stir. You can also set it on microwave-safe dish and heat for 30 seconds in the microwave. If you have more time, place in oven or convection oven at 250 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you make this for meal prep? Yes, it makes for a great meal prep recipe.
- Can I freeze the pesto rice? Yes! You may freeze in airtight container or bag for up to 3 months.
- What kind of rice should you use? I prefer to use white rice for this recipe because I like how sticky the dish comes out but you may use any kind of rice you prefer. Basmati, brown, and jasmine would all be great!
- Is pesto sauce healthy? Yes, in moderation. It contains healthy fats and can be eaten on a vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, keto, and the Mediterranean diet.
- Does pesto go well with rice? Yes! Pesto brings an amazing flavor to rice, pasta, potatoes and pizza. It is a great combo!
If you love this recipe, you should try:
- Zucchini Orzo
- Cheesy Broccoli Rice
- Pesto Baked Salmon
- Creamy Couscous and Veggies
- Kimchi and Beef Fried Rice
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups steamed broccoli chopped
- 1/2 lb ground turkey
- 1/3 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tbsp. olive oil
Instructions
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil and ground turkey. Season with garlic powder and black pepper then stir to cook until brown, about 5 minutes.
- When the turkey is done, add cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and pesto to the pan and stir until the pesto is well combined with the other ingredients.
- Add grated parmesan to the pan and stir for another 30 seconds. Serve and enjoy!
