Name: Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 8 oz spinach, washed and tough stems removed; 1 spring onion (scallion), thinly sliced; 1/4 red onion (or 1/2 if small), finely chopped; 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill; 1/4 cup rice (Basmati or medium grain, not too starchy); 1/2 cup water or vegetable stock; 2 tbsp virgin olive oil, divided; 1/2 lemon juice (approx. from half a lemon); 1/2 tbsp feta cheese (optional, for serving); Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 15 reviews

If you’ve ever wanted to bring a little taste of Greece into your kitchen, this Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice) Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a wonderfully simple yet deeply flavorful dish, combining tender spinach and fluffy rice with the bright zing of lemon and the herbal freshness of dill. Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side, this recipe captures the heart of Greek home cooking—comforting, wholesome, and bursting with natural flavors that will make you smile with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large clear glass bowl filled with chopped green spinach leaves layered densely inside. Below this bowl, there is a smaller clear glass bowl holding white rice grains. Around these bowls, on a white marbled surface, lie a bunch of green dill with feathery leaves, a green onion with white roots, a bright yellow lemon, and a whole purple-red onion. All items are neatly arranged and brightly lit, highlighting their fresh textures and colors. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice) Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully selected to bring out the authentic flavors and textures that define this classic Greek dish.

Spinach (8 oz): Fresh spinach is the star here, providing a tender, vibrant green base packed with nutrients and a subtle earthiness.

Spring onion (1): Adds a mild crunch and subtle sharpness that sweetens up beautifully when cooked.
Red onion (1/4 or 1/2 if small): Offers a slightly more robust onion flavor that softens with cooking and adds depth.
Virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): Essential for that rich, fruity Mediterranean touch and to gently cook the vegetables.

Rice, such as Basmati (1/4 cup): Long or medium grain rice works best to create fluffy grains that soak up the spinach and stock without becoming mushy.
Water or vegetable stock (1/2 cup): Stock adds extra flavor while water keeps it light; either works beautifully.
Fresh dill (1 tbsp, chopped): This fragrant herb lifts the entire dish with its subtle aniseed notes.

Lemon juice (1/2 lemon): The fresh acidity from lemon is crucial, giving the dish its bright, refreshing finish.
Feta cheese (1/2 tbsp, optional): A sprinkle of salty feta elevates the flavors and adds a creamy contrast when you serve.

How to Make Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice) Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Start by removing any tough stems from your spinach, then give the leaves a rough chop to ensure they cook evenly. Slice up your spring onion into thin rings and finely chop the red onion. These onions will gently soften and bring out their sweetness when cooked, so take your time prepping to keep those textures just right.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Warm just over half of the olive oil in a medium pan over medium heat, then add the spring and red onions. Cook them slowly for a couple of minutes, stirring often, until they soften but do not brown—this step builds the foundational flavor of the dish, so gentle heat and patience are key here.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Next, add the chopped spinach to the pan. It might seem like a lot, but spinach wilts down tremendously. Stir regularly, lifting the spinach from the bottom to help it cook evenly and quickly. Watching it turn that perfect deep green is a little moment of magic!

Step 4: Add Rice and Liquid

Once your spinach is fully wilted, pour in the rice and your choice of water or vegetable stock. Stir everything together, scraping down the sides of the pan so nothing sticks and layers of flavor meld beautifully. This is where the rice begins to absorb all those amazing aromas.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover your pan and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook slowly for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has soaked up all the liquid. The slow cooking allows the spinach and rice to become best friends, embracing all the lemony, herbal goodness.

Step 6: Final Touches

To finish, stir in the chopped dill, the remaining olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Give one last stir to distribute all those wonderful flavors. If you like, sprinkle a little crumbled feta cheese on top just before serving—it adds a lovely creamy saltiness that complements the dish beautifully.

How to Serve Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice) Recipe

A close-up view of a bowl filled with cooked rice mixed with wilted green leafy vegetables and small pieces of translucent onion, creating a textured green and white mixture. On the right side of the dish, there is a thin wedge of yellow lemon resting on top of the rice. A wooden spoon is partially visible, sticking out of the bowl, suggesting the dish is ready to be served. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface with some fresh green dill sprigs around the base. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light sprinkle of crumbled feta or a few extra sprigs of dill make perfect garnishes. You can also add a twist of lemon zest to brighten the presentation and add a fresh aroma that invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

Spanakorizo shines as a side to grilled fish or roasted chicken, pairing well with simple Mediterranean staples like olives, tomatoes, or a crisp cucumber salad. For a vegetarian spread, it goes wonderfully with creamy tzatziki or warm pita bread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Spanakorizo as a bed beneath baked fish or spoon it into tiny phyllo cups as an appetizer at your next gathering. It also works great-shaped into small patties and lightly fried for a delightful bite-sized treat with yogurt dip.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps brilliantly in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just pop it into an airtight container, and when you’re ready to enjoy it again, it’s as simple as reheating and enjoying the comforting flavors all over again.

Freezing

You can freeze Spanakorizo without any trouble. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. It should last up to two months frozen, making it a fantastic option for prepping meals ahead.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to keep the rice moist. Stir occasionally to ensure even warmth. The flavors remain wonderfully vibrant, almost like freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to prevent extra liquid from making the dish too watery. Frozen spinach is a handy alternative that still delivers great flavor.

Is Basmati rice the only type of rice I can use?

While Basmati is preferred for its light texture and aroma, medium-grain rice also works well. Avoid sticky or very starchy rice varieties as they can make the dish too mushy rather than fluffy.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan if you skip the optional feta cheese. It’s a fresh, plant-based dish that shines on its own and pairs wonderfully with many vegan-friendly mains.

How important is the lemon juice?

Lemon juice is essential for that bright, authentic Greek flavor. It cuts through the richness of the olive oil and spinach, making the dish refreshingly balanced. Don’t skip it!

Can I add other herbs?

Dill is traditional and really defines the dish, but you can experiment with fresh parsley or mint for a different twist. Just add them at the end to preserve their fresh flavors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Spanakorizo (Greek Spinach Rice) Recipe enough if you want to bring a simple, healthy, and utterly delicious Greek classic into your home. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean sun—light but satisfying, fresh yet comforting. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll find a special place on your regular recipe rotation.