Name: Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup long grain white rice; 2 cups water or vegetable broth; 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon lime zest; ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Let’s talk about a side dish that absolutely steals the spotlight—Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice. Imagine fluffy, perfectly cooked rice tossed in creamy avocado, bright cilantro, and zesty lime for a fusion of flavors that somehow tastes fresh, comforting, and totally irresistible all at once. It’s a vibrant recipe that jazzes up any meal, and I can promise you’ll find yourself making it again and again once you see how quick, simple, and crowd-pleasing it is!

Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice keeps things simple, letting each ingredient shine and build layers of flavor. Every item has a specific role, from the aromatic garlic to the zippy lime, making this recipe a sensory delight from start to finish.

1 cup long grain white rice: The perfect fluffy base that absorbs all those delicious flavors.
2 cups water or vegetable broth: Cooking the rice in broth adds savory depth, but water works if you want to keep things light.
1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted: Adds creamy richness and that signature green hue.
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice: For welcome brightness and an unmistakable zing.
1 teaspoon lime zest: Intensifies the citrusy aroma—trust me, don’t skip it!
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro: The herby note that ties everything together and makes the rice pop with color.
1 tablespoon olive oil: For silkiness and to help everything blend nicely.
1 clove garlic, minced: A little garlicky kick goes a long way here.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors and brings them to life.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to add warmth and a gentle bite.

How to Make Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice

Step 1: Cook the Rice

Begin by bringing the water or vegetable broth to a lively boil in a medium saucepan. Stir in your long grain white rice, then immediately turn the heat down to low and cover the pot. Let the rice simmer gently for about 15 to 18 minutes, just until it’s tender and has soaked up all the liquid. Once it’s ready, take it off the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes. This little pause makes it extra fluffy!

Step 2: Create the Avocado Mixture

While the rice is doing its thing, grab a bowl and mash the avocado until it’s luxuriously smooth. Add the fresh lime juice, lime zest, chopped cilantro, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together—you want a vibrant, creamy mixture brimming with flavor. The aroma alone at this stage will make your kitchen feel like a fiesta!

Step 3: Combine and Fluff

Once your rice is done resting, gently fluff it with a fork to let out steam and ensure it’s the perfect texture. Now, spoon in the avocado mixture and give everything a careful stir. The rice turns a gorgeous green and gets beautifully creamy. Be gentle—just mix until combined so every grain is coated but not mushed. Now your Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice is ready to serve!

How to Serve Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice

Garnishes

Sprinkle on a little cotija cheese, a few more chopped cilantro leaves, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce right before serving. Not only does this rice welcome extra toppings, but a fresh garnish makes it feel restaurant-worthy and even more inviting.

Side Dishes

While Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice shines on its own, it’s also the ultimate companion for Mexican-inspired mains. Pair it with grilled chicken, flaky fish, or tuck it inside tacos or burritos. It’s a dream next to a pile of black beans or as a bed for spicy shrimp.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this rice in individual bowls for a fun twist, or even use avocado shells as cute little serving vessels for something truly memorable. For a burst of color, top each serving with diced tomatoes or sliced radishes—the possibilities are endless with Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to two days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh since avocado can darken over time. Give it a good stir before serving again to redistribute the creamy avocado.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t my favorite option here, since avocado can lose its pretty color and creamy texture after thawing. If you do freeze, let it cool completely and place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight and enjoy within a month for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, sprinkle a little water or vegetable broth over the rice and warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Covering while reheating helps prevent the rice from drying out. Fluff before serving and, if you’d like, brighten it up with a quick squeeze of fresh lime juice.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a lovely nutty depth and extra nutrition. Just remember to adjust your cooking time and liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook. The rest of the ingredients remain unchanged for delicious Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice.

How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?

The lime juice in the recipe helps slow down browning, but it’s best to enjoy this dish soon after making it. If storing, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the rice to reduce exposure to air.

Can I make Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice vegan?

It already is! This recipe is naturally vegan, hearty, and super satisfying without any animal products. For extra protein, you could stir in cooked black beans or chickpeas.

What protein pairs best with this rice?

Grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or even firm tofu work perfectly alongside Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice. The fresh, zesty flavors complement so many mains, making it incredibly versatile for meal planning.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes! Most kids love creamy rice, especially with mild flavors. You can always adjust the garlic or skip the black pepper for sensitive palates if needed. It’s a fun way to introduce little ones to new flavors.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to brighten up your dinner table, Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice is pure magic. It’s as easy as it is stunning, and I can’t wait for you to make it your new go-to side! Give it a try soon and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen.

Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe

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4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

This Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice is a flavorful and vibrant side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses. Creamy avocado, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro elevate simple white rice into a delicious and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice:

1 cup long grain white rice
2 cups water or vegetable broth

Avocado Mixture:

1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon lime zest
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Cook the Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until tender. Let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
Prepare Avocado Mixture: Mash avocado until smooth. Mix in lime juice, zest, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Combine: Fluff cooked rice, then gently stir in the avocado mixture until well combined. Serve warm or at room temperature.