Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice – A Creamy, Zesty Side Dish Worth Craving
If your rice has ever felt a little… boring, this recipe will change everything. Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice is where creamy meets zesty in the best way. It’s bright, green, and packed with flavor—like guacamole and rice had a delicious little love child.
It’s also wildly versatile. You can serve it with tacos, stuff it into burritos, pile it under grilled shrimp, or just eat it straight from the bowl with a spoon. Trust me, no one’s judging.
Let’s turn that plain pot of rice into something craveable.
Why This Recipe Works for Every Meal (and Everyone)
You know a recipe is gold when it’s:
- Quick – it takes under 30 minutes, start to finish
- Fresh – thanks to lime, herbs, and avocado
- Creamy but light – no cream, just the magic of mashed avocado
- Meal-prep friendly – holds up in the fridge
- Diet-flexible – vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and full of real ingredients
Bonus? It’s green, in a good way. Like, Instagram-worthy green.
Ingredients You’ll Need (And Fresh Substitutions)
You don’t need anything fancy—just real, vibrant ingredients.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (or jasmine, basmati)
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- Optional: zest of 1 lime, for extra zing
Smart Swaps:
- Brown rice? Sure, just increase cook time.
- No garlic? Add a pinch of garlic powder.
- No cilantro? Try parsley, mint, or basil for a twist.
- Low on avocado? Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream for texture.
Make it yours without overthinking it.
How to Make Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs mostly clear. This removes excess starch and keeps it fluffy.
In a saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes (or follow package instructions) until tender and fluffy. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Blend the Avocado Mix
While the rice is cooking, add the following to a small blender or food processor:
- Avocado
- Cilantro
- Lime juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Salt
Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of water if needed to thin it slightly.
Step 3: Combine
Fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then gently stir in the avocado-cilantro mixture. Mix well until every grain is beautifully coated and green.
Taste and adjust salt or lime juice as needed.
Step 4: Serve
Scoop into bowls and garnish with extra cilantro or lime zest. Serve warm, at room temp, or even chilled.
Tips for Creamy, Flavorful Rice Every Time
- Rinse your rice before cooking to avoid stickiness.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for added depth.
- Choose a soft, ripe avocado—the creamier, the better.
- Add lime zest for extra citrus pop.
- Don’t overmix—you want fluffy rice, not mush.
And remember: this recipe isn’t fussy. If it tastes good to you, it’s perfect.
Perfect Pairings – What to Serve It With
This rice is a side dish, but let’s be honest—it often steals the show.
Serve With:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp
- Tacos or fajitas
- Black beans or refried beans
- Quesadillas
- Grilled corn or elote-style salad
Or Build a Bowl:
Layer it with:
- Roasted veggies
- Beans or lentils
- Pickled onions
- Salsa or hot sauce
- Crunchy slaw
Top with an extra lime wedge and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy bowl.
Fun Variations to Try (Garlic, Greek Yogurt, Jalapeño)
Feeling creative? Here are some ideas to remix your rice:
1. Spicy Jalapeño Version:
Add ½ a fresh jalapeño (seeded) to the avocado blend for a little kick.
2. Creamy Greek Yogurt Twist:
Add 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt to the blender for extra protein and a tangy finish.
3. Toasted Cumin Pop:
Add ¼ teaspoon toasted ground cumin for a warm, earthy background note.
4. Extra Veggie Boost:
Fold in diced tomatoes, corn, or chopped spinach after mixing.
This is a base recipe with endless potential.
Storage, Reheating, and Meal Prep Notes
To Store:
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- The color may dull slightly, but the flavor stays bright.
To Reheat:
- Gently warm in the microwave with a splash of water or broth.
- Stir well before serving.
To Meal Prep:
- Make a double batch and store in meal-prep containers with grilled proteins or beans.
- Works great as a base for power bowls.
FAQs – Your Rice Questions Answered
Can I use cauliflower rice?
Absolutely! Just cook it lightly before adding the avocado blend. It won’t be quite as fluffy, but it’s low-carb and tasty.
Can I freeze this rice?
Not recommended—the avocado can brown and change texture. Best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.
What if I don’t like cilantro?
Sub with parsley or basil. It’ll change the flavor profile but still taste great.
Can I make this spicier?
Yes! Add hot sauce, chili flakes, or a spicy salsa on top.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 240 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 180mg |
This dish balances healthy fats, fiber, and flavor—all in one bowl.
Final Thoughts – This Side Might Steal the Show
Avocado Cilantro Lime Rice isn’t just another green side dish—it’s a flavor-packed, creamy, zesty creation that fits into any meal and disappears fast at the table.
Whether you serve it with tacos, tuck it into lunch bowls, or eat it straight from the pot (guilty), it brings a fresh twist to ordinary rice and takes minutes to make.
It’s humble, versatile, and vibrant—the kind of recipe that becomes a regular in your rotation. And honestly? That’s the best kind of recipe there is.
