Name: Vegetable Rice Pilaf
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons olive oil; ½ onion, diced; 1 cup white long-grain rice, uncooked; ½ teaspoon garlic salt; ½ teaspoon dried basil leaves, crushed; ½ teaspoon ground turmeric; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

A quick and comforting side dish, this Easy Vegetable Rice Pilaf is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Made with tender white rice, flavorful herbs, and a colorful mix of peas and carrots, it’s simmered in savory chicken broth for an easy, aromatic addition to almost any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This rice pilaf is not only simple and budget-friendly, but it’s also packed with flavor and ready in just 20 minutes. The turmeric adds a warm golden hue and subtle earthiness, while the garlic salt and basil layer in extra depth. It’s versatile enough to pair with chicken, fish, or vegetarian mains—and it reheats beautifully for leftovers. No complicated steps, just wholesome, easy comfort food. Vegetable Rice Pilaf

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 teaspoons olive oil
½ onion, diced
1 cup white long-grain rice, uncooked
½ teaspoon garlic salt
½ teaspoon dried basil leaves, crushed
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix

Directions

Sauté the Onion
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Toast the Rice
Stir in the rice and cook for another 1–2 minutes, just until it starts to turn lightly golden and smell nutty.
Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in the garlic salt, dried basil, and turmeric. Stir to evenly coat the rice and onions with the spices.
Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet with a lid, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add Vegetables
Stir in the frozen peas and carrots. Cover again and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
Fluff and Serve
Use a fork to gently fluff the rice before serving. Enjoy warm as a side dish or as part of a larger meal.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories per serving: 146 kcal

Variations

Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, tofu, or chickpeas for a more filling main dish.
Use brown rice: Swap in brown rice for extra fiber; increase simmer time by 20–25 minutes.
Add other vegetables: Try corn, bell peppers, green beans, or chopped zucchini.
Fresh herbs: Finish with fresh parsley, dill, or green onions for added brightness.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:
Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water until warm. You can also microwave in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time (around 40–45 minutes) and may need more liquid.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as the chicken broth you use is certified gluten-free.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?

Absolutely. Just make sure to chop them into small, uniform pieces so they cook evenly.

What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal for fluffy pilaf. Basmati or jasmine rice can also be used for a slightly different texture and aroma.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double all ingredients. Use a large enough skillet to accommodate the extra volume.

What’s the purpose of toasting the rice?

Toasting enhances the rice’s nutty flavor and helps prevent it from becoming mushy during cooking.

Can I make it in advance?

Yes, this rice pilaf can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Reheat gently before serving.

How do I prevent mushy rice?

Avoid over-stirring during cooking and ensure you’re using the right rice-to-liquid ratio. Fluff gently after cooking.

Is this suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s a mild and kid-friendly side dish. You can skip the turmeric or reduce herbs if your child prefers simpler flavors.

What can I serve this with?

This rice pilaf pairs well with grilled chicken, baked salmon, meatballs, or as a base for a vegetarian grain bowl.

Conclusion

This Easy Vegetable Rice Pilaf is a flavorful, no-fuss side dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re making dinner on a busy weeknight or planning a meal prep session, this recipe delivers both convenience and taste. With a handful of pantry staples and a few vegetables, you’ll have a wholesome, delicious addition to any plate.