Rice gets the spotlight it deserves in these flavorful side dishes. Each one is packed with texture, spice, or buttery comfort. Forget “side”—these could steal the whole meal.

Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

A bowl of Longhorn steakhouse rice with copper forks on a table.
Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice. Photo credit: Easy Homemade Life.

Enjoy restaurant-style flavor at home with this easy Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice. Made with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and rice simmered in chicken broth, it’s full of rich and savory taste. Each bite has a hint of sweetness and a soft crunch from the veggies, making it a perfect weeknight side dish.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice inside golden plate with lime slices.
Coconut Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

This Coconut Cauliflower Rice is a light and flavorful side dish ideal for keto, low-carb, and paleo diets. The creamy coconut milk and toasted coconut give it a tropical touch, balanced with a squeeze of lime for brightness. It’s a delicious and healthy rice alternative that pairs well with curries or grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice

Filipino Fried Rice

Filipino Fried Rice. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Give your fried rice a bold Filipino flair with this flavorful twist. It’s loaded with savory seasonings and tasty ingredients that bring a comforting, home-cooked taste to every bite. Perfect for breakfast or as a hearty side dish, this recipe is a must-try for rice lovers.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Fried Rice

Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Baked Riced Cauliflower in a bowl with a spoon.
Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Transform simple cauliflower into a savory and nutty delight with this Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower recipe. Baking adds a light caramelized flavor that makes it a great low-carb alternative to regular rice. It’s wholesome, flavorful, and complements any main dish beautifully.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Cilantro Lime Rice

Chipotle rice in a bowl with sliced lime and spoons.
Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This bright and zesty cilantro lime rice brings a burst of freshness to any meal. The combination of fragrant cilantro, tangy lime juice, and fluffy rice makes it an instant favorite. It’s a simple yet delicious side that pairs perfectly with Mexican, grilled, or seafood dishes.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash

A bowl filled with cauliflower mash garnished with fresh parsley.
Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash. Photo credit: Tiny Batch Cooking.

This creamy and cheesy cauliflower rice mash is a comforting, low-carb twist on traditional cheesy sides. It’s simple to prepare and rich in flavor, delivering the same satisfaction as classic comfort food. Ideal for small servings, it’s perfect for one or two people looking for a cozy and healthy side dish.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Cauliflower Rice Cheese Mash

Festive Mexican Rice Salad

A bowl of festive Mexican rice salad with fresh veggies and cilantro.
Festive Mexican Rice Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This colorful Mexican Rice Salad is packed with rice, beans, corn, and fresh veggies tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s full of vibrant flavors and textures, making it a hit at any party or potluck. Serve it as a refreshing side or a satisfying vegetarian main dish.
Get the Recipe: Festive Mexican Rice Salad

Mediterranean Rice

Mediterranean Rice in a black bowl on concrete.
Mediterranean Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Bring Mediterranean flair to your table with this one-pot rice dish bursting with onions, peppers, herbs, and lemon. Each bite is fresh, aromatic, and full of flavor. It’s quick to make and adds a lively touch to any meal.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice

Orange Rice

A white bowl of rice mixed with chopped vegetables, garnished with orange slices, sits on a wooden surface next to additional sliced oranges—perfect for those seeking creative rice side dishes.
Orange Rice. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

This baked orange rice combines citrusy brightness with tender grains and savory vegetables for a unique flavor combo. The orange adds a subtle sweetness that balances the dish perfectly. It’s a delightful side that pairs well with poultry, seafood, or grilled entrees.
Get the Recipe: Orange Rice

Cheesy Rice

A bowl of cheesy grits on a table, with a striped napkin beside it and chopped cheese in the background.
Cheesy Rice. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Cheesy rice is the ultimate comfort side dish that comes together in minutes. It’s creamy, flavorful, and completely customizable with your favorite cheeses and seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing addition to your meal.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rice

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Plate of Mexican rice.
Instant Pot Mexican Rice. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Make flavorful Mexican rice in your Instant Pot with ease! This recipe gives you fluffy, perfectly seasoned rice every time with minimal effort. It’s the ideal companion for tacos, burritos, or any Mexican-inspired dish.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Korean Purple Rice Recipe (Easy Rice Cooker Version)

A bowl of mixed white and purple rice with a wooden spoon on the side.
Korean Purple Rice Recipe (Easy Rice Cooker Version). Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Korean purple rice, or “Heukmi Bap,” is a stunning dish with its signature purple hue and slightly nutty flavor. Made easily in a rice cooker, it’s both nutritious and visually beautiful. It pairs wonderfully with Korean side dishes or grilled meats for a wholesome meal.
Get the Recipe: Korean Purple Rice Recipe (Easy Rice Cooker Version)

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, wearing a white T-shirt and dark jeans, stands in a kitchen with a brick backsplash and stainless steel appliances. She is smiling and resting her hands on the counter.

About the author

Hi, I’m Lucy! I’m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. I’ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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