Rice becomes more than a base when flavor takes center stage. This roundup shows how spices, herbs, vegetables, and broths can completely transform a simple grain. Look for creamy risottos, vibrant pilafs, and stir-fried bowls that pop with color. Each dish balances texture—tender grains, crisp additions, and bold seasoning. Rice never felt so versatile.

Filipino Fried Rice

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

This Filipino fried rice brings bold, savory flavors to a familiar favorite. Packed with delicious add-ins, it’s the kind of dish that stands strong on its own or pairs perfectly with your main protein. A must-try for fried rice lovers looking for something new. Comforting, satisfying, and full of flavor in every bite.
Get the Recipe: Filipino Fried Rice

Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

A bowl of cilantro lime cauliflower rice.
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Cilantro lime cauliflower rice is fresh, zesty, and wonderfully low-carb. It comes together fast with just a few ingredients, making it perfect for busy days. The bright lime and herb notes make it a standout side for tacos, bowls, or grilled meat. Light, flavorful, and guilt-free.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice

Mediterranean Rice

A black bowl filled with cooked rice mixed with chopped green onions, red bell peppers, and herbs sits on a white surface—perfect for adding to your collection of flavorful rice side dishes or recipes.
Mediterranean Rice. Photo credit: Cook What You Love.

Mediterranean rice is loaded with peppers, onions, herbs, and a hint of lemon for brightness. It cooks easily in one pot, making it a convenient weeknight side. Pair it with chicken, fish, or veggies to elevate any meal. A fresh, flavorful dish with minimal effort required.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Rice

Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

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

Oven baked riced cauliflower develops a nutty, caramelized flavor that sets it apart from stovetop versions. It’s a low-carb side that complements nearly any main course. Crisp edges and roasted flavor make each spoonful satisfying and wholesome. A simple upgrade to everyday cauliflower.
Get the Recipe: Oven Baked Riced Cauliflower

Festive Mexican Rice Salad

A bowl of rice salad with black beans, chopped red, yellow, and green bell peppers, and diced cucumber makes a colorful addition to your side dishes collection, placed next to two bronze-colored utensils on a white surface.
Festive Mexican Rice Salad. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

This festive Mexican rice salad is colorful, hearty, and full of bright, zesty flavor. Beans, corn, and rice come together with a lively dressing that makes every bite exciting. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a standalone meal. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, and meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Festive Mexican Rice Salad

Cilantro Lime Rice

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

Cilantro lime rice is fresh, aromatic, and incredibly versatile. The citrus and herbs brighten the grain with every forkful, pairing well with almost any dish. Serve it with tacos, grilled meat, seafood, or bowls for an instant flavor boost. Simple, fragrant, and always refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Cilantro Lime Rice

Instant Pot Mexican Rice

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

Instant Pot Mexican rice turns out fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned every time. It requires minimal effort thanks to set-it-and-walk-away cooking. Serve it with tacos, burritos, grilled meat, or enjoy it as is. A no-fail side dish that belongs in your rotation.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Mexican Rice

Orange Rice

Bowl of rice with chopped celery and orange slices on a wooden table.
Orange Rice. Photo credit: Real Life of Lulu.

Orange rice combines rice, citrus, and vegetables into a bright, baked side dish. The flavor is lightly sweet but balanced with savory undertones. It pairs well with chicken, seafood, or holiday menus. A unique twist when you want something beyond classic rice.
Get the Recipe: Orange 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, stands out with its beautiful color and nutty flavor. It’s an easy rice cooker recipe that pairs well with countless Korean dishes. The chewy texture makes it satisfying and unique. A simple upgrade when you want rice that feels special.
Get the Recipe: Korean Purple Rice Recipe (Easy Rice Cooker Version)

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 creamy, comforting, and ready in just minutes. Use any cheese you love to customize flavor to your liking. It works as a side dish or a quick bowl on its own. Easy, flexible, and satisfying for all ages.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Rice

Coconut Cauliflower Rice

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

Coconut cauliflower rice is rich, fragrant, and perfect for keto, Whole30, paleo, or low-carb eating. Toasted coconut and a splash of lime brighten the dish beautifully. It pairs wonderfully with curries, grilled proteins, or veggie bowls. A tropical-leaning side you’ll want to make again and again.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cauliflower Rice

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.

This copycat Longhorn Steakhouse rice is cooked with peppers, onions, and broth for full savory flavor. It’s quick to make, yet tastes restaurant-worthy with every bite. Soft, fluffy rice meets a subtle vegetable crunch for great texture. A reliable weeknight side that fits with almost any entree.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Longhorn Steakhouse Rice

Mexican Cauliflower RIce

Teal bowl of cauliflower rice.
Mexican Cauliflower RIce. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Mexican cauliflower rice offers bold flavor while keeping carbs low. It’s packed with seasoning and makes a great substitute for traditional rice in Mexican-style meals. Light but satisfying, perfect for bowls, tacos, burritos, and sides. A delicious way to add veggies without missing the grains.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Cauliflower RIce

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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