Make flavorful chimichurri rice with grilled zucchini, colorful bell peppers, red onion, fresh herbs, garlic, and a tangy homemade sauce.
Bright, colorful, and filled with fresh herbs, this Flavorful Chimichurri Rice Recipe transforms simple cooked rice into a vibrant side dish. Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion add smoky flavor and tender texture, while homemade chimichurri brings everything together.
The chimichurri sauce combines fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. A cooled saltwater mixture seasons the sauce evenly, creating a bold and tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the grilled vegetables.
Serve this easy chimichurri rice with grilled steak, chicken, seafood, tofu, or roasted vegetables. It is a colorful choice for summer cookouts, casual gatherings, meal preparation, and flavorful weeknight dinners.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
For the Chimichurri Sauce
1 cup water
1 tablespoon salt
1 head garlic, cloves separated and peeled
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1 cup fresh oregano leaves
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
For the Rice and Grilled Vegetables
2 zucchini, sliced
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
1 orange bell pepper, cut into strips
1 red onion, sliced into wedges
2 cups cooked rice
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Saltwater
Bring the water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the salt and stir until it has completely dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the saltwater to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Chimichurri Sauce
Finely mince the garlic, parsley, and oregano. Place them in a medium bowl with the crushed red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and cooled saltwater.
Stir thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly combined. Let the chimichurri rest for at least 10 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium heat.
Step 4: Grill the Vegetables
Place the zucchini, bell pepper strips, and red onion wedges directly on the grill. Cook for approximately 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and lightly charred.
Remove the vegetables from the grill and allow them to cool slightly. Chop them into bite-sized pieces if desired.
Step 5: Prepare the Cooked Rice
Place the cooked rice in a large serving bowl and fluff it gently with a fork. If the rice was prepared ahead and refrigerated, warm it before assembling the dish if you plan to serve the chimichurri rice warm.
Step 6: Assemble the Chimichurri Rice
Add the grilled vegetables to the bowl of cooked rice. Pour approximately 1/2 cup of the prepared chimichurri sauce over the rice and vegetables, adding more if desired.
Gently toss until the rice is evenly coated and the vegetables are distributed throughout the dish.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Taste the chimichurri rice and season it with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
The ingredient list calls for 2 cups of already-cooked rice. Prepare the rice according to its package directions before measuring it for this recipe.
White rice, brown rice, jasmine rice, or basmati rice may be used. Quinoa can also be substituted for the cooked rice.
Cooking the rice in vegetable broth instead of water can add another layer of savory flavor.
Serve this grilled vegetable chimichurri rice alongside grilled steak, chicken, shrimp, salmon, tofu, or another plant-based protein.
For additional texture, add toasted pumpkin seeds, sliced almonds, or sunflower seeds just before serving.
The recipe makes more chimichurri sauce than the initial 1/2 cup used to dress the rice. Add more according to your taste.
Store leftover chimichurri sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Use it as a marinade, salad dressing, dipping sauce, or topping for grilled foods.
Store leftover chimichurri rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently or enjoy it at room temperature.
