Easy Instant Pot Mediterranean Lemon Rice: Your Allergy-Friendly Go-To Side

Transform your mealtime with this incredibly easy and vibrant Instant Pot Mediterranean Lemon Rice. This zesty side dish perfectly complements almost any protein, bringing a deliciously bright flavor profile to your table. Say goodbye to the hassle of watching a pot boil over, as this recipe is effortlessly prepared in your Instant Pot. Bursting with the freshness of lemons and a thoughtful selection of spices, this rice is anything but boring. What’s more, this fantastic dish is naturally free of wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame, making it free of 8 of the top 9 common allergens. Plus, we’ve included simple variations for a soy-free and vegan option, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful recipe!

Why This Instant Pot Lemon Rice is a Must-Try

This Mediterranean Lemon Rice isn’t just another side dish; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Here’s why it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation:

Effortlessly Quick & Simple: Forget complicated steps or lengthy prep times. This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimum fuss. You simply add your ingredients to the Instant Pot, set it, and let the magic happen. It’s so user-friendly that even those new to Instant Pot cooking will find it a breeze!
Flavorful Pantry Staples: Utilizing common pantry ingredients and dried herbs means you can whip up this delightful dish any time of year. There’s no need for special trips to the grocery store; you likely have most of what you need already on hand. This makes it a reliable option for spontaneous meal planning.
Vibrant Fresh Lemon Taste: The star of the show is undeniably the fresh lemon. Its bright, zesty notes infuse the rice with a refreshing flavor that is truly irresistible. This isn’t just a hint of lemon; it’s a beautiful, uplifting burst that will awaken your palate and leave you craving seconds.
No-Fuss Cooking with Your Instant Pot: The Instant Pot eliminates the common kitchen headaches associated with cooking rice on the stovetop. No more meticulously watching for a pot to boil, worrying about it boiling over, or dealing with burnt bottoms. Just seal the lid, select the “rice” function, and enjoy perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every time. This hands-off approach frees you up to focus on other parts of your meal or simply relax!

Making This Rice Allergy-Friendly for Everyone

One of the best features of this Instant Pot Mediterranean Lemon Rice is its inherent allergy-friendliness. By using simple, wholesome ingredients, we ensure it’s safe and enjoyable for a wide range of dietary needs. The base recipe is naturally free from wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame, covering 8 of the top 9 common allergens. This makes it an ideal choice for families navigating multiple food sensitivities.

The key to maintaining its allergen-friendly status lies in carefully selecting your bouillon. While most other ingredients like rice, olive oil, dried herbs, and garlic are typically safe, bouillon can sometimes contain hidden allergens such as soy, dairy, or gluten. Always make it a priority to thoroughly read the ingredient label of your chosen bouillon to ensure it aligns with your specific dietary requirements.

Choosing the Right Bouillon for Your Dish

The type of bouillon you use significantly impacts the flavor profile and allergen status of your Instant Pot Lemon Rice. I personally prefer to use Orrington Farms Chicken Broth Base for its rich flavor. However, the beauty of this recipe is its adaptability.

Feel empowered to select any bouillon that best suits your individual allergies or dietary preferences. If you prefer to avoid bouillon altogether, you can easily substitute it with liquid chicken broth or chicken stock. Simply use 2 and 1/4 cups of your preferred broth or stock in place of the water and bouillon. This ensures a deep, savory base without compromising on safety or taste. For a richer flavor, consider using a low-sodium broth to control the salt content more effectively.

How to Make This Instant Pot Rice Soy-Free

For those avoiding soy, an extra step is needed since my preferred bouillon contains soy. To make this delicious Instant Pot Lemon Rice entirely soy-free, your primary focus should be on the bouillon. Opt for a bouillon that is explicitly labeled soy-free, or better yet, use a homemade stock or broth that you know is free of soy (as mentioned in the bouillon section above). Making your own stock is often the safest bet for severe allergies, giving you complete control over the ingredients. My Allergy Friendly Instant Pot Cookbook includes a fantastic recipe for homemade stock that fits various dietary needs.

Adapting the Recipe for a Vegan Diet

Creating a vegan version of this Mediterranean Lemon Rice is incredibly simple. The only ingredient that needs a swap is the bouillon. Instead of using chicken bouillon, just replace it with a high-quality vegan bouillon powder or vegetable broth. Ensure your chosen vegan bouillon is also free of any other allergens you might be avoiding. This simple substitution allows you to enjoy all the bright, zesty flavors of this rice while adhering to a plant-based diet.

The Best Rice for Instant Pot Lemon Rice

For this recipe, I specifically recommend using long-grain white rice. The reason for this choice is its texture and cooking properties. Long-grain rice cooks up light and fluffy, with distinct grains that don’t clump together, making it perfect for absorbing the lemon and herb flavors evenly. It provides a delightful chew that complements the zesty profile of the dish.

I wouldn’t recommend using sushi rice or brown rice for this particular recipe. Sushi rice is a short-grain rice that tends to be stickier and denser, which isn’t the desired texture for this Mediterranean-style dish. Brown rice, while nutritious, requires a different liquid-to-rice ratio and a longer cooking time in the Instant Pot, which would alter the recipe significantly and might not yield the same bright, fluffy result. Sticking to long-grain white rice ensures consistent success and the best possible outcome for your Instant Pot Mediterranean Lemon Rice.

Essential Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Rice

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful side dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the vibrant flavor profile:

Long Grain Rice (uncooked): The foundation of our dish, chosen for its light, fluffy texture.
Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps prevent sticking, providing a classic Mediterranean base.
Onion Powder: Delivers a subtle, aromatic onion flavor without the need for chopping fresh onions.
Jarred Minced Garlic Clove (or two fresh cloves): Essential for a savory depth that balances the tart lemon.
2 Lemons (juice of PLUS zest of one): The absolute star! Fresh lemon juice provides the signature tang, while the zest adds an intense aromatic burst. Do not skip the zest for maximum flavor!
Water: The liquid base for cooking the rice in the Instant Pot.
Chicken Bouillon (or vegan/soy-free alternative): Provides a savory umami base. Remember to check labels for allergens.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Dried Dill Weed: A key herb for Mediterranean cuisine, adding a fresh, slightly sweet, and aromatic note that perfectly complements the lemon.

Tools You’ll Need for Instant Pot Perfection

Preparing this Instant Pot Mediterranean Lemon Rice requires just a few basic kitchen tools, making it accessible for any home cook:

Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions, crucial for perfect rice consistency.
Microplane Zester: Indispensable for finely grating lemon zest without including the bitter white pith. This ensures maximum lemon aroma.
Instant Pot: The star appliance! This pressure cooker makes the rice cooking process completely hands-off and guarantees a perfectly fluffy result every time.
Knife and Cutting Board: For safely cutting your lemons in half.
Lemon Juicer: Whether electric, manual, or simply using your hands, a juicer helps extract the most juice from your lemons efficiently.

What to Pair with Your Mediterranean Lemon Rice

This Instant Pot Mediterranean Lemon Rice is incredibly versatile and makes an excellent companion to a wide array of main courses. Its bright and savory profile enhances rather than overwhelms, making it a perfect supporting act for many dishes. While it truly goes well with just about anything, here are some specific ideas to inspire your next meal:

Grilled or Baked Fish: The lemon notes in the rice beautifully complement delicate white fish like cod, snapper, or halibut.
Roasted or Pan-Seared Chicken: Whether it’s chicken breast, thighs, or a whole roasted chicken, the rice adds a refreshing contrast. It’s an absolute dream with my upcoming Chicken Shawarma recipe!
Pork Tenderloin: A lean and flavorful pork tenderloin, especially if seasoned with herbs, pairs wonderfully with the rice.
Lamb Kebabs: For a truly authentic Mediterranean experience, serve this rice alongside succulent lamb kebabs or grilled lamb chops.
Vegetarian & Vegan Mains: This rice also shines next to roasted vegetables (like zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes), grilled halloumi (if dairy-friendly), or a hearty lentil or chickpea stew for a complete plant-based meal.
Mediterranean Bowls: Create vibrant bowls with falafel, hummus, cucumber salad, and a dollop of dairy-free tzatziki.

Honestly, its light and fresh taste means it could compliment almost any main dish, transforming an ordinary meal into something special.

Is an Instant Pot Essential for This Recipe?

Yes, this specific recipe for Mediterranean Lemon Rice has been carefully formulated to work optimally in an Instant Pot. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking capabilities ensure perfectly cooked, fluffy rice every time, with a fraction of the hands-on effort required by traditional stovetop methods. It locks in moisture and infuses the flavors deeply, which is key to this dish’s success.

If you don’t own an Instant Pot yet, I highly recommend investing in one! It’s a remarkably versatile kitchen appliance that simplifies so many cooking tasks, from grains and legumes to soups, stews, and even desserts. While stovetop rice can be delicious, the Instant Pot truly elevates the convenience and consistency of this particular recipe. It’s a kitchen workhorse that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without!

Exploring More Allergy-Friendly Side Dishes

If you’re looking for more delicious and inclusive side dishes, you’re in luck! I specialize in creating allergy-friendly recipes that don’t compromise on flavor. Be sure to check out some of my other popular side dish options:

My Mexican Rice (gluten-free, dairy-free, with a video!)
My dairy-free mashed potatoes
My gluten-free biscuits
My gluten-free dairy-free cornbread
And my gluten-free vegan herbed breadsticks

Each of these recipes is crafted with allergen-friendly living in mind, ensuring deliciousness for everyone at your table.

Watch the Recipe in Action! (Video Tutorial)

Seeing a recipe being made can often be the most helpful way to learn! Yes, I do have a video demonstrating exactly how to make this Instant Pot Mediterranean Lemon Rice. The video should auto-populate on this page for your convenience. If for any reason it doesn’t appear, you’ll find it embedded at the bottom of the recipe card below. And, if all else fails, you can always head straight to my YouTube Channel to watch it there. While you’re visiting, please consider subscribing to stay updated on all my latest allergy-friendly recipes and tips!

Instant Pot Mediterranean Lemon Rice

Yield:
5 servings

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
12 minutes

Additional Time:
5 minutes

Total Time:
22 minutes

A zesty side dish that compliments just about any protein to round out a deliciously bright meal. No worrying about boiling over, as this is done in the instant pot. Fresh lemons and some select spices make this rice anything but boring. This dish is naturally free of: wheat, gluten, dairy, egg, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts and sesame. Making it free of the 8 of the top 9 allergens, with a soy-free option and vegan option.

Ingredients

2 cups long grain rice (uncooked)
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp jarred minced garlic clove (or two garlic cloves)
2 lemons, juice of (PLUS zest of one of the lemons)
2 and 1/4 cups water
4 tsp chicken bouillon
1/4 tsp salt
Pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp dried dill

Instructions

Plug your instant pot in.
Remove lid.
To inner cooking pot, add all of the ingredients. Stir.
Place the lid back on, being sure it’s in the locked position.
Make sure the valve is set to sealed (if your valve has this function, some do not).
Hit the “rice” button. (You should see it come up to pressure which takes a few minutes, then once it’s hit the correct pressure, it will start counting down from 12 minutes.)
Once it’s cooked for fifteen minutes, I allow the pressure to naturally escape, so let it sit for around another five minutes. You won’t see or notice anything, and the clock will now start counting up, to let you know how long it’s been sitting there since the cook time finished.
Afterwards, carefully take the valve off (if it has any leftover pressure, release it by this point).
Carefully open the lid (there will be steam) and stir and fluff the rice.
Serve immediately with your favorite protein and veggies for a delicious meal!

Notes

*Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested frequently, are such that we can go strictly by what’s on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient’s safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family

**If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they’re OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you’ve talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.

Adapted from: The Mediterranean Dish

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 5
Serving Size: 1

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 150Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 530mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 1gSugar: 7gProtein: 3g

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Mediterranean Lemon Rice

Achieving perfectly fluffy and flavorful Instant Pot Lemon Rice is easy with these simple tips:

Rinse Your Rice: Always rinse your long-grain rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky and ensuring separate, fluffy grains.
Don’t Skip the Zest: The lemon zest is crucial for maximizing the aromatic lemon flavor. It adds depth and brightness that juice alone cannot provide. Use a microplane for the finest zest.
Natural Pressure Release is Key (for the initial 5 mins): Allowing the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 5 minutes after cooking helps the rice finish cooking gently and absorb all the liquid, resulting in a superior texture. Quick releasing immediately can lead to foamy or undercooked rice.
Fluff Before Serving: Once the pressure is released and the lid is open, gently fluff the rice with a fork. This separates the grains and incorporates any remaining lemon and herb flavors evenly.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the rice after fluffing and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sometimes a little extra zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten it up even further.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This Instant Pot Mediterranean Lemon Rice makes delicious leftovers, perfect for meal prepping or quick subsequent meals.

Storage: Allow the cooked rice to cool completely to room temperature within one hour of cooking. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked rice. Spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, sprinkle a tablespoon or two of water or broth over the rice (this helps prevent it from drying out). You can reheat it in the microwave in 30-60 second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, warm it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Don’t Forget to Pin This Recipe!

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