Rice pilaf is the perfect side dish to elevate your meal. From classic to creative, there’s a rice pilaf recipe for everyone.
With bold flavors and simple ingredients, these recipes are easy to make and satisfying. Explore these 75 rice pilaf ideas to transform your dinner table.
1. Turkish Rice Pilaf
Buttery rice and toasted orzo make this a rich and satisfying dish. Perfect as a side for grilled meats or vegetables.
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2. Almond Rice Pilaf
Fluffy rice meets the crunch of sliced almonds in this easy-to-make dish. It’s a great choice for adding texture to your meal.
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3. Broccoli Rice Pilaf
Tender broccoli florets are mixed with perfectly cooked rice for a healthy and flavorful side. It’s a simple way to add veggies to your dinner.
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4. Middle Eastern Rice Pilaf
Aromatic spices and toasted nuts come together for a dish bursting with bold flavors. This recipe is a staple for festive occasions.
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5. Steakhouse Rice Pilaf
Rich and buttery, this pilaf mimics the flavors you’d expect from a classic steakhouse. Serve it with your favorite cut of steak for an indulgent pairing.
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6. Lebanese Rice Pilaf
This traditional dish combines vermicelli and fragrant rice for a simple yet flavorful base. It’s an ideal complement to savory meat dishes.
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7. Greek Rice Pilaf with Red Sauce
This Greek-inspired pilaf features a tangy tomato-based sauce for a bold, Mediterranean flair. A perfect side for lamb or chicken.
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8. Russian Rice Pilaf
This pilaf combines simple ingredients with a touch of dill for a uniquely Eastern European flavor. It’s a great option for cozy family dinners.
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9. Pineapple Rice Pilaf
Sweet pineapple pieces are blended into savory rice for a tropical twist. A delightful side for seafood or barbecue dishes.
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10. Garlic Rice Pilaf
Infused with roasted garlic, this dish delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. It’s a versatile side that pairs with nearly any main.
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11. Butter Rice Pilaf
Soft and fluffy rice coated in rich, melted butter makes this a timeless classic. A comforting choice for weeknight dinners or holiday spreads.
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12. Persian Cranberry Rice Pilaf
Tart cranberries and fragrant spices create a perfect balance of sweet and savory in this pilaf. It’s a beautiful centerpiece for any feast.
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13. Jasmine Rice Pilaf
The light floral aroma of jasmine rice shines in this delicate recipe. It’s a simple but elegant choice for special meals.
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14. Indian Rice Pilaf
This dish is infused with bold Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric. It’s a vibrant addition to curries or grilled proteins.
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15. Texas Roadhouse Rice Pilaf
This hearty recipe features simple ingredients for a filling and flavorful dish. It’s great for pairing with classic comfort foods.
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16. Pine Nut Rice Pilaf
Toasted pine nuts bring a nutty richness to this fluffy rice pilaf. It’s a quick way to elevate your dinner.
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17. Yellow Rice Pilaf
Golden-hued from turmeric, this dish adds a splash of color to your table. The mild spices make it a family-friendly favorite.
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18. Butternut Squash Wild Rice Pilaf
Earthy wild rice and sweet, roasted butternut squash create a dish perfect for autumn meals. It’s hearty enough to be a vegetarian main.
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19. Shrimp and Rice Pilaf
Succulent shrimp and seasoned rice combine for a quick, protein-packed meal. It’s a flavorful and easy dinner option.
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20. Rice Pilaf with Minute Rice
This shortcut recipe is perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor. It’s ready in minutes but tastes like you spent hours.
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21. Rice Pilaf in Rice Cooker
This foolproof recipe delivers perfectly cooked rice pilaf with minimal effort. Just toss everything in the rice cooker and let it do the work.
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22. Lemon Rice Pilaf
Bright and zesty, this pilaf gets its kick from fresh lemon juice and zest. It’s a refreshing side for seafood or poultry dishes.
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23. Rice Pilaf with Spaghetti
A twist on tradition, this pilaf combines rice with toasted spaghetti pieces for a unique texture. It’s a hearty and satisfying side.
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24. Beef Rice Pilaf Crockpot
This slow-cooked dish blends tender beef with seasoned rice for a complete meal. It’s a comforting and hassle-free dinner option.
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25. Wild Rice Pilaf
Nutty wild rice pairs with simple seasonings for a wholesome, earthy dish. It’s perfect as a side or a light vegetarian main.
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26. Gluten-Free Rice Pilaf
A safe and delicious option for gluten-sensitive diners without sacrificing flavor. This recipe proves simple ingredients can shine.
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27. Spinach Rice Pilaf
Fresh spinach is stirred into perfectly cooked rice for a nutritious and vibrant dish. It’s a great way to sneak in extra greens.
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28. Wild Rice Pilaf Instant Pot
This Instant Pot recipe makes wild rice pilaf quick and easy. It’s a time-saving option for busy weeknights.
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29. Cranberry Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf
Sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans bring festive flavors to this wild rice pilaf. It’s a showstopper for holiday gatherings.
Full recipe: click here.
30. Cauliflower Rice Pilaf
Low-carb cauliflower rice steps in for traditional rice in this healthy twist. It’s flavorful and satisfying without the guilt.
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31. Chickpea Rice Pilaf
Protein-packed chickpeas elevate this rice pilaf into a filling meal. It’s perfect for vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
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32. Cranberry Apple Pecan Wild Rice Pilaf
Sweet cranberries, crisp apples, and crunchy pecans make this wild rice pilaf a flavorful and seasonal favorite. It’s perfect for fall dinners.
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33. Cranberry Almond Rice Pilaf
Tart cranberries and toasted almonds add a delightful contrast of flavors and textures to this rice dish. A great side for roasted meats.
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34. Pomegranate Rice Pilaf
Juicy pomegranate seeds add a burst of sweetness to this aromatic pilaf. It’s a beautiful and unique dish for special occasions.
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35. Mushroom Rice Pilaf
Earthy mushrooms make this rice pilaf rich and hearty. It’s a perfect side for steak or roast chicken.
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36. Vegan Rice Pilaf
Packed with plant-based goodness, this pilaf uses vegetable broth for full flavor. It’s a versatile side for any vegan meal.
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37. Armenian Rice Pilaf
Golden rice and toasted noodles make this Armenian classic simple yet satisfying. It’s a timeless family favorite.
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38. Longhorn Rice Pilaf Recipe
Recreate Longhorn Steakhouse’s iconic rice pilaf with this simple recipe. It’s flavorful, buttery, and sure to impress.
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39. Moroccan Rice Pilaf
Sweet dried fruits and warm spices give this pilaf its signature Moroccan flair. It’s perfect for adding an exotic touch to your meal.
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40. Veggie Rice Pilaf
Loaded with colorful vegetables, this rice pilaf is both healthy and satisfying. It’s an easy way to incorporate more veggies into your diet.
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41. Rice Pilaf and Chicken
This hearty one-pot dish combines tender chicken and seasoned rice for a complete meal. It’s quick, flavorful, and family-friendly.
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42. Salmon and Rice Pilaf
Juicy salmon pairs beautifully with this seasoned rice pilaf. It’s a nutritious and delicious meal in one.
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43. Wild Rice and Mushroom Pilaf
Nutty wild rice and earthy mushrooms create a bold, savory dish. It’s an excellent choice for vegetarian mains or as a side.
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44. Cranberry Rice Pilaf
Sweet cranberries bring a pop of flavor and color to this pilaf. It’s a versatile side that pairs well with roasted meats or poultry.
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45. Cheesy Rice Pilaf
This creamy, cheesy pilaf is pure comfort in a bowl. It’s a kid-friendly side that adults will love too.
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46. Zucchini Rice Pilaf
Fresh zucchini adds a tender crunch to this light and flavorful pilaf. It’s a great summer side dish.
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47. Citrus Rice Pilaf
Bright citrus flavors make this pilaf refreshing and unique. It’s a perfect match for fish or grilled chicken.
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48. Basmati Rice Pilaf
Fragrant basmati rice takes center stage in this simple yet flavorful dish. It’s a versatile side that goes with almost anything.
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49. Butternut Squash Rice Pilaf
Sweet butternut squash and fluffy rice come together in this comforting dish. It’s a great choice for fall or winter meals.
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50. Italian Beef Rice Pilaf
This dish combines tender beef with Italian herbs and fluffy rice. It’s a hearty meal that’s easy to prepare.
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51. Rice Pilaf with Orzo
Toasted orzo adds a nutty flavor to this classic rice pilaf. It’s a quick and satisfying side for any meal.
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52. Rice Pilaf Instant Pot
This Instant Pot version delivers perfectly cooked pilaf in no time. It’s ideal for busy nights when you need a quick side dish.
Full recipe: click here.
53. Cashew Rice Pilaf
Crunchy cashews add richness and texture to this pilaf. It’s a unique twist that’s sure to impress.
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54. Rice Pilaf with Peas
Sweet peas add a pop of color and freshness to this classic pilaf. It’s a simple yet tasty side for any main dish.
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55. Salmon with Rice Pilaf
Flaky salmon served atop seasoned rice pilaf creates a meal that’s elegant yet easy. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
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56. Chicken and Rice Pilaf
This hearty one-pot dish combines juicy chicken and flavorful rice for a filling meal. It’s a comfort food classic.
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57. Golden Rice Pilaf
Bright and flavorful, this rice pilaf gets its golden hue from turmeric. It’s a vibrant side dish that’s both tasty and eye-catching.
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58. Okra Rice Pilaf
Fresh okra adds a Southern twist to this classic pilaf. It’s a unique side that’s perfect for pairing with barbecue or fried chicken.
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59. Mediterranean Rice Pilaf
This pilaf combines rice with olives, herbs, and tangy feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair. It’s an easy way to bring bold flavors to your table.
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60. Wild Rice Cranberry Pilaf
Nutty wild rice and tart cranberries create a dish that’s both flavorful and festive. Ideal for holiday dinners or special occasions.
Full recipe: click here.
61. Rice Pilaf with Vermicelli
Toasted vermicelli adds a delightful texture to this simple rice pilaf. It’s a versatile side that pairs with nearly any meal.
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62. Baked Rice Pilaf Oven
This oven-baked pilaf comes out perfectly every time with minimal effort. It’s a great hands-off option for busy nights.
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63. Cranberry Pecan Sweet Potato Wild Rice Pilaf
Sweet potatoes, cranberries, and pecans make this wild rice pilaf a fall favorite. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for Thanksgiving.
Full recipe: click here.
64. Uzbekistan Rice Pilaf
This traditional Uzbek plov is made with tender meat, carrots, and flavorful spices. It’s a hearty one-pot meal that’s full of history.
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65. Red Lobster Rice Pilaf Recipe
Recreate the buttery, savory flavors of Red Lobster’s rice pilaf at home. It’s a perfect side for seafood dishes.
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66. Mexican Rice Pilaf
This pilaf is packed with bold Mexican flavors like tomatoes, cumin, and chili powder. It’s a spicy side for tacos or enchiladas.
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67. Greek Rice Pilaf
Simple and flavorful, this Greek rice pilaf uses herbs, lime, and olive oil. It’s a classic side for grilled lamb or chicken.
Full recipe: click here.
68. Slow Cooker Herbed Chicken and Rice Pilaf
This slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken with herbed rice for a hands-off meal. It’s comfort food made easy.
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69. Mexican Rice Pilaf Recipe
This version of Mexican rice pilaf is quick, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
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70. Rice Pilaf with Fish
A light and flavorful pilaf specially crafted to complement fish dishes. It’s a fresh and subtle side that won’t overpower your main course.
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71. Greek Lemon Rice Pilaf
This bright and zesty pilaf combines rice with fresh lemon and herbs. It’s a refreshing addition to Mediterranean-inspired meals.
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72. One Pan Herb Butter Chicken and Zucchini Rice Pilaf
Chicken, zucchini, and buttery rice cook together in this flavorful one-pan meal. It’s a convenient and satisfying dinner option.
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73. Lentil Rice Pilaf
Protein-rich lentils and fluffy rice create a hearty and nutritious dish. It’s a satisfying side or a vegetarian main course.
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74. Rice Pilaf Salad
This cold pilaf salad is a refreshing twist with rice, fresh veggies, and a light vinaigrette. It’s perfect for summer lunches or potlucks.
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75. Creamy Rice Pilaf
Rich and creamy, this pilaf is a comfort food classic that pairs well with roasted chicken. It’s a must-try for fans of indulgent sides.
Full recipe: click here.
Final Thoughts
From quick weeknight meals to festive occasions, rice pilaf fits every setting. Its versatility means you can customize it to match any dish.
These recipes ensure you’ll never run out of ideas. Add a little flair to your dinner with the perfect pilaf.
Featured image credit to ©flavorpixels.
