Need an easy side dish that tastes anything but ordinary? This bright and flavorful Summer Rice with Garlic Olive Oil and Honey Ginger Balsamic is just the thing.
Fluffy golden rice, tender carrots, savory Garlic Olive Oil, and a finishing splash of Honey Ginger Balsamic come together for a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy rice dish that can turn even a simple dinner into something special.
It’s colorful, easy to make, and packed with Little Shop flavor. Basically, this is rice showing off a little. And we’re here for it!
An Easy Summer Rice Recipe with Big Flavor
Rice is one of those wonderful pantry staples that can go in a hundred different directions. For this recipe, we’re giving it a fresh summer twist with Garlic Olive Oil and Honey Ginger Balsamic.
The Garlic Olive Oil brings a rich, savory flavor to the vegetables and rice, while Honey Ginger Balsamic adds a touch of sweetness, gentle ginger warmth, and a bright balsamic finish.
The result is an easy flavored rice recipe that works beautifully alongside grilled vegetables, seafood, pork, chicken, or your favorite summer dishes.
Why You'll Love This Summer Rice
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and very little prep.
- Colorful: Golden rice and bright carrots make a beautiful addition to the dinner table.
- Sweet and savory: Honey Ginger Balsamic gives the rice just enough sweetness and tang.
- Versatile: Serve it warm as a side dish or enjoy leftovers chilled as the beginning of a rice salad.
- Full of flavor: Garlic Olive Oil makes every bite savory and delicious.
The Flavor Pairing: Garlic Olive Oil + Honey Ginger Balsamic
This is one of those combinations that makes you wonder why you haven’t been putting flavored olive oil and balsamic in rice all along.
Garlic Olive Oil is used to sauté the vegetables and toast the rice, allowing that savory garlic flavor to become part of the dish from the very beginning.
Then, once the rice is cooked, Honey Ginger Balsamic joins the party. Its combination of sweet honey, lively ginger, and balsamic tang gives the rice a fresh finishing touch without overpowering it.
A little drizzle goes a long way—and makes plain rice considerably less plain!
What's in This Summer Rice Recipe?
- Long-grain white rice
- Garlic Olive Oil
- Carrots
- Onion
- Vegetable or chicken broth
- Honey Ginger Balsamic
- Paprika
- Turmeric
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley or green onions
How to Make Flavorful Golden Rice
Start by sautéing diced onion and carrots in Garlic Olive Oil until they begin to soften.
Next, add the rice directly to the skillet along with paprika and turmeric. Give everything a quick stir and let the rice toast for about a minute. This simple step adds extra flavor and helps coat the grains in that delicious Garlic Olive Oil.
Add your broth, cover the skillet, and let the rice gently simmer until it is tender and fluffy.
Once the rice has rested for a few minutes, fluff it with a fork and drizzle in the Honey Ginger Balsamic.
One stir, one taste, and suddenly that humble bowl of rice isn't so humble anymore.
Make This Summer Rice Your Own
This recipe is incredibly easy to customize depending on what you have in the refrigerator or what looks good at the farmers market.
Try adding:
- Zucchini
- Red or yellow bell peppers
- Fresh corn
- Green peas
- Summer squash
- Baby spinach
- Chopped scallions
- Fresh herbs
Want a little heat? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Want even more garlic flavor? Finish the rice with a tiny drizzle of Garlic Olive Oil before serving.
What to Serve with Summer Rice
This flavorful rice side dish is wonderfully versatile. Try serving it alongside:
- Grilled shrimp or salmon
- Grilled or roasted vegetables
- Pork tenderloin
- Grilled chicken
- Vegetable kabobs
- Fresh summer salads
- Black beans or chickpeas for a meatless meal
Turn Leftover Rice Into Lunch
If you have leftovers, don’t let them hide in the back of the refrigerator!
Chill the rice and toss it with chopped cucumber, bell pepper, fresh herbs, chickpeas, and another small splash of Honey Ginger Balsamic for an easy summer rice salad.
Yesterday’s side dish just became today’s lunch. We love when dinner plans ahead.
A Little Summer Flavor from The Little Shop of Olive Oils
Sometimes the easiest way to make everyday food more exciting is simply changing what you cook it with.
This Summer Rice with Garlic Olive Oil and Honey Ginger Balsamic takes a familiar kitchen staple and gives it a fun Little Shop twist—savory garlic, warm ginger, a hint of honey sweetness, colorful vegetables, and fluffy golden rice all in one skillet.
Stop by The Little Shop of Olive Oils in Franklin, Massachusetts to taste our olive oils and balsamic vinegars and discover new combinations for your everyday cooking.
Because plain rice deserves a little fun too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this rice ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the rice, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a small splash of broth or water.
What does Honey Ginger Balsamic taste like in rice?
It adds a subtle honey sweetness, bright balsamic tang, and gentle ginger flavor. It complements the savory Garlic Olive Oil without making the rice overly sweet.
Can I add vegetables to this rice?
Absolutely. Zucchini, bell peppers, corn, peas, spinach, and summer squash are all delicious additions.
Can I make this summer rice vegetarian?
Yes. Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
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