Mediterranean Rice and Lentils Recipe: 20-Minute Irresistible Skillet

Name: Mediterranean rice and lentils recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium white onion, finely chopped (about 150 g); 1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped (60 g); 2 ½ cups cooked long-grain white or brown rice (575 g); 1 can (15 oz) brown lentils, rinsed and drained (or 1 ½ cups cooked green or brown lentils); 2 tsp za’atar seasoning; ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (45 g); Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Fresh lemon juice, optional

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Let’s talk about a dinner hero that checks every single box: quick, healthy, budget-friendly, and bursting with bold flavor. This Mediterranean rice and lentils recipe is one of those magical meals that feels like you tried really hard… even though it comes together in just 20 minutes.

If you’re juggling work, family, errands, and somehow trying to eat something nourishing in between, this dish is about to become your new best friend. It’s hearty without being heavy, simple without being boring, and flavorful enough to make you pause mid-bite and say, “Okay, wow.”

And as I always say in my kitchen—great food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the most comforting meals come from humble ingredients cooked with a little love (and a good splash of olive oil).

Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Rice and Lentils Recipe

First of all, it’s a one-skillet wonder. Less cleanup? Yes, please.

But here’s what really makes this Mediterranean rice and lentils recipe shine:

Plant-based and protein-packed (hello, lentils!)
Bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors
Perfect for meal prep—keeps beautifully for days
Budget-friendly pantry staples
Ready in just 20 minutes

This is the kind of meal you can make on Sunday and enjoy all week for lunch. Or whip up on a busy Tuesday when everyone is asking, “What’s for dinner?” and you need something fast but satisfying.

And trust me—your kitchen will smell like a cozy Mediterranean bistro.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this nourishing bowl of goodness:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium white onion, finely chopped
1 medium red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
2 ½ cups cooked long-grain white or brown rice
1 can (15 oz) brown lentils, rinsed and drained
(or 1.5 cups cooked green or brown lentils)
2 tsp za’atar seasoning
½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon juice (optional but highly recommended)

Simple. Fresh. Flavorful. That’s the PulseRecipes way.

How to Make This Easy Mediterranean Rice and Lentils Recipe

Ready? Apron on. Let’s cook.

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, until fragrant and just starting to brown.

This is where flavor begins. Don’t rush it. Let those edges get slightly golden—that’s where the magic lives.

Step 2: Add the Greens

Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2 minutes.

It will look like a mountain at first. Then it wilts down dramatically—like it suddenly remembered it’s spinach. Totally normal.

Step 3: Bring in the Rice and Lentils

Add your cooked rice, lentils, and za’atar seasoning.

Stir everything together so the spices coat every grain and bean. Now here’s my favorite trick: let the rice sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes at a time before stirring.

That’s how you get those slightly crispy, golden bits on the bottom. It adds texture and makes this feel almost like a Mediterranean-style fried rice.

Step 4: Finish with Olives

Stir in the sliced kalamata olives and remove from heat.

These little salty gems bring bold flavor to the entire dish. They’re small—but mighty.

Step 5: Brighten It Up

Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

That squeeze? It wakes everything up. Don’t skip it unless you absolutely must.

Serve warm and enjoy.

Mediterranean rice and lentils recipe served in a white bowl with fresh herbs and vegetables — A hearty bowl of Mediterranean rice and lentils recipe packed with fresh vegetables and bold Mediterranean flavors.

Chef Omar’s Flavor Tips (From My Kitchen to Yours)

Let’s elevate this just a little more, shall we?

Use day-old rice if you can. Fresh rice works fine, but leftover rice gives better texture and crisps up beautifully.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. If your skillet is too small, the rice steams instead of browns.
Love heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Want extra creaminess? A dollop of dairy-free yogurt on top is incredible.

And if your rice sticks slightly? That’s flavor building. We’re not making porcelain here—we’re building character.

This recipe actually became a staple in my kitchen after I threw it together one night when friends stopped by unexpectedly. I had rice, lentils, and vegetables—so I made it work. They went back for seconds. That’s when I knew it was a keeper.

Make It Your Own

One of the best things about this Mediterranean rice and lentils recipe is how flexible it is.

Here are a few simple twists:

Swap spinach for chopped kale.
Use brown rice for extra fiber.
Add chopped cucumbers and tomatoes after cooking for a fresh twist.
Top with crumbled feta if you’re not strictly vegan.

Cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about confidence and creativity. Trust your instincts.

Meal Prep Magic

If you love a good meal prep recipe, this one is calling your name.

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Keeps in the fridge up to 5 days.
Not suitable for freezing (the texture won’t be the same).

It reheats beautifully in a skillet or microwave. Sometimes I even enjoy it cold like a rice salad—especially in warmer months.

Each serving gives you:

286 calories
11g protein
9g fiber

That’s a filling, balanced meal without feeling weighed down.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different lentils?

Yes! Brown or green lentils work best because they hold their shape. Red lentils break down too much for this style of dish.

Is this Mediterranean rice and lentils recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your rice and seasoning are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels if needed.

Can I use fresh-cooked lentils instead of canned?

Absolutely. About 1.5 cups of cooked lentils equals one 15 oz can. Just make sure they’re not overcooked and mushy.

How do I make it more filling?

Add chickpeas or serve it alongside grilled vegetables. You could even top it with a fried egg if you’re not vegan.

What does za’atar taste like?

Za’atar is earthy, slightly tangy, and herbaceous. It usually contains thyme, sesame seeds, and sumac. It’s what gives this dish its Mediterranean personality.

A Simple Dish That Feels Like a Celebration

There’s something deeply comforting about a skillet filled with warm rice, hearty lentils, sweet peppers, and briny olives. It’s colorful. It’s nourishing. It feels generous.

And that’s exactly why I love this Mediterranean rice and lentils recipe.

It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But it delivers big flavor in a short amount of time—which, let’s be honest, is exactly what most of us need on a busy weeknight.

So grab that skillet, turn up your favorite music, and let your kitchen fill with the aromas of olive oil and spices. This Mediterranean rice and lentils recipe might just become the dependable, delicious staple your weekly rotation has been missing.

More Mediterranean Favorites to Try

If this Mediterranean rice and lentils recipe earned a spot on your weekly menu, you’re going to love exploring a few more flavor-packed dishes. Add something fresh and vibrant like Mediterranean Bean Salad with Feta for a colorful side that pairs beautifully with warm grains and lentils. Craving extra crunch? Mediterranean Coleslaw brings a bright, zesty contrast that makes dinner feel like a full spread.

For another cozy, nourishing option, the comforting Cozy Anti-Inflammatory Lentil Soup is perfect for chilly evenings or easy meal prep. And if you’re in the mood for another hearty grain-and-lentil combo, try Herbed Lentil Rice with Roasted Veggies for a delicious twist on the classic. You can also explore a slightly different take on this comforting pairing with Mediterranean Lentils and Rice for even more inspiration in the kitchen.