Greek Rice Bowls are a build-your-own situation loaded with fresh, Greek salad-inspired ingredients including the most wonderful whipped feta. Prep all of the components ahead of time for quick and easy meals on demand.

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This post was originally published in January 2020 and has been updated.
Feta cheese is a favorite of mine, and I love finding ways to incorporate it into recipes like this refreshing watermelon and feta salad.
These veggie rice bowls are an easy, build-your-own solution to mealtime. Feta is the star here - it's whipped into an addictive spread that is wonderfully tangy and creamy.
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Why you will love this
- Completely customizable. Swap in ingredients that you love or have on hand.
- Versatile and ideal for meal prep. These bowls are portable, too. Pack it as a picnic lunch or bring it to the office.
- Use leftover rice for a no-cook dish.
- Filled with fresh flavors inspired by a Greek salad.
- The most wonderful whipped feta spread might just be the best part of these bowls. It's glorious - tangy and creamy with a punch of bright lemon.
Ingredient notes
- Rice - Use your favorite brown or white rice. This is a great way to use up leftover rice. I love using frozen brown rice. It cooks in the microwave in just minutes, making it ideal for quick prep meals like this.
- Greek salad-inspired fixings - Cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives.
- Pita chips add a wonderful crunch and can be used to scoop up the delicious feta spread. Whole grain, plain, and garlic varieties are all great options.
- Feta cheese - I love Greek sheep and goat's milk feta such as Mt. Vikos. I prefer using block feta. It has more moisture and stays fresher than pre-crumbled cheese.
- Whipped cream cheese is soft and blends easily. It gives the whipped feta a creamy consistency. If using block cream cheese, bring it to room temperature first.
- Lemon juice - Freshly squeezed is always best.
- Seasonings - Oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Substitutions
- Rice - Try farro, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- Feta cheese - Goat cheese works well here and has a milder flavor for those who don't love the salty tang of feta cheese.
- Veggies - Try bell peppers, radishes, shredded carrots, or any other veggies you love.
- Pita chips - Bagel chips and crostini are great options.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Please see the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
- Whip the feta: Add the feta, cream cheese, lemon juice, and seasonings to the bowl of a mini food processor. Process for about 2 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Build the bowls: Layer rice, cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and olives in a bowl. Add a spoonful - or two - of feta spread. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and salt and pepper. Serve with pita chips.
Expert Tips
- Make the whipped feta ahead of time. It will keep for several days in the fridge.
- This recipe makes about 2 cups of feta spread, which is more than is needed for the rice bowls. I guarantee you will want extra whipped feta in your life! Use as a dip with pita chips, spread on burgers, or add to a veggie wrap. It's addictive!
- Add protein such as roasted chicken, salmon, or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Layer the ingredients in a mason jar for a fun, portable presentation.
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📖 Recipe Card
Greek Rice Bowls with Whipped Feta
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EQUIPMENT
Ingredients
Feta Spread
- 14 ounces block feta cheese (I prefer Greek sheep's milk feta)
- 4 ounces whipped cream cheese (or block cream cheese, softened to room temperature)
- 1 lemon (juiced)
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Rice Bowls
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup halved cherry or grape tomatoes
- ½ cup sliced red onions
- ½ cup kalamata olives
- pita chips (for serving)
Garnishes
- olive oil
- flaky sea salt and black pepper
- basil, parsley, or cilantro
Instructions
Feta Spread
- Add the feta cheese to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times until the cheese resembles crumbs. Add the cream cheese, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Process until the mixture is creamy and smooth, about 2 minutes, scraping the bowl down as needed. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of cream and blend until smooth.
- Transfer to a bowl. Refrigerate extra spread.
Greek Rice Bowls
- To assemble, divide the rice between two bowls. Top with cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, and olives. Add a generous spoonful of whipped feta. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with basil, parsley, or cilantro. Serve with pita chips.
Notes
- This recipe yields 2 cups of whipped feta. Save the extra for snacking, spreading on burgers, or adding to veggie wraps.
- The feta spread can be made several days in advance.
- Add roasted chicken, salmon, or shrimp for added protein.
- The rice can be substituted with farro or quinoa. Goat cheese can be used in place of the feta. See additional substitution notes in the blog post.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
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