Cheesy Spanish Palmini Rice

If you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy side dish that’s packed with flavor without packing on the calories, this Cheesy Spanish Palmini Rice is about to become a new favorite. It’s comforting, colorful, and comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Using Palmini Spanish Rice as the base keeps this recipe light while adding plenty of volume. Sweet carrots, melty cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime bring everything together into a dish that’s satisfying enough to enjoy on its own or alongside your favorite protein.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy and cheesy with a hint of spice
Low in calories while still satisfying
Great source of vegetables
Quick enough for busy weeknights
Perfect for meal prep
Gluten-free friendly (check product labels)

Ingredients

1 packet Palmini Spanish Rice
1 cup diced fine carrots
2 Light Laughing Cow cheese wedges
2 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
½ cup thinly sliced scallions
¼ cup reduced-fat Mexican shredded cheese
Paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lime
Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and sauté the shredded carrots until tender.
Add the sliced scallions and cook for another 1–2 minutes.
Stir in the Palmini Spanish Rice and cook until lightly golden, allowing some of the moisture to evaporate.
Season with paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water if needed.
Stir in the Light Laughing Cow wedges and almond milk until smooth and creamy.
Mix in the fresh lime juice.
Sprinkle the reduced-fat Mexican cheese over the top, cover the pan, and cook until melted.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime before serving.

Nutrition (Entire Recipe)

Calories: ~270
Protein: ~15g
Carbohydrates: ~32g
Fat: ~8g
Fiber: ~11g

Per Serving

Makes 2 servings

Calories: ~135
Protein: ~7.5g
Carbohydrates: ~16g
Fat: ~4g
Fiber: ~5.5g

Makes 4 servings

Calories: ~68
Protein: ~3.8g
Carbohydrates: ~8g
Fat: ~2g
Fiber: ~2.8g

Nutrition is an estimate and may vary depending on brands used.

Ingredient Benefits

Palmini Spanish Rice

Lower in calories than traditional rice
Great way to add volume to meals
Naturally high in fiber
Helps you stay fuller longer

Carrots

Rich in beta-carotene, which supports eye health
Excellent source of vitamin A
Adds natural sweetness and beautiful color

Light Laughing Cow Cheese

Adds creamy texture with fewer calories than traditional cream cheese
Provides protein and calcium

Reduced-Fat Mexican Cheese

Adds extra protein and calcium
Creates the perfect cheesy finish without being overly heavy

Scallions

Fresh onion flavor without overpowering the dish
Provides antioxidants and vitamins

Lime Juice

Brightens every bite
Adds vitamin C
Balances the richness of the cheese

Fresh Cilantro

Adds fresh flavor
Rich in antioxidants
Gives the dish a restaurant-quality finish

Serving Ideas

This recipe pairs perfectly with:

Grilled chicken breast
Steak
Shrimp
Taco-seasoned ground turkey
Salsa chicken
Air fryer salmon
Fajita vegetables
Black beans
A fried or over-easy egg for a vegetarian meal

It also works beautifully as a filling for burritos, stuffed peppers, lettuce wraps, or as the base of a healthy taco bowl.

Chef Allie’s Tips

Let the Palmini rice cook until lightly golden before adding the creamy ingredients—it develops even more flavor.
Don’t skip the fresh lime juice. It brightens the entire dish.
Like extra heat? Add diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, or a dash of hot sauce.
Want even more protein? Stir in grilled chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, lean ground turkey, or cooked shrimp.

This recipe proves that healthy comfort food doesn’t have to be boring. It’s creamy, cheesy, loaded with flavor, and comes together in about 15 minutes—perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight side dish that the whole family will love.

Print Recipe