If you’ve ever tucked into a plate of colourful rice alongside spicy chicken and thought, “I could eat this every day,” then this rainbow rice recipe is for you. Inspired by the popular side dish that many of us remember ordering from Nando’s, this homemade version delivers the same vibrant colours, delicious flavours, and fluffy texture that make it such a crowd favourite.
Made with light and fluffy basmati rice, this rainbow rice recipe is packed with finely diced red and green bell peppers and onion, creating a colourful combination that tastes just as good as it looks. The vegetables add sweetness, freshness, and texture, while a simple blend of seasonings transforms everyday rice into a flavour-packed side dish that deserves a place on your table.
The beauty of rainbow rice lies in its simplicity. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients and comes together with minimal effort, yet the end result feels special enough for entertaining. The colourful peppers not only brighten the dish visually but also add layers of flavour that pair wonderfully with a wide variety of meals. Every spoonful is savoury, fragrant, and satisfying, making it far more exciting than plain rice.
This rainbow rice recipe is particularly popular at braais, family gatherings, and casual get-togethers with friends. It can easily be made ahead of time and served alongside grilled meats, roasted chicken, chops, steak, sausages, or even seafood. Its versatility makes it one of those reliable side dishes that works for almost any occasion, no matter the season.
Of course, one of my favourite ways to serve this rainbow rice is with my baked peri peri chicken recipe. The fluffy rice provides the perfect balance to the bold, spicy flavours of the chicken, soaking up all those delicious juices while adding colour and texture to the plate. Together, they create a meal that feels comforting, hearty, and full of flavour.
Whether you’re recreating a nostalgic takeaway favourite or simply looking for a colourful new side dish to add to your recipe collection, this rainbow rice recipe is guaranteed to become a regular feature at your dinner table and your next braai.
Rainbow Rice - Nando's style!
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium white onion peeled and diced
- 1-2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 tsp chicken stock powder
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp ground smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 cup tomatoes diced
- 1 medium green pepper cored and diced
- 1 medium red pepper cored and diced
- 2 cups basmati rice washed and drained
- 3 cups water boiling
- ⅓ cup fresh coriander diced
Instructions
- Bring a large saucepan (which has a lid) to a medium-high heat. Add olive oil, diced onion, garlic, chicken stock powder, turmeric, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Sauté for 2 minutes or until the onion and garlic starts browning.
- Add the diced tomatoes and 1/3 cup warm water. Sauté for another 2-5 minutes or until the tomatoes have softened.
- Add red and green bell pepper and sauté for another minute or so.
- Add the washed and rinsed rice and 3 cups boiling water to the tomato mixture. Give it a quick mix, reduce the heat to a medium-low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes. Thereafter, remove from the heat and allow the rice to steam for another 5 minutes, covered.
- Use a soft spatula or fork to gently break the cooked rice apart. Salt to taste and finish off with freshly chopped coriander