Skip to Content

Veggie and Bean Rice Bowls with Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette

This Veggie and Bean Rice Bowls with Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette recipe is filled with flavor and perfect for busy nights.

Veggie and Bean Rice Bowls-1

This recipe was created for my client, Old El Paso, but all opinions are my own.

Dear March, enough with the cold weather. I am so over it. Bring on the warmer temperatures, skin-kissing sun rays and afternoons in the backyard. Seriously, it’s time to let go of the near-freezing temperatures and tuck the bulky coats away once and for all. Please?

Whether or not March complies with my request (and looking at the weather forecast, it’s definitely learning toward not), we’re at that part in the season when the bulky comfort foods of winter give way to lighter (but still warm and cozy) foods of spring. This is when the sun gets a little brighter (or it seems to), reminding us that we’ll soon be digging our toes into warm sand and frolicking in the salty surf.

I can’t wait for those days to come.

lime cilantro vinaigrette

In our house, that means stepping away from the homemade macaroni and cheese, and focusing in on veggie-packed dishes like this one. This glorious bowl of flavors and textures.

Veggie and Bean Rice Bowls with Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette is a tangy, sweet, crisp, creamy delight. The Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette is a tart dressing infused with cilantro — with this,  you don’t need cheese or anything else to make it truly sing. And sing it does — like a bowl of fabulous, Southwest-inspired goodness.

Now, what are you waiting for? Go make this!

Veggie and Bean Rice Bowls-3
Veggie and Bean Rice Bowls with Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette

Veggie and Bean Rice Bowls with Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

These easy to make rice bowls are a party of flavors and textures – tangy, sweet, crisp, creamy, cool and warm.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup medium-grain rice, prepared
  • 1 can Old El Paso Refried Beans, heated up
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup torn lettuce

Vinaigrette:

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, plus the zest of 1 lime
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Divide the rice evenly among four bowls. Add 1/4 of the refried beans, red peppers, avocado and lettuce to each.
  2. Whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, cilantro and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Spoon the vinaigrette over each rice bowl.
  4. Enjoy!

Notes

- No time to make rice? Pick up some frozen rice and it will be ready to use in minutes – I love the medium grain rice for this, but any rice (brown or white) will do. - For a less tangy vinaigrette, add 1 teaspoon honey before whisking together.


Disclosure: I am being compensated by Old El Paso/General Mills for the creation of this recipe. All opinions are, as always, my own.

Sarah

Saturday 23rd of March 2013

I made this recipe today! I loved how simple and quick it was and that it just required a short list of ingredients. It turned out great! My boyfriend called it a "warm bowl of yumminess." I'll definitely make it again. Thanks for sharing!

Sarah W. Caron

Saturday 23rd of March 2013

So glad you liked it, Sarah! And thank you so much for coming back!!

Randi - Dukes and Duchesses

Wednesday 20th of March 2013

Sarah, that looks so good! I'd love to try it with black beans as well. We love bean dishes ... I'll definitely be trying this recipe!

Sarah W. Caron

Saturday 23rd of March 2013

Mmm, yes, I bet black beans would be good too, Randi. Thanks!

Joshua Hampton

Monday 18th of March 2013

How colorful and refreshing this dish looks. I, too, am looking forward to the coming of spring and for afternoons outdoors, and I can't wait to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing it.

Sarah W. Caron

Saturday 23rd of March 2013

Thank you, Joshua!

Skip to Recipe