Southwestern Rice Salad! This is a healthy plant-based recipe that uses simple ingredients, takes little time to put together, and has a Spanish rice feel. It’s a perfect cheap, easy, healthy meal idea.
Our favorite kinds of family meals are the ones that are flavorful, use common pantry ingredients or leftovers, nutrient-rich, inexpensive and keep everyone satisfied.
This Southwestern Rice Salad is one of those recipes.
It can stand on its own as a hearty one-bowl meal or be pared down, stuffed into taco shells or tortillas, and served with a side of fresh fruit or veggies. It can also work as a healthy side dish.
We also like that the ingredients can be reused in other ways during the week, which is perfect for batch cooking.
This salad is also a great combination of healthy fat from the avocado, plant protein from the rice and beans, fiber, and an array of vitamins and minerals.
Here’s how to make the recipe!
First, cook the brown rice on the stove. You can substitute another grain here if you like, such as quinoa or barley.
Dice a bell pepper (you can use any color!) into small pieces.
Prepare your beans by opening the can, draining and rinsing.
Do the same with your corn if using canned. If you have frozen corn instead, thaw it and drain any excess liquid.
Remove your avocado flesh and cut it into square chunks.
Gently combine all of the above ingredients in a mixing bowl, along with the olive oil, fresh lime juice, salt, cumin, and chili powder.
Enjoy!
Find the full, printable recipe below:
Southwestern Rice Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 3/4 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 large avocado, diced
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- Pinch salt
- Pinch cumin
- Pinch chili powder
Instructions
- Prepare all of the ingredients as noted above.
- Gently combine everything together in a large mixing bowl and serve.
There you have our simple Southwestern Rice Salad! This healthy plant-based recipe is a perfect addition to your rotation of cheap, easy, healthy meals for busy weeknights.
Chime In: What are some of your family’s favorite rice- or grain-based easy meals? Let us know in the comments if you try this recipe!
If you enjoyed this recipe, we think you should check out these too:
When do you start giving you children rice! I know I’ve read that you guys tend to hold off bc of the arsenic. Rice is a staple in our home but I’ve been wary to let my 11 month old try it.
Yes, we give our kids rice a few times a week. We prefer not to give lots of rice-based products (as many baby products are) along with rice. We do prefer to choose rice brands that have been tested for arsenic levels
What brands of rice do you recommend?