20-Minute Dinners
Rice Bowl with Beans and Salsa
This vibrant rice bowl is a textbook example of a balanced, speedy dinner inspired by Mexican cuisine. Hearty boiled rice blends with textured black beans and ripe, buttery avocado to build a filling, nutrient-dense base. Savory tomato salsa infuses the grains with its signature zesty punch, while fresh salad greens add a refreshing, crunchy contrast. To top it off, shredded cheese melts beautifully from the residual heat of the rice, tying the disparate textures into one harmonious dish in just minutes.
Dishday
Recipe overview
- Total time
- 20 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cooking
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Cuisine
- 20-Minute Dinners
Nutrition
per serving
- Calories
- 440 kcal
- Protein
- 12 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Carbs
- 64 g
- Fiber
- 9 g
Step by step
Method
- 01
Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water several times unti…
Rinse the long-grain rice under cold water several times until the water runs completely clear to wash away excess starch and keep the grains separate.
- 02
Transfer the rice to a pot, pour in the fresh water, add a pi…
Transfer the rice to a pot, pour in the fresh water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until dry.
- 03
While the rice is simmering, drain the canned black beans int…
While the rice is simmering, drain the canned black beans into a strainer and rinse them thoroughly under cold running water to remove the canning starch.
- 04
Cut the ripe avocados in half, discard the pits, peel away th…
Cut the ripe avocados in half, discard the pits, peel away the skin, and slice the tender flesh into uniform 1-cm cubes.
- 05
Grate the semi-hard cheese on a medium grater so it melts rap…
Grate the semi-hard cheese on a medium grater so it melts rapidly and smoothly upon meeting the warm components.
- 06
Divide the hot boiled rice among deep serving bowls
Divide the hot boiled rice among deep serving bowls. Neatly arrange the rinsed black beans, fresh salad greens, and avocado cubes right next to the rice.
- 07
Spoon a generous dollop of tomato salsa into the center of ea…
Spoon a generous dollop of tomato salsa into the center of each bowl and scatter the grated cheese over the top so it starts to melt beautifully.
Dishday
Useful advice
Cooking tip
If you have leftover cooked rice in your fridge, simply reheat it in the microwave to bring your total kitchen time down to 5 minutes.
How to serve
Serve in wide, deep bowls, arranging the colorful components in distinct sections for a stunning presentation, then toss right before eating.
How to store
Keep the bowl components refrigerated in separate airtight containers for up to 24 hours. Slice the fresh avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Note
For a plant-based or vegan version, easily omit the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative and nutritional yeast.
