Healthy Black Bean and Veggie Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Dressing

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A nutritious and filling bowl combining fiber-rich black beans, brown rice, and fresh vegetables with a zesty cilantro lime dressing. This Mexican-inspired rice and grain recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), ready in about 55 minutes, pairs brown rice, uncooked, water, canned black beans, drained and rinsed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup brown rice and combine with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is tender.
  2. Step 2: While rice cooks, in a blender or food processor, combine 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 cup corn kernels, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce. Toss with half of the cilantro lime dressing.
  4. Step 4: To assemble, divide the cooked brown rice among 4 bowls. Top each bowl with the dressed bean and vegetable mixture and 1 diced avocado. Drizzle remaining dressing over the avocado and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Healthy Black Bean and Veggie Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (10 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Healthy Black Bean and Veggie Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Dressing?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep brown rice, uncooked from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Healthy Black Bean and Veggie Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Dressing?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Healthy Black Bean and Veggie Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Healthy Black Bean and Veggie Burrito Bowls with Cilantro Lime Dressing vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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