🌶️🍚 Pico de Gallo Rice Bowl

A Pico de Gallo Rice Bowl is a fresh, colorful Mexican-inspired meal featuring fluffy rice topped with juicy tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime, beans, avocado, and your favorite protein. It’s easy to customize and perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a quick dinner.

Prep Time

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Cook: 20 minutes
• Total: About 40 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Ingredients

Rice Base

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• ½ teaspoon salt

Pico de Gallo

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, diced
• ½ red onion, finely diced
• 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Bowl Toppings

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 avocado, sliced or diced
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)

Optional Protein

• Grilled chicken
• Seasoned ground beef
• Steak strips
• Shrimp
• Roasted vegetables
• Grilled tofu

Instructions

1. Make the Pico de Gallo

1. Combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to blend flavors.

2. Prepare the Rice

1. Toss warm cooked rice with lime juice, cilantro, and salt.
2. Fluff with a fork.

3. Assemble the Bowls

1. Divide rice between four bowls.
2. Add black beans, corn, lettuce, avocado, cheese, and your choice of protein.
3. Spoon generous amounts of pico de gallo over the top.
4. Finish with sour cream, extra lime, or hot sauce if desired.

Flavor Variations

🌮 Taco Rice Bowl

Add:

• Taco-seasoned beef or chicken
• Salsa verde
• Crushed tortilla chips

🥑 Fresh California Bowl

Add:

• Fajita vegetables
• Guacamole
• Cilantro-lime dressing

🌶 Spicy Bowl

Add:

• Chipotle sauce
• Pickled jalapeños
• Hot salsa

Storage

• Meal Prep: Store rice, beans, and protein separately for up to 4 days.
• Keep pico de gallo and avocado separate until serving.
• Best served fresh for the crispest texture.

Tips

• Use ripe tomatoes for the best pico flavor.
• Add a pinch of cumin to the rice for extra Mexican-style flavor.
• Warm the beans before serving for a more satisfying bowl.
• A squeeze of fresh lime right before eating brightens all the flavors.