Vegan Rice Bowl (Gluten Free)

This vegan rice bowl is SO satiating and keeps you full the whole day! It is a fun, filling and creative weeknight dinner that takes less than 30 minutes to make. Essentially it is a simple greek inspired salad, packed with fresh vegetables, cooked rice and chickpeas. 

Truly the perfect meal prep lunch or dinner! Since it is so quick and easy it is perfect for any night of the week These vegan rice bowls are really easy to throw together and use simple, common ingredients are are easy to find and affordable! No need to break the bank here!

If you’re looking for more easy gluten free and vegan recipes, you’ll love my vegan quinoa salad, and my vegan baked pasta.

These Vegan Rice Bowls are customizable, fun, and extra delicious. I just start with a base of my favorite cooked rice. Then I love to get creative when picking my toppings. The toppings can be as simple or creative as you want, but greek ingredients are my favorite.

This vegan rice bowl is perfect for meal prep! It love bringing this when I’m working at the office, on the go or running errands.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• This Vegan Rice Bowl is allergy friendly. It is gluten free, vegan, dairy free and nut free!
• The best part is you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand! Have a different sauce or dressing? Use it! Have different veggies? Throw them in too! You can change the flavor of the bowl by adding anything you have at home. So versatile!
• I love how satisfying this vegan rice bowl is. It keeps me full all afternon thanks to it being packed with chickpeas.
• I love the vegetables. This Vegan Rice Bowl is honestly bursting at the seams with color!
• It is filling and hydrating, yet light which makes it perfect for lunch or a light dinner!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Chickpeas: Chickpeas are my favorite. You can substitue for any other bean here like black beans, white beans, kidney beans, etc.

Rice: I used white rice. Jasmine or basmati rice is my favorite. You can use brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low carb option. To save time when making this Vegan Rice Bowl, use instant rice, microwavable rice or frozen rice!

Cucumber: A good crisp crunch!

Red Onion: Red or white onion are great. You can even use green onion in a pinch.

Lettuce: I used romaine lettuce. You can sub bib lettuce, butter lettuce, green leaf lettuce, arugula, etc.

Vegan Tzatziki sauce: My favorite is the one from trader joes. Or make your own at home using vegan yogurt!

Vegan feta cheese: It is OK to skip this if you don’t enjoy vegan cheese.

How do I make this Vegan Rice Bowl?

First, in a small bowl, Iwhisk together the ingredients for the dressing.

Then, I cook the rice according to box directions.

After, I rinse and drain the chickpeas.

I add rice to the bowl and top with chickpeas, sliced cucumber, red onion, and chopped romaine lettuce.

I then top the Vegan Rice Bowl with tzatziki sauce and crumbled fat-free feta cheese over the top.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Switch your produce. Feel free to use different veggies in your vegan rice bowl. Add in some of your favorite fruits or nuts!

Add some carbs. Pair with your favorite corn tortilla chips or gluten free pita to top these bowls!

I always make sure to drain and rinse the canned chickpeas before using them. I pat the chickpeas dry with a clean paper towel.

Have a lime or grapefruit? Add a squeeze of fresh lime or grapefruit juice to the dressing. This helps to brighten all the flavors up.

Salt and pepper go a long way! With a simple dressing, salt and pepper really give you a boost of flavor. Don’t skip this part of the Vegan Rice Bowl recipe.

How can I add more protein?

If you’re not plant-based, you can always add grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp or steak. To keep these Vegan Rice Bowl vegan, add tofu, black beans, white beans, or even more chickpeas! The more chickpeas the better!

What is a rice bowl?

Rice bowls are a type of Buddha Bowl, grain bowl or power bowl! They are all very similar. The idea is a rice, obviously in a bowl but with your favorite vegetables, protein, and sauce!

How Do I Serve this Vegan Rice Bowl?

This Vegan Rice Bowl can be served fresh and cold, or room temperature. Add your dressing right before eating to keep it fresh.

How do I Store this Vegan Rice Bowl?

To store, I let the rice cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to four days.

How can I meal prep this Vegan Rice Bowl?

I love to make the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge. I store in an airtight container, like a jar.

The vegetables can be cut a day ahead of time, and the rice made and kept in an air-tight container in the fridge.

I like to store my rice separate from my toppings so I can heat the rice if I need to.

To meal prep into individual portions, I divide the Vegan Rice Bowl into separate containers. These individual portions are my favorite for great grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners during the week.

What other vegetables can I use?

Use what you have! Any vegetables your family loves works great in these Vegan Rice Bowls. If your refrigerator is stocked with veggies that aren’t on the ingredient list thats ok! You don’t need to stick to only these vegetables.

Looking for more gluten free vegan recipes?

If you make this recipe and enjoyed it, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and Pinterest. Purchase my cookbook Easy Allergy Free Cooking. Join my exclusive weeknight meal plan group for 5 weekly 30-minute dinner recipes. The weeknight meal plan also has an accompanying podcast as well! I would love for you to follow along! 

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