Lime Cilantro Rice Bowls

I make this Cilantro Lime Rice recipe at least once a week. It’s one of my favorite side dishes! Pair it with chicken, beans, avocado, corn, tomatoes, and a drizzle of the best creamy sauce, and this easy side dish turns into a healthy bowl recipe for dinner. No matter how you enjoy it, you’ll love how light, fluffy, and flavorful this 30-minute lime cilantro rice recipe is!

Cilantro Lime Rice (Easy Bowl Recipe)

I could seriously eat these Cilantro Lime Rice Bowls for dinner every night. Not even kidding! This is my go-to rice side dish recipe and it turns out perfect every time. With the perfect balance of earthy cilantro and zesty, tangy lime, every bite is so good!

Add in protein, some veggies, and this Cilantro Lime Sauce to easily turn it into a 30-minute balanced bowl recipe that the entire family will love. If you’ve been on the search for the perfect side dish or healthy rice bowl for busy weeknight dinners, then you’ll love this simple rice recipe!

RELATED: 15+ BEST Protein Bowl Recipes

Lime Cilantro Rice Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe.

Cilantro Lime Rice

• Avocado Oil
• Basmati Rice – or any other type of long-grain white rice. (opens in a new tab) Brown rice can also be used, but the cooking times are quite different, so that’s something to consider!
• Minced Garlic
• Water (or Chicken Broth)
• Lime Zest
• Fresh Lime Juice
• Salt
• Fresh Cilantro Leaves

Healthy Bowl Recipe

• Black Beans
• Corn
• Cooked Chicken – Or beef, shrimp, chickpeas – any type of protein you want!
• Avocado
• Diced Tomatoes
• Cilantro Lime Sauce – Easily make this sauce in just a few minutes and keep it in the refrigerator for delicious bowls all week long! Another option is to top these bowls with sour cream.

How to Make Cilantro Lime Rice

Making Cilantro Lime Rice is a simple and flavorful process that can be done in just a few minutes. Once you get this process down, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat for more healthy balanced bowls (like this one) or as a great side dish option for everyday weeknight meals! Here’s how to make Cilantro Lime Rice:

1. Heat oil in a pot or Dutch oven (opens in a new tab) and toast the rice until it turns a light brown color.
2. Stir in the garlic, water (or broth), lime zest, and salt to the pot and bring it to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat, cover the pot with a lid, and let it simmer for 7-8 minutes while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
4. After that, add lime juice to the rice and cook for another 2-3 minutes with the lid still on.
5. Remove the lid from the pot, turn off the heat, and add in some fresh cilantro to the rice.
6. Finally, use a fork to fluff the rice and mix everything together.

What Goes With Cilantro Lime Rice?

There are so many ways to pair this rice recipe! Here are a few ideas:

• Add it to Slow Cooker Fiesta Ranch Chicken Wraps.
• Make Burrito Bowls (recipe below).
• Pair it with Cuban Mojo Chicken.
• Combine it with black beans.
• Add it on the side of these Healthy Sriracha Shredded Chicken Tacos.
• Or with Vegan Chipotle Chickpea Tacos!
• Use it as filling for Stuffed Peppers.
• Side dish to Birria Quesadillas Recipe.

Making Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Bowls

Next, put these easy bowls together! Here’s how to make Cilantro Lime Rice Bowls:

1. Assemble the bowls by dividing the cooked rice, beans, corn, chicken, tomatoes, and avocado into each bowl.
2. Drizzle cilantro lime sauce over the bowls and optionally garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.

Easy Cilantro Lime Rice Storage

Want to meal prep this recipe and store it for later? Here’s how!

1. Cook the rice according to the directions.
2. Prep and divide the bowl ingredients (except for the avocado and sauce) into 4 airtight containers. (opens in a new tab)
3. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy, add in the fresh avocado and Cilantro Lime Sauce!

More Easy Rice Recipes

• Spanish Rice & Beans
• Rosemary Mushroom Rice Pilaf
• Cuban Mojo Chicken and Rice
• Easy Instant Pot Brown Rice

More Healthy Bowl Recipes

• Hot Honey Chicken Bowls
• Taco Bowl Recipe
• Chicken Shawarma Grain Bowls
• Meal Prep Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls
• Vegan Buffalo Chickpea Bowls
• Chimichurri Chicken Bowls

Did you make this recipe? Be sure to give it a rating below and tag your photos @jar.of.lemons! (opens in a new tab)