Introduction

Cowboy Rice Salad is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines smoky, tangy flavors with fresh vegetables and wholesome brown rice. It’s perfect as a side or a light main, and it’s just as delicious served fresh or the next day.

Ingredients

4 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1/3 cup lime juice, plus more to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp chipotle powder (substitute with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper if needed)
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 garlic clove, minced)
3/4 tsp salt
Black pepper, to taste
1 red capsicum/bell pepper, diced
1 green capsicum/bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, chopped
1 x 400g (14oz) corn kernels, drained
1 x 400g (14oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
3 tomatoes, watery seeds removed then diced
1 cup coriander/cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the lime juice, olive oil, honey, chipotle powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a jar. Shake well to mix and taste; adjust seasoning or lime juice to your preference.
Step 2: In a large bowl, add the cooked brown rice, diced red and green capsicums, chopped red onion, corn kernels, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, and chopped coriander leaves.
Step 3: Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything together gently until well combined. Serve immediately or chilled the next day for even better flavor.

Tips & Variations

For extra protein, add grilled chicken or cooked shrimp.
If you like it spicier, increase the chipotle powder or add some fresh chopped chili.
Use quinoa instead of brown rice for a different texture and nutritional boost.
To keep the salad fresh longer, add the tomatoes just before serving.

Storage

Store the Cowboy Rice Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If prepared ahead, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to maintain freshness. Reheat gently if desired, but it is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?

Yes, white rice works well if you prefer a softer texture, though brown rice adds more fiber and nutrition.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Absolutely! It holds up well in the fridge and flavors improve after a day, making it perfect for meal prepping lunches or quick dinners.

Cowboy Rice Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

Cowboy Rice Salad is a vibrant, hearty, and flavorful dish combining cooked brown rice with a zesty lime and chipotle dressing. Packed with colorful veggies like bell peppers, red onion, corn, black beans, and fresh tomatoes, it’s perfect as a refreshing lunch or a satisfying side that’s delicious both fresh and chilled the next day.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes (for cooking brown rice)
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American Southwestern
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Dressing

1/3 cup lime juice, plus more to taste
1/2 cup olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp chipotle powder (or substitute with smoked paprika + cayenne pepper)
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder (or 1 garlic clove, minced)
3/4 tsp salt
Black pepper, to taste

Salad

4 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
1 red capsicum/bell pepper, diced
1 green capsicum/bell pepper, diced
1 small red onion, chopped
1 x 400g (14oz) corn kernels, drained
1 x 400g (14oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
3 tomatoes, watery seeds removed and diced
1 cup coriander/cilantro leaves, roughly chopped

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: Place all dressing ingredients—lime juice, olive oil, honey, chipotle powder, cumin powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper—into a jar. Shake well to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning or lime juice if desired to balance flavors.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, diced red and green bell peppers, chopped red onion, drained corn kernels, rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, and chopped coriander leaves.
Toss and Serve: Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately for fresh, vibrant flavor, or refrigerate to enjoy the next day when the flavors meld beautifully.

Notes

You can substitute chipotle powder with a mix of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper if chipotle powder is unavailable.
Removing watery seeds from tomatoes prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
This salad tastes fantastic both immediately after preparation and when chilled the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
Use fresh coriander/cilantro leaves to add brightness and fresh herb flavor.
Cook the brown rice ahead of time and cool before assembling the salad for best texture.

Keywords: Cowboy Rice Salad, brown rice salad, vegetarian salad, southwestern salad, black bean salad, healthy rice salad