13 Simple and Delicious Summer Rice Bowls
Looking for a quick, easy meal that requires minimal prep and saves you time? Enter your new summer recipe hero — the rice bowl!
These recipes are designed to make your life easier, allowing you to enjoy delicious meals without the stress of lengthy preparations. Many of these recipes are ideal for summer; they don't even require you to turn on the oven. They're also great for everyone to have their favorite fresh ingredients, so add one or two to your summer meal plan!
There are thousands of different rice bowl recipes. Here are some of the best for when you need something quick, easy, and delicious this summer! As the warm weather continues, simplify your meals and maximize flavor by trying a tasty new flavor like chicken shawarma or classic fried rice, and let your creativity run wild!
Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls
This super quick recipe uses leftover chicken shawarma but is customizable. It's great for families who can't quite agree on toppings. This dish uses a base of chicken, vegetables, and rice, and everyone gets to add their own garnishes and sauces!
An added plus is this recipe only takes 14 minutes to prepare, so it's perfect for a busy weeknight.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Shawarma Rice Bowls
Pico De Gallo Rice Bowls
Pico de gallo, guacamole, black beans, and fajita vegetables make this recipe a naturally vegan and gluten-free stunner!
A twist on the classic burrito bowl: these rice bowls have plenty of fiber and protein, making them satisfying and nutritious. Plus, they’re a great meal prep option; simply keep the ingredients in separate containers and build your bowls as needed.
Get the Recipe: Pico De Gallo Rice Bowls
Vegan Rice Bowl with Tofu
If you’re entertaining vegan friends or need a recipe for a meat-free Monday, these rice bowls will make you rethink the need for meat!
This rice bowl is a great light choice for summer evening dinners or late lunches. It is nutritious and super simple to make. The tofu is marinated and then fried into delicious cubes — an excellent topping for a summer rice bowl!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Rice Bowl with Tofu
Vegetarian Cauliflower Rice Bowl
Okay, hear me out: cauliflower and quinoa in a rice bowl! Even non-vegetarians will want a bowl of this spicy, crispy cauliflower on a bed of tender quinoa.
The toppings make this a stand-out — cranberries, feta, and fresh herbs pack a real punch in this no-rice rice bowl!
Get the Recipe: Vegetarian Cauliflower Rice Bowl
Vegan Green Rice Burrito Bowl
Build your burrito bowl around this delightful green rice, which is made by cooking rice with fresh herbs and stock.
Top with lentil-based taco meat, plenty of avocado, a generous drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of chili. Super hearty and nutritious, this is the perfect recipe for plant-based eaters and carnivores alike this summer!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Rice Burrito Bowl
Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl
A cross between a stir-fry and a rice bowl, this recipe stands out as a family dinner winner!
Meat, vegetables, grains, and plenty of flavors mean kids and adults alike will enjoy these rice bowls. The best part is they’re ready in under 20 minutes and can be prepped ahead!
Get the Recipe: Ground Beef and Broccoli Rice Bowl
Egg Fried Rice
A Chinese take-out classic, this recipe is authentic and simple, using just a handful of pantry ingredients. Add whatever vegetables you have on hand or some shredded chicken or beef.
Super fast and easy, this is one to make when you have 15 minutes to get food on the table before hunger strikes.
Get the Recipe: Egg Fried Rice
Tofu Poke Bowls
These tofu poke bowls use crispy, chili-infused tofu instead of the usual raw fish. However, the usual suspects in a poke bowl, such as avocado, nori, and a spicy mayo sauce, are still there.
Preparing a poke bowl can be a fun family dinner if you prepare the components and let each family member customize their poke bowl.
Get the Recipe: Tofu Poke Bowls
Chicken Rice Bowl
This dish is a complete meal in a bowl. With juicy, seasoned chicken, fluffy rice, and plenty of fresh herbs and veggies, this chicken bowl is ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prep.
The diverse flavors and the ease of preparation make this dish ideal for home cooks.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Rice Bowl
Grilled Potato and Halloumi Bowls
Cooking outside on the grill is one of summer’s greatest pleasures! Whip up these potato and halloumi bowls the next time you need something tasty and fresh to eat outside in the shade.
A bag of microwave rice means you barely have to enter the kitchen. Squeaky, melty cheese, soft potato, and white rice sounds like the beginning of something magical!
Get the Recipe: Grilled Potato and Halloumi Bowls
Salmon Rice Bowl
Asian food lovers will love this salmon rice bowl. It has a range of zesty Asian-inspired flavors, with the addition of sweet chili sauce, spices, and sriracha hot sauce.
It's easy to customize this recipe. You can add any type of fish or seafood, grains, or vegetables. You can also change the spice level to suit your individual preference. This quick and easy rice bowl only takes 25 minutes to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Rice Bowl
Beef Bulgogi Bowls
This beef bulgogi is perfect if you want to experience Korean food without visiting a Korean restaurant. This delicious rice bowl is easy to make and only takes 30 minutes to prepare.
This bowl consists of ground beef in a spicy and sweet sauce. Onions, pickled carrots, and spicy kimchi add traditional Korean flavors to your dinner table.
Get the Recipe: Beef Bulgogi Bowls
Tuna Mayo Deopbap (Korean Tuna Rice Bowl)
This rice bowl is one of those recipes that uses such simple ingredients; it shouldn’t be this good! If you’ve got white rice and a can of tuna, this rice bowl can be the new summer menu winner.
The kewpie mayonnaise and garlic butter dressing heighten the flavor of this rice bowl. An added benefit is this recipe only takes 15 minutes to prepare.
Get the Recipe: Korean Tuna Rice Bowl