High Protein Cilantro Rice
Elevate your meal prep game with this vibrant and nutritious High Protein Cilantro Rice! Packed with the hearty goodness of long-grain brown rice, black beans, chickpeas, and quinoa, this recipe is a powerhouse of plant-based protein. A zesty cilantro-lime sauce made with fresh herbs, olive oil, and aromatic spices ties the flavors together, while a sprinkle of green onions adds the perfect finishing touch. This dish is not only delicious but also gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and ready in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep sessions. Serve it as a satisfying side dish or as a base for your favorite protein-packed toppers to create a wholesome, flavor-filled meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, packed
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
Instructions
Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-35 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
While the rice is cooking, in a large mixing bowl, combine the black beans, chickpeas, and quinoa.
In a food processor, combine the cilantro leaves, lime juice, olive oil, garlic powder, and black pepper. Pulse until a smooth sauce forms.
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to absorb steam. Fluff the rice with a fork.
Add the cooked rice to the mixing bowl with the beans, chickpeas, and quinoa. Gently toss to combine.
Pour the cilantro sauce over the rice mixture and mix until all the ingredients are well coated.
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Serve warm as a high-protein side dish or a base for your favorite protein-rich toppings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1211 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 27.3 g | 35% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.7 g | 18% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2728 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 196.6 g | 71% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 46.8 g | 167% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.5 g | ||
| Protein | 52.4 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 458 mg | 35% | |
| Iron | 18.8 mg | 104% | |
| Potassium | 2981 mg | 63% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
