Cold Rice Vegan Recipes for Easy and Delicious Meals

Cold rice vegan recipes are a fantastic way to enjoy wholesome, flavorful meals that are as refreshing as they are nutritious. Whether you’re looking to repurpose leftover rice or craft a delicious dish perfect for warm weather, these recipes offer a vibrant variety of tastes and textures that will delight your palate.

From crisp salads to hearty bowls, cold rice dishes are versatile, easy to prepare, and ideal for quick lunches or light dinners. Plus, they’re naturally vegan, making them perfect for plant-based eaters or anyone aiming to add more veggies to their diet.

In this post, we’ll explore several easy-to-make cold rice vegan recipes, complete with fresh ingredients, simple equipment, and step-by-step instructions. You’ll discover why cold rice dishes are a pantry staple, how to customize them with your favorite flavors, and tips to keep your meals exciting.

Ready to dive into these refreshing recipes? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cold rice vegan recipes are incredibly versatile and convenient. They make excellent use of leftover rice, helping reduce food waste while creating delicious meals that require minimal effort.

The combination of chilled rice with fresh vegetables, herbs, and tangy dressings produces a delightful balance of flavors and textures that are satisfying without being heavy.

These recipes are also highly customizable—you can swap out veggies, add nuts or seeds for crunch, and experiment with different dressings or sauces to match your mood. Whether you’re packing lunch for work, planning a picnic, or just want a quick dinner, cold rice dishes are a reliable go-to.

Plus, they’re naturally vegan, gluten-free, and can easily be made allergen-friendly, appealing to a wide range of dietary preferences.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked and cooled rice (white, brown, or jasmine rice works well)
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup edamame, shelled and cooked
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 3 tbsp soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free option
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Small bowl or jar for whisking dressing
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Refrigerator for chilling the dish

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: If you haven’t already, cook 2 cups of rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, spread it out on a tray to cool and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Cold rice is essential for the best texture in these recipes.
2. Chop the vegetables: Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, shred the carrots, finely chop the red onion, and prepare the edamame if using frozen (steam or boil until tender).
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, minced garlic, and grated ginger until fully combined.
4. Combine ingredients: In the large mixing bowl, add the chilled rice, chopped vegetables, and fresh herbs (cilantro and mint). Pour the dressing over the mixture.
5. Toss and season: Gently toss all ingredients to coat evenly with the dressing. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Add finishing touches: Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds on top for a nutty crunch and extra flavor.
7. Chill before serving: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together before serving cold.

Tips & Variations

“Using day-old rice or rice that has been refrigerated ensures your cold rice salad won’t be mushy but will have the perfect texture.”

Feel free to customize your cold rice bowls with these ideas:

• Swap the herbs: Try fresh basil, parsley, or dill for a different flavor profile.
• Add crunch: Include nuts like cashews, almonds, or seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
• Spice it up: Add a finely chopped chili or a dash of sriracha to the dressing for some heat.
• Use different dressings: Try a tangy lemon-tahini dressing or a creamy avocado-lime dressing for variety.
• Incorporate beans or tofu: For extra protein, mix in chickpeas, black beans, or cubed baked tofu.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Cold rice vegan dishes are perfect as a main or side dish. Serve them as a refreshing lunch on their own or pair with warm grilled vegetables or a hearty soup.

They also make excellent picnic food or office lunches because they hold up well without reheating.

For a complete meal, consider pairing your cold rice bowl with some warm homemade bread or a side of steamed greens. If you want to add more texture and flavor, try topping your dish with some crunchy baked chickpeas or roasted nuts.

For more inspiration on side dishes, check out the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or for a protein-packed complement, explore the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe. And if you want to add a tangy kick, the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe is an excellent choice.

More Cold Rice Vegan Recipes to Try

Asian-Inspired Cold Rice Salad

This recipe combines cold jasmine rice with shredded napa cabbage, julienned carrots, edamame, and scallions. Toss with a dressing of soy sauce, lime juice, sesame oil, and a touch of maple syrup.

Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro for a burst of flavor and crunch.

Mediterranean Cold Rice Bowl

Use brown rice as your base and add diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, red onion, and fresh parsley. Drizzle with a lemon-tahini dressing made from tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and water.

Top with toasted pine nuts for a satisfying meal.

Mexican-Style Cold Rice Salad

Combine cooled white rice with black beans, corn kernels, diced red bell peppers, and chopped cilantro. Mix in a zesty dressing of lime juice, cumin, chili powder, and olive oil.

Add sliced avocado and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Thai Mango & Rice Salad

Mix cold sticky rice with diced ripe mango, shredded carrot, chopped green onions, and fresh mint. Drizzle with a dressing of lime juice, coconut aminos, and a dash of chili flakes.

Top with crushed roasted peanuts for a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy.

Mediterranean Chickpea & Rice Salad

Combine cooked and cooled basmati rice with chickpeas, diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and fresh basil. Toss with a balsamic vinaigrette and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

This dish is not only refreshing but also packed with protein and fiber.

Conclusion

Cold rice vegan recipes are a wonderful addition to any meal plan, offering flexibility, nutrition, and vibrant flavors with minimal effort. These recipes make excellent use of leftover rice, transforming it into refreshing dishes perfect for lunch, dinner, or picnics.

With simple ingredients and quick preparation, you can enjoy a variety of tastes from Asian-inspired to Mediterranean and more.

By incorporating fresh vegetables, herbs, and flavorful dressings, these dishes prove that vegan meals can be exciting and satisfying. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and dressings to find your perfect cold rice bowl.

For inspiration on other recipes and kitchen tips, explore our collection, including the Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or the Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe. Enjoy these fresh, wholesome meals all year round!

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