Homemade Vegan Burrito Bowl Recipe with Fresh Corn Salsa & Creamy Guacamole: Better Than Chipotle!
Craving the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of a Chipotle burrito bowl but want to enjoy it from the comfort of your own kitchen (and at a fraction of the cost)? Look no further! This ultimate homemade vegan burrito bowl recipe combines fluffy brown rice, seasoned black beans, crisp romaine, juicy cherry tomatoes, and two star homemade components: a refreshing fresh corn salsa and rich, creamy guacamole. It’s a meal that’s not only incredibly delicious and incredibly fresh but also packed with plant-based goodness.
For years, Chipotle has held a special place in my heart as a go-to for healthy takeout. Their commitment to fresh ingredients, especially their famous corn salsa and an abundance of vegan and vegetarian options, is truly commendable. However, as any frequent visitor knows, the price of a fully loaded burrito bowl with all the fixings, including that essential scoop of guacamole and a side of chips, can quickly add up. The good news? You can recreate that magic, and even elevate it, right at home! This recipe is my answer to those cravings – a budget-friendly, customizable, and unbelievably flavorful vegan burrito bowl that rivals (and dare I say, surpasses) your favorite fast-casual spot.
Crafting Your Dream Vegan Burrito Bowl at Home
Creating your own impressive and incredibly satisfying burrito bowl at home is surprisingly simple, primarily requiring just a bit of time for chopping, assembling, and allowing the delicious flavors to meld. The beauty of this vegan burrito bowl is that it looks incredibly fancy and gourmet, yet requires minimal cooking. Aside from preparing the rice, there’s no actual baking or complicated stovetop work involved, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and weekend meal prep.
The secret to a truly outstanding burrito bowl lies in the quality and freshness of your ingredients. By making everything from scratch, you have complete control over the taste, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor and made exactly to your preference. Forget those wilted greens or bland rice; with this recipe, you’re guaranteed a vibrant, fresh, and deeply satisfying meal every time.
To begin, I typically set my brown rice to cook in a rice cooker for maximum convenience. This frees up my hands and attention to focus on assembling the other incredible components of the bowl. While brown rice adds a wonderful nutty flavor and hearty texture, it’s also a fantastic source of whole grains and fiber. If you’re looking for a low-carb alternative or simply prefer a different base, I highly recommend using this cilantro lime cauliflower rice. It’s a light and flavorful option that complements all the other elements beautifully, adding an extra boost of veggies without compromising on taste.
The Star Components: Guacamole and Corn Salsa
The true standout elements of any great burrito bowl are often the fresh toppings. First on my list is always a generous batch of my perfect guacamole recipe. This creamy, rich, and flavorful dip takes just minutes to prepare and instantly elevates the entire dish. For this particular bowl, I chose to omit the tomatoes from the guacamole itself and serve them separately as halved cherry tomatoes. This not only adds a beautiful visual pop of color but also allows for a slightly smoother guacamole texture. However, feel free to mix them in as you normally would – it’s delicious either way!
Next up is the incredibly addictive fresh corn salsa. Honestly, this salsa has become a new obsession of mine! It’s ridiculously delicious and adds a burst of sweet and savory flavor to everything it touches. I found myself struggling to resist eating it all straight from the bowl with just a few tortilla chips. It’s that good! The sweetness of the corn, combined with a hint of onion, cilantro, and lime, creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the other components of the burrito bowl.
I opted for a non-spicy version of the corn salsa to make it family-friendly (perfect for little ones!). However, if you enjoy a good spicy kick, don’t hesitate to finely chop a little jalapeño and mix it in for some added heat. Just be sure to remove the seeds if you want to control the spice level. One crucial tip for the corn salsa: it truly is at its absolute best when served fresh. While you can store leftovers in the fridge, the corn will release its water and juices over time, slightly diminishing its vibrant freshness. That’s why it’s called “fresh corn salsa,” after all! But honestly, I doubt you’ll have any trouble finishing this recipe the same day. If you’re cooking for fewer than four people, simply adjust the quantities of the ingredients accordingly.
Effortless Black Beans and Fresh Greens
For the black beans, simplicity is key. All I do is give them a thorough rinse and drain. There’s no need for elaborate seasoning or cooking the beans further, as the vibrant flavors from the homemade guacamole and fresh corn salsa, combined with the other fresh ingredients, beautifully carry the dish. This minimal preparation means less work for you and allows the natural goodness of the beans to shine through, providing a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber without overpowering the other elements.
To complete your homemade vegan burrito bowl, simply chop up some fresh, crunchy romaine lettuce and halve a handful of sweet cherry tomatoes. These additions provide essential freshness, texture, and a burst of natural sweetness. The crispness of the romaine offers a wonderful contrast to the creaminess of the guacamole and the softness of the rice and beans. Once you have these components ready, you are all set to assemble your colorful and healthy meal! If you’re looking to incorporate even more vegetables and create an even heartier bowl, this fajita veggies recipe would make an absolutely delicious and flavorful addition. Sautéed bell peppers and onions add a smoky, savory depth that perfectly complements the other fresh ingredients.
Serving Suggestions & Why You’ll Love It
We typically serve our vegan burrito bowls with a generous side of crunchy tortilla chips, perfect for scooping up all the goodness. The moment we dove into these bowls, we devoured them! It was so incredibly delicious and satisfying that I found myself craving a second bowl for lunch the very same day, unable to stop thinking about the explosion of flavors. If you are a fan of Chipotle, or simply love fresh, flavorful Mexican-inspired cuisine, you are going to go absolutely crazy for this recipe.
Each component brings its own unique texture and taste – the wholesome brown rice, the earthy black beans, the crisp romaine, the sweet and tangy corn salsa, and the rich, creamy guacamole. It’s a symphony of flavors that is both insanely fresh and incredibly satisfying. The best part is how customizable it is; feel free to add other toppings like pickled jalapeños, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Homemade burrito bowls have officially become a regular and highly anticipated item on our weekly menu. They’re perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner or for meal prepping nutritious lunches throughout the week.
Hungry for More? Explore These Delicious Vegan Mexican Recipes:
- Vegan Queso: A creamy, cheesy dip that’s perfect for dunking or drizzling over your bowl.
- Vegan Enchiladas: Comfort food at its finest, packed with savory fillings and smothered in sauce.
- Vegan Quesadillas: Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable for a satisfying meal or snack.
- Vegan Taco Bake: A hearty and flavorful casserole that’s great for feeding a crowd.
Are you making this vibrant Vegan Burrito Bowl recipe? I’d absolutely love to see your creations! Be sure to tag me on Instagram @buildyourbite and use the hashtag #buildyourbite so I can share your delicious bowls with our community!
For more delicious plant-based recipes and culinary inspiration, be sure to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM. Don’t miss out on any new recipes!
Vegan Burrito Bowl Recipe
Vegan Burrito Bowl
Save RecipeSaved!
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 servings of brown rice, I made around 4.5 cups worth of cooked rice
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 batch of this fresh corn salsa
- 1 batch of this homemade guacamole
- halved cherry tomatoes
Instructions
-
Cook brown rice according to package instructions. I used a rice cooker for convenience
-
While rice is cooking, make a batch of guacamole.
-
Make corn salsa and set aside (see notes)
-
Chop up romaine and slice cherry tomatoes
-
Once rice is finished, assemble burrito bowls with brown rice, black beans, romaine, corn salsa, guacamole, and cherry tomatoes
-
Top with optional Vegan Queso
-
Serve with tortilla chips
Notes
- This recipe is best served fresh, (especially the corn salsa) Leftovers can be kept in the fridge but are best served the same day for optimal flavor and freshness
Nutrition
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!