Vegan Broccoli & Chickpea Rice Bowl (Gluten-free)

I’m back! I’ve missed you. How are you? I hope your new year is off to a good start. If you resolved to start eating healthier this year, then you’re in the right place. Today, I have an especially healthy, nutritious recipe for you. It’s vegan of course, and also gluten-free. The flavor is light and refreshing, but it’s also a hearty, filling dish.

Vegan Broccoli & Chickpea Rice Bowl Gluten-free

Often I’ll make a big batch of brown rice at the beginning of the week. It makes recipes like this one so quick and easy. Reheat the rice, steam the broccoli, whip up the dressing and toss it all in a bowl. Done. See, this is what drives me nuts. This is such a cheap, quick, easy meal—why can’t I find something like this on the menu at most restaurants? Maybe it’s just where I live—rural midwest America. But that’s about to change.

Vegan Broccoli & Chickpea Rice Bowl Gluten-free

Soon, we will be moving from Michigan to North Carolina! We are so excited! The Michigan winters are brutal where we live (very close to Lake Michigan). Sometimes it starts snowing in October and doesn’t let up until March, or even April. I’m not a fan of the cold. I hate putting on snow boots and a bulky winter coat every time I leave the house. The gray days are a bummer and the rare sunny ones are deceiving. It might look all bright and cheery, but just step outside and the single digit temps tell a different story. NO THANK YOU!

Vegan Broccoli & Chickpea Rice Bowl Gluten-free

Now, with that said, we know plenty of people who live in Michigan and LOVE it. They love the snow, the winter sports, the chilly temps. And others just tolerate the Michigan winters because the Michigan summers and falls are AWESOME. So I don’t want it to seem like I’m bashing Michigan. It’s a beautiful state that has served us well. And we will certainly miss all of our family and friends.

Vegan Broccoli & Chickpea Rice Bowl Gluten-free

Back to my point about not being able to find dishes like this Broccoli & Chickpea Rice Bowl on most restaurant menus. Several of the restaurants in the city we’re moving to have plenty of vegan options, and oh my gosh, am I ever excited to have a Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s!!! You have no idea. Pretty sure I belong there.

What about you? Are you happy where you live or are you longing to live somewhere else?

Broccoli & Chickpea Rice Bowl (v/gf)

Recipe Type: Side Dish or Entree
Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten-free, American
Author: Livvy @ 86 Lemons
Serves: 6

Ingredients

  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 15 oz. can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained, rinsed, patted dry
  • 1/2 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 Tbsp pineapple juice*
  • 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

Steam broccoli for 3 to 5 minutes, just until tender. Add broccoli, rice, chickpeas, green onions, and almonds to a large bowl. Set aside.
Add all dressing ingredients to a small bowl and whisk with a fork until well combined. Drizzle dressing over rice mixture and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top and serve warm.

Notes

*I used pineapple juice from canned pineapple chunks (in 100% pineapple juice). I reserved the pineapple and remaining juice for a different recipe.[br]*Recipe serves 6 as a side dish. As an entrée, it serves about 3.

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22 thoughts on “Vegan Broccoli & Chickpea Rice Bowl (Gluten-free)”

  1. I would give just about anything to move to North Carolina along the eastern seaboard! We aren’t as snowed in as you are, but my body hates the cold!

    Reply
  2. Going to try this. Looks delicious. Good luck on the new move. How exciting. We moved from Michigan 8 years ago to Sarasota Fl. Love it but spend the fall which is the best in Fennville, Michigan.

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  3. Girl, any place that brings you close to a Trader Joe’s is reason to celebrate! I don’t even buy that many of their products (following a whole foods, plant-based diet), but I get a few of my staples there and would have an apoplexy if I couldn’t shop there any more. LOL

    I kind of love where I live (Southern NY) and plan on spending the rest of my days in either NY or CT, but North Caroline sounds awesome! I’ve never heard anything but how beautiful it is down there. When’s the move? Do you have a place there, yet? Are you going to be posting pics of your new digs? And, more importantly, your new kitchen?? :) Keep us updated!

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  4. North Carolina is absolutely beautiful. Will you be moving to the mountains in the west or the beach near the east? Either way, it’s a great state with a lot to offer.

    This bowl looks fantastic. Maybe I’ll make it today!! I have everything except cilantro. Do you think I could substitute parsley instead?

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  5. As a West Michigan dweller whose looking for housing in Florida as we speak… I can say I totally understand your “will miss family and friends but have to move south” sentiments! I have friends who moved from MI to NC and they love it. Wish Florida had mountains! Will try the salad soon. Sounds delish!!!

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  6. My guess, your moving to Asheville!!!! That’s my town!!!! It’s amazing here…hiking, great restaurants, good theater, so much to do and so little time to do it!!! Don’t miss out on Friday night drum circles and walking around “the Grove” and Malaprop’s and Mela’s and Tupelo Honey Cafe and the pond at Biltmore….can you tell I love this town! WELCOME TO NC!!!!!

    Reply
  7. I’m in Melbourne Australia and we’re looking at moving to Beechworth which is a tiny goldmining town in NE Victoria. It’s close to the mountains and rivers and is a very scenic part of the state. Looking forward to cycling and bush walks with our two dogs and a quieter life in a rural area. Great food sources around (organic veges, olives, berries and wines) but not necessarily vegan food places. I’ll just have to start something:)

    Reply
  8. Good luck with your move. Whether you are moving around the block or around the world, the process of moving can be very stressful. A great time to purge, but still stressful. We have been living in Asia for the last 8 years love it – but it’s not for everyone. If Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s opened here, I’d be set!

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  9. This salad was fab!

    I made it yesterday but included some little changes – used a combination of broccoli, cauliflower and snowpeas, I didn’t have any almonds so used cashews in their place, and used soy sauce instead of tamari – and added a little extra for more flavour.

    I imagine it will be even nicer today now that the rice has soaked up all of the dressing.

    Reply
  10. We just moved across the country from Washington state to Pennsylvania! Its been an adjustment:)
    That’s so funny about getting excited about Whole Foods. That’s one of the things I was completely over the moon for.

    Reply
  11. Do you cook the chickpeas? I tried this last night and it was delicious, but the chickpeas out of the can were a little crunchy for me.

    Reply

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