As the curtains draw on another year, it’s time to think about a reset. After a period of festive indulgence, the new year provides the perfect opportunity to explore new and exciting recipes and up your intake of veggies in the process. Rice is a pantry staple that can help you get started on this journey. Versatile and easy to cook, Minute Rice® is here to showcase a range of delicious, veggie-forward recipes that will energize and revitalize in equal measure. From rice bowls loaded with veggies to tasty rice salads and stir-fries, we’ve got something to please everyone.
Building Nutritious Meals Around Rice
So, what makes rice the ideal base for your New Year’s reset? Its mild flavour means that it pairs with virtually everything, from vegetables and legumes to meat and fish, making it easy to create balanced, flavourful dishes. Rice also provides a steady source of energy throughout the day, which means it’s a rich source of nutrition in its own right. Best of all, you can cook rice in a wide variety of ways, each with its own merits.
Rice Bowls Loaded with Veggies
Perhaps the best way to up your intake of nutritious greens is to add them to a rice bowl. A popular dish throughout Asia, rice bowl recipes have been taking the world by storm. Easy to make and customizable, you can experiment with a variety of different ingredients according to your dietary preferences. For vegans, this Buddha Bowl with Spicy Peanut Sauce is sure to be a hit. Made with broccoli, carrots, tofu, sesame seeds, and served on a bed of fluffy Minute Rice® White, this recipe comes with its own spicy peanut sauce, which you can make from scratch in a matter of minutes.
Equally tasty and protein-packed is this Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Air Fryer Chickpeas. Made with traditional Mediterranean salad ingredients like red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and crispy kale, this is a rice and chickpea recipe that pulls out all the stops. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a fixture of your meal planning for years to come.
Lean & Green Detox Rice Salad
Craving a recipe packed with delicious greens? Look no further than our Green Goddess Rice Salad. Boasting virtually every green ingredient you can think of, from kale to spinach to avocado, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to detox after some holiday season indulgence. Serve it with a portion of salmon or chicken, or simply as a standalone vegetarian dish; whatever way you choose to cook it, you won’t be disappointed.
Adding Veggies to Meat and Rice Dishes
Meat and veggie pairings not only boost the nutritional profile of dishes, but also amp up the flavour. Whether you’re looking to add a medley of flavours to your favourite chicken recipe or searching for the perfect vegetable to pair with beef, we’ve got plenty of enticing ideas for you to try at home.
For lovers of stir-fry recipes, this Chicken Broccoli and Pineapple Stir Fry is sure to hit the spot. Combining succulent chicken with earthy broccoli and citrusy pineapple, this sweet and savoury dish is flavourful and satisfying in equal measure.
This 25-Minute Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry is a quick, satisfying meal that combines tender beef, broccoli, and mushrooms in a savoury ginger-soy sauce, served over Minute Rice® Quick Cook Wholegrain Brown. Beef and broccoli make for the perfect pairing because the richness of the beef balances beautifully with the fresh, slightly crisp texture of the broccoli. What’s more, broccoli soaks up the sauce while adding brightness and crunch, creating a balanced dish that’s hearty, flavourful, and comforting all at once. Upping your veggie intake has never been easier, not to mention more delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions about Successful New Year’s Reset
How can nutrition support a successful reset?
Eating balanced, nourishing meals helps boost energy, improve focus, and support consistency. Choosing fresh ingredients will not only improve the flavour of your meals, but also help you stay the course.
Do I need to follow a strict plan for a reset to work?
No. A successful reset is about progress, not perfection. Simple, sustainable changes are far more effective than restrictive or short-term plans.
How long should a New Year’s reset last?
A reset can last anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. The goal is to establish habits that naturally carry into the rest of the year.
What’s the best way to stay consistent?
Planning ahead, keeping meals simple, and allowing flexibility help maintain momentum without feeling overwhelmed.
Can small changes really make a difference?
Yes. Small, intentional steps—like improving one meal a day or adding more whole foods—can lead to meaningful, lasting results over time.
Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Now that you’ve got plenty of inspiration, it’s time to get started on your meal prep. At Minute Rice®, we believe that good food shouldn’t have to be a stressful affair. There’s simply no reason why you can’t enjoy nutritious and delicious meals that are also convenient to make. For more cooking tips and recipe inspiration, check out our blog.