15 Rice Bowl Sauces To Make Your Bowls Even BETTER!
These 15 Rice Bowl Sauces take less than 15 minutes to make and will take your rice bowl recipes from blah to "I can't wait to eat this again!" From homemade tahini to blackened ranch dressing, there's a sauce for every type of rice bowl you make.
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Rice bowls can be a bit bland on their own. That's why it's so important to add the right sauce! These 15 Rice Bowl Sauces are healthier and lighter than their store-bought counterparts and immediately upgrade bland rice bowls.
You'll find everything on this list, from the best skinny ranch to homemade peanut sauce and healthy honey mustard. No matter what you're craving, this list has you covered.
Bold and Spicy Rice Bowl Sauces
These pack a punch! Think smoky chipotle, zesty jalapeños, and bold seasonings that wake up your taste buds. Perfect when you're craving something with attitude or need to liven up plain rice and veggies.
Homemade Ranchero Sauce
Homemade Ranchero Sauce is made with fresh tomatoes, peppers, chicken broth, lime juice and a flavorful combination of spices. This delicious homemade Mexican sauce is the perfect balance of zesty, bright, spicy, and smoky. It guarantees to take your favorite dishes to the next level!
Blackened Ranch Dressing
Blackened Ranch Dressing is made with simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, buttermilk, dried herbs, and blackening seasoning. This light and creamy ranch is packed with flavor and makes the perfect accompaniment to all your favorite, salads, wraps, and snacks.
Southwest Salad Dressing
Homemade Southwest Salad Dressing is the perfect blend of creamy and spicy. It's easy to make at home and tastes great on salads, tacos, grain bowls, and more.
Creamy Chipotle Sauce
This homemade Creamy Chipotle Sauce is the perfect way to add smoky, spicy flavor to tacos, sandwiches, burgers, vegetables, and more. Made with Greek yogurt, this healthy sauce tastes good on everything!
Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
This Jalapeno Ranch dressing made Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and jalapenos is easy to make and tastes seriously delicious. Makes a great salad dressing and dipping sauce.
Homemade Peanut Sauce
This homemade peanut sauce is easy to make, full of authentic flavor, and tastes good on anything! It's made with pantry ingredients including peanut butter, soy sauce, and rice vinegar for quick, tasty homemade sauce.
Greek Salad Dressing
Greek Salad Dressing that tastes just like the the restaurant version packed with lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, olive oil, and garlic.
Creamy Shrimp Taco Sauce
If you love shrimp tacos, you know that serving them with the perfect shrimp taco sauce is crucial! This easy-to-make recipe combines tangy Greek yogurt, creamy mayo, and a blend of fresh herbs and spices, creating a versatile recipe that pairs with virtually any dish.
Mild Rice Bowl Sauces
The mellow, creamy crowd-pleasers. Fresh herbs, tangy citrus, and smooth textures that bring everything together without the heat. Great for adding richness or balancing out spicier ingredients in your bowl.
Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce
Cilantro lime sauce is a versatile condiment packed with fresh herbs, creamy Greek yogurt, and vibrant citrus flavors. It’s ready in less than 5 minutes and couldn’t be easier to put together! Serve it with chips, drizzled over tacos, burrito bowls, and more.
Homemade Tahini
Homemade Tahini is nutty, creamy, and beyond delicious. Made simply with sesame seeds, olive oil, and salt, this tasty tahini sauce is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
Healthy Honey Mustard
This Healthy Honey Mustard is creamy, sweet, rich, and incredibly easy to make. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this decadent recipe is sure to be your new go-to for dressing your salads, loading up your wraps, and even dipping your chicken nuggets in.
Creamy Avocado Dressing
This healthy Avocado Dressing made with fresh avocado, Greek yogurt, cilantro, and lime juice is the perfect healthy salad dressing and dip. Easy to make and packed with good for you ingredients.
Healthy Thousand Island Dressing
Healthier homemade Thousand Island Dressing that tastes just like the real thing! Made with Greek yogurt and common pantry ingredients, this dressing is great for salads, burgers, and more!
Homemade Green Goddess Dressing
Green Goddess dressing made with fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley paired with Greek yogurt and garlic is an easy way to add tons of flavor to your favorite salads.
The Best Skinny Ranch
Healthy Ranch made with Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, and lemon juice has all the flavor of your favorite ranch without all the calories. It takes just a few minutes to throw together and tastes amazing.
Best Rice Bowls to Pair with These Sauces
Here are some of our favorite rice bowls that pair super well with these sauces and dressings:
- Greek Chicken Bowls (Grilled or Rotisserie Chicken)
- Chicken Taco Bowl
- Peruvian Shrimp Bowls
- Crispy Asian Salmon Bowls
- Chicken Kofta Bowls
- Chicken and Cauliflower Rice Bowls
- Thai Basil Ground Beef Bowl
- Blackened Shrimp Bowls
- Chili Lime Chicken Avocado Bowls
- Sweet Potato Bowls
- Buffalo Chicken Bowls (30 Minute Meal!)
Sauce Hacks & Tips
- Double Duty: Use these as marinades 2-4 hours before cooking for extra flavor
- Texture Fix: Too thick? Add water, lime juice, or milk. Too thin? Add more yogurt or mayo
- Meal Prep Win: Make 2-3 sauces on Sunday for variety all week (most last 5-7 days)
- Instant Upgrade: Mix two sauces together (like Cilantro Lime + Avocado for extra creamy green goddess vibes)
- Storage Tip: Keep in squeeze bottles for easy drizzling and portion control
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do these sauces last in the fridge?
Most yogurt-based sauces stay fresh for 5-7 days in an airtight container. Oil-based dressings like Greek Salad Dressing can last up to 2 weeks. Avocado-based sauces are best used within 2-3 days (add extra lime juice to prevent browning).
Can I make these dairy-free/vegan?
Absolutely! Swap Greek yogurt for cashew cream, coconut yogurt, or silken tofu. Use vegan mayo instead of regular. The tahini, peanut sauce, and ranchero sauce are naturally vegan-friendly.
What if my sauce is too thick or thin?
Too thick? Add water, lime juice, vinegar, or milk a tablespoon at a time. Too thin? Add more Greek yogurt, mayo, or for nut-based sauces, more tahini/peanut butter. Blend again after adjusting.
More Bowl Recipes
More Bowl Recipes
These are always a good lunch or dinner!