My love for grain bowls runs deep. So deep that they manage to work their way into my meal rotation on a daily basis. Grain bowls—composed of veggies, grains, a protein, a healthy fat, and a dressing—are one of the easiest ways to compose a nutritious, satisfying meal. They encourage building texture and flavor with layers of ingredients, and are some of the easiest meals to customize to your liking. They're also fantastic make-ahead meals for weekday lunches or dinners on the fly.
Here are my top 10 personal (and reader!) favorite grain bowl recipes (in no specific order) for all of your lunchtime (or anytime) needs.
1. Sweet Potato Grain Bowls with Turmeric Honey Mustard
Sweet potato grain bowls with green beans, quinoa, and tomatoes topped with a highly-addictive turmeric honey mustard sauce. A weeknight-friendly, sheet pan meal that’s also fantastic for make-ahead lunches.
2. Sweet and Sour Shrimp Egg Roll Bowls
Sweet and sour shrimp egg roll bowls highlight the best part of the Chinese staple: the filling! Crunchy, colorful, and rich in umami, these weeknight-friendly bowls come together in less than 30 minutes.
3. Kimchi Fried Rice with Sesame-Braised Tempeh Bowls
Kimchi fried rice with sesame-braised tempeh is a speedy, better-than-takeout option for busy weeknights. They're also highly customizable (swap the tempeh for chicken, shrimp, or ground pork) and make for killer leftovers.
4. 30-Minute Lemongrass Coconut Tofu Noodle Bowls
30-minute lemongrass coconut tofu noodle bowls make weeknight cooking feel effortless yet indulgent. Skip the takeout this week in favor of these Asian-inspired, nutrient-packed bowls of bliss.
5. Black Lentil Bowls with Beet-Tahini Dressing
Black lentil bowls with crisp greens, a poached egg, and a heavenly beet-tahini dressing to tie it all together. These bowls hold up beautifully for make-ahead lunches—just pack the greens and dressing separate and dress it right before serving.
6. Curried Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Bowls with Cumin Yogurt
Curried cauliflower and sweet potato bowls with cumin-spiced yogurt, arugula, mint, and cilantro. These hearty, plant-based bowls are nutrient-packed and sure to satisfy vegetarians and omnivores alike.
7. Turmeric Tempeh Coconut Curry Bowls
Turmeric-tempeh coconut curry is a delicious, 20-minute solution to easy weeknight cooking. They're vegan, fiber-and-protein-packed, kid-friendly (you can swap the tempeh for ground chicken or pork), and perfect for make-ahead meals.
8. Coriander-Carrot Grain Bowls with Cilantro-Honey Dressing
Coriander and cumin-scented carrots with rye berries and pistachios tossed in a zippy cilantro-honey dressing. This fiber-packed grain bowl is a great make-ahead option for a light, yet filling lunch or dinner. Top it with a piece of grilled white fish and it becomes an elegant main for both entertaining or weeknight purposes.
9. Autumn Quinoa Bowls with Orange-Thyme Vinaigrette
Autumn quinoa bowls with apple, Brussels, raddichio, and goat cheese tossed in zippy orange vinaigrette: A delicious, nutrient-packed way to enjoy fall’s bounty all season long.
10. Blackened Salmon Bowls with Avocado Sauce
Sweet and smoky blackened salmon pairs beautifully with protein-charged quinoa and earthy kale. Topped with zippy avocado sauce, these nutrient-packed bowls deserve a regular spot in your weekday meal rotation.
Leave a Reply