Amazing Grain Bowl Recipes to Try Right Now

I love a good grain bowl and they are more popular than ever with endless variations of ingredients. Whether called Buddha bowls, grain bowls, protein bowls or Cava bowls, you will find recipe blogs and Pinterest overflowing with recipes for these delicious meals, and for good reason. Grain bowls can provide a delicious and easy meal that are full of fresh ingredients, protein and vitamins.

Since I am a huge fan of meal prepping, grain bowls have become a staple in my home. I love preparing a week’s worth at a time with things I have on hand in my fridge. There are some I head back to time and again though, so today I am sharing a selection of the best grain bowl recipes.

How to do I make a Grain Bowl?

To make a healthy, grain bowl that will help you lose or maintain weight, it is best to stick to a simple formula. 40 percent protein, 30 percent carbs and 30 percent fat, and loads of veggies!

What are the best grains for a Grain Bowl Recipe?

Many people use rice but there are so many options. Experiment and find your favorite. Grain to try:

• Quinoa
• Millet
• Farro
• Barley
• Buckwheat
• Oatmeal
• Brown Rice
• Couscous (technically a pasta)

Tips for Preparing a Grain Bowl.

I like to use rotisserie chicken so I have cooked chicken at the ready. I just shed or chop approx. 1/3 cup per bowl. You could use steak, tofu, fish or other proteins as well.
Put dressing is single serve containers if you will taking your meals with you to school or office. Toss with dressing when time to eat.

Buddha Bowl  

• Couscous (grain of choice) 
• Grilled chicken (protein of choice) 
• Cucumber
• Roasted sweet potato 
• Arugula 
• Radish 
• Tahini dressing (tahini, lemon juice, honey, garlic) 

Prepare couscous or grain of choice. Add approx 1/2 cup to bowl. Top with chicken or protein of choice and add chopped vegetables.

Cava Copy Grain & Greens Bowl

• Couscous (grain of choice) 
• Grilled chicken (protein of choice) 
• Cucumber 
• Tomato
• Spinach 
• Greens (spring mix)
• Feta cheese 
• Bell Pepper 
• Cilantro chili dressing (Cilanto Chili — Bitchin’ Sauce + a Tbsp of water to thin it out) 

Cook couscous or grain of choice according to package directions. Place approx. 1/2 cup at bottom of bowl and top with chicken and chopped veggies. Sprinkle with feta cheese.

Teriyaki Chicken Bowl  

• Brown Rice
• Grilled chicken 
• Edamame 
• Roasted broccoli 
• Carrots 
• Sesame seeds
• Teriyaki sauce 

Prepare rice according to package directions. Place approx. 1/2 cup soon bottom of bowl and top with diced or shredded chicken. Add chopped veggies, edamame and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Mediterranean Protein Pasta Bowl

• Banza pasta (chickpea) 
• Grilled Chicken (protein of choice)
• Tomato 
• Kalamata olives
• Yellow pepper
• Cucumber 
• Feta cheese 
• Greens (spring mix)
• Greek vinaigrette

Prepare pasta according to package directions. Add approx. 1/2 cup to bowl. Top with chopped veggies, shredded chicken and Feta cheese.

While these are a few of MY personal favorites, I thought it would be fun to include a few from some of my favorite foodie bloggers as well. Check out these grain bowl recipes too!

I hope you loved these recipes and they inspire you to make some healthy lunches (or dinners) to have on hand in your fridge. The great things about these grain bowls is they can really be tailored to your specific tastes and even what you have on hand in the fridge! If you’re looking for more easy meal prep ideas, don’t miss these easy lunch ideas or these overnight oats recipes for breakfasts.

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