Once upon a time, if you had asked me what my favorite food was, I likely would have waffled between classics like pizza or tacos. But these days, it is undoubtedly some sort of grain bowl situation. Almost every week without fail, I will meal prep a few different ingredients and toppings to load up into a bowl, and it always hits. I’m convinced that almost any dish tastes better in bowl form.
From burritos to falafel to sushi, the possibilities are endless, and each bowl is so customizable. A well-made grain bowl is more than just leftovers thrown together, though leftovers can be a great component for convenience and flavor. The components you prep for grain bowls can also be used in other recipes throughout the week, making meal prep even more efficient. Simply choose a grain for your base (rice, quinoa, and farro are my go-tos), add a protein, and then doctor it up with toppings and sauces to your heart’s content. Plus, grain bowl recipes are great for meal prep because you can store all the ingredients separately to prevent everything from getting soggy or mushy. What more could you want in a meal?
Meal Prep 101: Making Your Week Easier
If you’re looking to make healthy eating feel way easier and way more enjoyable, meal prep is your new best friend. In case you have never meal prepped before, it’s basically the equivalent of building and sectioning out your own adult lunchable. It’s planning and preparing your meals ahead of time, so you always have something nutritious and delicious ready to go—without feeling like you’re in a scramble for grab-and-go snacks or relying on takeout. And one of the best ways to simplify your meal prep the most? Grain bowl recipes. Endlessly versatile, grain bowls are combine whole grains, fresh veggies, and your favorite protein into one explosive mix. Whether you’re prepping lunches for the whole week or just want a quick and easy go-to dinner option, things like quinoa bowls and power bowls make it easy to eat well without getting bored. With so many veggies, sauces, and toppings to choose from, you can mix things up every time and keep your meals exciting, colorful, and fresh.
Benefits of Grain Bowls
There’s a reason grain bowls have become a cult-favorite for meal prep enthusiasts everywhere. First, they’re incredibly customizable—so you can mix and match grains like quinoa, brown rice, or farro with roasted vegetables, raw vegetables, and your favorite proteins to create endless flavor combinations. Grain bowls are also jam-packed with nutrients, thanks to its whole grains, fiber-rich veggies, and lean proteins in every bowl. Adding ingredients like feta cheese, avocado, or a drizzle of your favorite sauces can boost both taste and nutrition here too. Plus, grain bowls are easy to prepare in large batches, making them ideal for meal prep and ensuring you have healthy, delicious meals ready for the whole week. Whether you’re craving a Mediterranean bowl with cherry tomatoes and feta cheese, a hearty quinoa bowl with roasted veggies, or a simple brown rice bowl topped with avocado, grain bowls are a flavorful, convenient way to enjoy more whole grains and fresh vegetables every day.
If bowls are also your most-used piece of dishware, I’m here to share a few new recipes to add to your rotation. These grain bowl recipes are deliciously balanced, super filling, and perfect for meal prep during busy weeks:
1. Buddha Bowl
Buddha bowls are essentially just grain bowls loaded up with a bunch of nutrient-dense, usually plant-based ingredients. This variation combines quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, crispy chickpeas, and fresh veggies with a garlic tahini dressing. It’s even delicious served cold, so it would make a great lunch to bring to the office.
2. Carnitas Burrito Bowl
The next time you’re craving Chipotle, whip up these burrito bowls instead. The carnitas take a while to cook (the results are worth it, I promise!), so save this recipe for a lazy Sunday when you have time to meal prep.
3. Greek Chicken Bowls
Blame it on a recent trip to Greece, but I could eat one of these Greek chicken bowls for lunch every day and be happy. There’s something about the combination of crunchy tomato cucumber salad, salty kalamata olives, and creamy tzatziki that just works. Pair that with some Greek-seasoned chicken and herby rice, and you’ve got the makings of a perfect grain bowl.
4. Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
If you’ve never tried bang bang sauce, rest assured you’re going to want to put it on everything once you taste it. These salmon rice bowls are topped with cucumber edamame salsa and a generous drizzle of bang bang sauce for the perfect combo of fresh and spicy flavors.
5. Roasted Sweet Potato and Chickpea Bowls
These roasted sweet potato and chickpea bowls are easy to customize with whatever grain you prefer—brown rice, farro, or quinoa would all taste amazing. Paired with garlicky sautéed spinach and a 4-ingredient chipotle tahini dressing, you can’t go wrong.
6. Falafel Bowls
The beauty of this falafel bowl recipe is that you can choose exactly how much effort you want to put into it. Many of the ingredients (including the falafel, hummus, and tzatziki) are easy to find at the grocery store, so you can opt for store-bought to save time or get creative with your own homemade toppings.
7. Crunchy Roll Bowls
Sushi is not generally something I’d attempt to make at home, but these crunchy roll-inspired rice bowls are easy enough for any amateur to handle. All you have to do is make some rice, brown a block of tofu in some teriyaki sauce, and load up your bowl with toppings. No rolling required!
8. Hot Honey Chicken Bowl
Sweetgreen is a staple in The Everygirl office, but those $17+ bowls don’t come cheap. This recipe recreates their popular Hot Honey Chicken bowl with seasoned chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, red cabbage slaw, quinoa, and a zippy honey mustard dressing. The recipe makes four bowls, so you’re basically saving $70 every time you make it.
9. Korean Beef Power Bowls
I make a variation of this recipe approximately every three weeks. It’s just so good, and the actual cooking part only takes a few minutes. I like to make my bowls with rice and top them with pickled carrots, cucumber, and sliced jalapeños along with the sriracha mayo from the recipe.
10. Sheet Pan Chicken Tinga Bowls
Sheet pan recipes are always a win in my book. They’re so easy to throw together, and the cleanup couldn’t be simpler. This rice bowl recipe is no exception, with chipotle-spiced chicken and veggies that cook hands-off in the oven and a chunky avocado salsa that takes minutes to mix up.
11. Thai Coconut Quinoa Bowl
This recipe has you simmer the quinoa with coconut milk for added flavor, which takes these Thai-inspired bowls to the next level. Rounded out with crunchy veggies and a homemade peanut dressing, this recipe packs all the best flavors of Thai takeout into one healthy grain bowl.
12. Mediterranean Farro Bowl
These Mediterranean-inspired farro bowls are packed with protein and fiber for a balanced meal that’ll keep you full for hours. Tip: Simmer the farro in broth instead of plain water for even more flavor.
13. Summer Grain Bowl with Green Goddess Feta Dressing
I’m just imagining myself munching on one of these grain bowls while sitting outside on the patio in my backyard this summer, and it’s giving me the will to get through months of not-so-warm weather. The herb and feta green goddess dressing would go well on just about anything, but this combo of cucumbers, corn, cubed peaches, cherry tomatoes, and farro is especially delicious.
14. Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
These roasted vegetable quinoa bowls are a tasty way to use up whatever veggies you have in your fridge or pantry. Roast what you’ve got on a sheet pan, cook up some quinoa, and drizzle everything with tahini sauce for an easy, nutrient-packed lunch or dinner.
15. Teriyaki Chicken and Rice Bowls
If you love a sweet and savory mashup, these teriyaki chicken and rice bowls are calling your name. Bookmark this recipe for later this spring and summer dinners when pineapples are in peak season.
16. Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl Copycat
Like I said, we’re obsessed with Sweetgreen, so don’t mind me as I add another homemade alternative to this list. Ordering their signature Harvest Bowl will always be a treat, but making the bowl at home lets you take better control of what nutrition goes on your plate. This version layers baby kale, marinated roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, creamy goat cheese, and a sprinkle of crunchy pecans. You can also swap for meatless options if chicken isn’t your thing.
17. Chipotle Sweet Potato and Black Bean Quinoa Salad
Made with seasoned sweet potatoes, black beans, and quinoa, this grain bowl is a delicious vegetarian option. Not only is it a gorgeous assembly that’s sure to impress your coworkers at lunch, but it’s packed full of protein to keep you feeling energized and nourished throughout your day.
18. Chicken Burrito Bowl
Burrito bowls are always a midweek favorite in my house, and this fresh, homemade chicken bowl is packed with flavor to keep your mind and body happy. While this recipe opts for using rice and chicken, you can easily swap in quinoa, cauliflower rice, or shrimp for a versatile twist.
19. Veggie Power Bowl
Loaded with yummy goodness like butternut squash, beets, parsnips, kale, avocado, and homemade tahini dressing, this veggie bowl is basically a super-powered love letter to your body. It’s got tons of healthy fats, carbs, and fiber and can be easily customizable to your liking!
20. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl
If you’re looking for a veggie bowl that’s ultra nourishing yet light and refreshing, this Mediterranean bowl is a perfect choice. It even includes a homemade romesco sauce for an extra-fresh touch—though you can easily skip it or swap in other go-to toppings like olive oil if you’re in a pinch.
Ingredients for Grain Bowls
The beauty of eating grain bowls is that you can use just about any ingredient you love or have on hand. Start with a base of whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, or farro for a hearty, healthy base. Then, pile on some fresh vegetables—think roasted veggies like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. For protein, try tofu, crispy chickpeas, rotisserie chicken, or black beans to keep your bowl filling and balanced. Don’t forget to add some crunch and extra nutrition with toppings like pumpkin seeds, nuts, or shredded carrots. Sauces and dressings are where you can really get creative too: A zesty honey lime dressing, creamy peanut sauce, or a splash of hot sauce can totally transform the flavor of your bowl. With endless easy and delicious combinations, building a grain bowl recipe is perfectly suited for weekly meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner—all tailored to your taste and dietary needs.
Customizing Grain Bowls
One of the best parts about making grain bowls is how easy it is to customize them to your taste preferences. You can start with a classic Mediterranean bowl by combining quinoa, roasted vegetables, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil, or go for vegan and vegetarian options with brown rice, roasted veggies, and a tangy citrus-tahini sauce. Love a little crunch? Top your bowl with crispy chickpeas, chopped nuts, or pumpkin seeds. If you’re also a fan of bold flavors, try adding hot sauce, a dollop of hummus, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Power bowls, Buddha bowls, and even breakfast bowl recipes can all be made with your favorite ingredients—from sweet potatoes and cauliflower rice to creamy avocado and a roasted veg. The possibilities are literally endless, so don’t be afraid to mix and match to keep things fresh until you find your go-to grain bowl recipe for lunch, dinner, or meal prep Sundays.
Meal Prepping Tips
Grain bowls are a meal prep superstar, and with a few simple tips, you can make your weekly cooking routine fell even easier. Start by planning your bowl recipes for the whole week and making a shopping list of all the grains, veggies, protein, and toppings you’ll need. Cook your quinoa bowls or proteins in advance, and roast big batches of vegetables like butternut squash, bell peppers, or other raw veggies on a baking sheet for easy assembly. Then, when you’re ready to build your power bowls, layer your ingredients in meal prep containers—glass containers, Mason jars, or reusable bags all work great—and store them in the fridge for up to five days. To keep things fresh, store your honey lime dressing or peanut sauce separately and add them just before eating. Don’t forget to sprinkle on seeds, nuts, or feta cheese for extra flavor and texture either. With a little planning and creativity, you’ll have a fridge full of delicious, healthy grain bowls ready to enjoy all week long.
Want more meal prep inspiration? Read these:
- 20 Healthy Meal Prep Recipes for People Who Hate Salad
- 30 Easy Dinner Recipes for When You Don’t Feel Like Cooking
- 4 Lazy-Girl Dinners That You Can Whip Up in 30 Minutes or Less
- 35 Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes You Can Meal Prep This Week
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.
Madigan Will, Assistant Editor
As an Assistant Editor for The Everygirl, Madigan writes and edits content for every topic under the digital media sun. As the oldest of four siblings, she enjoys utilizing her big sister persona to connect and inspire readers—helping them discover new ways to maximize their everyday.
