Simple Grain Bowl (Print View)

Layer fluffy grains with protein and fresh vegetables, drizzled with tangy homemade dressing

# Components:

→ Base

01 - 1 cup uncooked brown rice
02 - 1 cup uncooked quinoa
03 - 1 cup uncooked farro

→ Protein

04 - 2 cups cooked chickpeas
05 - 2 cups grilled chicken breast, diced
06 - 2 cups firm tofu, cubed and pan-seared
07 - 2 cups cooked shrimp

→ Toppings

08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
10 - 1 cup shredded carrots
11 - 1 avocado, sliced
12 - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
13 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
14 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs

→ Dressing

16 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
17 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice
18 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
19 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
20 - 1 clove garlic, minced
21 - Salt and pepper to taste

# Method:

01 - Cook your selected grain according to package instructions. Set aside to cool slightly.
02 - Prepare your chosen protein by grilling, pan-searing, or using pre-cooked options as needed.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - Distribute cooked grain into serving bowls. Layer with protein, vegetables, avocado, red onion, feta cheese, pumpkin seeds, and fresh herbs.
05 - Drizzle dressing over the assembled bowl immediately before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You can raid your fridge and pantry without guilt because almost anything works in this bowl.
  • It keeps beautifully in the fridge for days, so meal prep actually feels like a win instead of a chore.
  • Every bite has texture, crunch, creaminess, and brightness all at once.
  • You can make it vegan, gluten-free, or protein-packed depending on what your body needs that day.
02 -
  • Do not add the dressing to the whole batch if you are meal prepping, store it separately or your vegetables will get soggy by day three.
  • Toasting the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet for just two minutes makes them taste ten times better than using them straight from the bag.
  • If your grain tastes bland, season it with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon while it is still warm.
03 -
  • Massage a handful of chopped kale with a little olive oil and lemon juice for a minute before adding it to the bowl, it softens the leaves and makes them taste less bitter.
  • A drizzle of tahini thinned with water makes an incredible alternative dressing if you want something creamier and more Middle Eastern in flavor.
  • If you are serving this for guests, set out all the toppings in small bowls and let everyone build their own, it turns dinner into something interactive and fun.
Return