How to build your own bowl meals
Bowl meals are an excellent way to enjoy balanced nutrition in a simple dish. They are convenient and can easily be prepared in advance. You can enjoy them for breakfast, lunch or dinner!
What’s in a bowl meal?
Bowl meals are one-dish meals that you can easily assemble from ingredients you have on hand. When you build your bowl, be sure to include these basic components:
- Base (whole grains, greens, zoodles, etc.)
- Vegetables
- Lean protein
- Dressing or sauce
- Extra toppings
Mix and match from this chart to build your own delicious grain bowls. Some ingredients you may want to prep ahead—cook grains, roast vegetables, blitz a sauce—so you can put together a nutritious, delicious bowl in minutes.
| Base (whole grain or low-carb veggie) | Vegetables/ Fruit | Lean Protein | Dressing/ Sauce | Extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quinoa | Roasted sweet potato or other root vegetables | Tofu | Tahini sauce (recipe below) | Dried cranberries |
| Brown rice | Shredded cabbage | Garbanzo beans | Avocado vinaigrette (recipe below) | Pumpkin seeds |
| Zucchini noodles | Roasted brussels sprouts | Chicken sausage | Tomato sauce | Fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, parsley, chives) |
| Barley | Roasted cauliflower/ broccoli | Boiled egg | Peanut sauce (recipe below) | Chopped nuts |
| Bulgur wheat | Cherry tomatoes | Grilled lean steak | Hummus | Toasted coconut flakes |
| Oatmeal | Berries | Nut butter | Balsamic vinaigrette | Hemp seeds |
| Cauliflower rice | Chopped apples | Grilled chicken | Ranch dressing | Scallions |
| Whole wheat pasta | Shredded carrots | Lentils | Sriracha | Sesame seeds |
| Steamed kale or other leafy greens | Sliced cucumber | Kidney beans | Barbecue sauce | Roasted peanuts |
Scroll to see more
Was this article helpful?
Sign up to unlock your health, your way at no cost to you.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.