Simple Grain Bowl (Printable Version)

Customizable nourishing bowl with grains, protein, and vibrant toppings

# What You Need:

→ Base

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

→ Proteins

04 - 2 cups cooked chickpeas
05 - 2 cups cooked 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 (optional)
14 - 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or basil)

→ 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Cook your selected grain according to package instructions. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool slightly.
02 - Prepare your chosen protein source as needed by grilling, pan-searing, or using pre-cooked options.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
04 - Divide cooked grain evenly among bowls. Top each with selected protein, vegetables, avocado, red onion, feta cheese if desired, pumpkin seeds, and fresh herbs.
05 - Drizzle dressing over the bowl immediately before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • You can prep everything on Sunday and eat like royalty all week without anyone knowing you spent maybe twenty minutes total in the kitchen.
  • It's the rare recipe that makes room for both the person eating vegan and the person who just grabbed feta from the market without thinking.
  • The beauty is in how it adjusts to your mood—some days you want it bright and raw, other days warm and comforting, and this bowl genuinely welcomes both versions.
02 -
  • Let your grain cool slightly before assembling; warm grain turns the avocado mealy if you're not careful, a lesson learned the hard way on a Tuesday afternoon.
  • The dressing is where all the flavor lives, so don't skimp on it or try to drizzle it conservatively—this bowl needs every drop.
03 -
  • Toast your pumpkin seeds yourself in a dry pan for thirty seconds if you have fresh ones; the transformation from raw to toasted happens in an instant and completely changes how they taste.
  • If your avocado isn't quite ripe when you need it, store it in a closed container with a tomato or banana overnight and it'll soften beautifully, though this takes some planning ahead.
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