25 Healthy Grain Bowl Recipes and Ideas

Thanks to a combination of grains, beans, veggies, and a dressing, these grain bowl recipes are bright, nutritious, and downright addictive.

Whether you add meat or fish or keep them veggie-friendly, these delicious dinner bowls are crazy-satisfying.

And since there are no real rules for what kind of fillings to use, these grain bowl recipes are also insanely versatile.

Load them up with wild rice, quinoa, or millet.

Nestle in some black beans, cannellini, or chickpeas.

Then top it off with everything from peppers and asparagus to broccoli and corn.

As for the dressing? You can go creamy, spicy, tangy, or oily. The possibilities are endless.

20+ Easy and Healthy Grain Bowls for Lunch and Dinner

1. Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl 

This grain bowl is fully loaded with fantastic roasted veggies.

Between the cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, parsnips, and broccolini, it’s hearty and delicious. 

Quinoa is the grain of choice, making this nutrient-rich and protein-packed. Plus, there’s even more protein from the chickpeas.

You’ll drizzle over kale pesto before serving along with bright and briny sauerkraut.

You won’t miss the meat one bit in this dish.

2. Jerk Chicken Bowls With Mango Salsa And Coconut Rice 

I adore jerk chicken. And if you love tropical flavors with spicy chicken, this is the perfect grain bowl for you. 

The chicken is covered in jerk spices, which are punchy and provide warmth. Meanwhile, the creamy coconut rice adds some much-needed richness.

Then the mango salsa adds a bright, fruity flavor that’s spot-on. It’s colorful, tasty, and just what you need on a hot day.

3. Green Goddess Rice Bowl With Shrimp 

Have you tried the infamous green goddess dressing yet? It really is as good as they say!

This one is made with avocado, making it full of nutrients and healthy fats.  

My favorite protein is shrimp, but you can also use fish or chicken. I also like to add whatever greens I have in the fridge, like arugula or kale. 

That said, spinach works well too.

4. Hawaiian Quinoa Bowl 

As the name suggests, this Hawaiian bowl is sunny and scrumptious. It’s also effortless to make. 

Along with quinoa, it’s brimming with pineapple, onions, bell pepper, and beans.

The dressing is tart and bright with a hint of sweetness from a little bit of honey. 

I think it’s best with grilled chicken or shrimp. But if you have some pork belly, it would be extra special.

5. Roasted Veggie Rice Bowls 

Roasted veggie bowls are ideal for people looking to add more nutrients to their diet.

Not only are they colorful and healthy, but they’re also insanely delish.

This rice bowl features broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and chickpeas.

It’s a bowl of exciting flavors and textures that couldn’t be any easier to throw together. 

Customize this recipe and add or subtract veggies based on what you like or already have in your refrigerator. 

Just don’t sbeautyevalp on the tahini dressing. It makes this bowl sing!

6. Wheat Berry Caprese Grain Bowl 

If you’ve never tried wheat berries before, you’re in for a real treat. This fantastic grain has a nice chewy bite and a wonderfully subtle nutty flavor.

It’s also similar to quinoa, so it can be combined with all sorts of other ingredients. 

This recipe showcases tomatoes and mozzarella for a classic finish.

7. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce 

This bowl might be my favorite one on this list. The ingredients play so nicely together, and it looks as good as it tastes. 

Crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocados, salty olives, and tangy feta are heavy hitters in their own right.

Add them all to a grain bowl, and you’ve got one helluva meal. 

Just don’t forget the red pepper sauce. It’s the best part!

8. Hoisin Beef Bowls 

Try this hoisin beef bowl if you’re looking for something a little more meaty.

From the saucy ground beef to the fresh, crunchy vegetables, it’s as filling as can be.

Better yet, it takes just 30 minutes to put together.

9. Salmon Poke Bowls 

Poke bowls are a fantastic version of grain bowls. If you’ve never had a poke bowl, you have to try these.

They’re basically deconstructed sushi, with the base being rice and sushi-grade fish.

This recipe also calls for fresh mango, cucumber, avocado, and spicy radishes. 

But of course, you can add in whatever toppings you like to suit your taste. 

10. Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats 

On the other end of the grain bowl spectrum, we’ve arrived at breakfast. Because yes, oats are cereal grains.

And these steel-cut oats are a delicious and comforting way to start the day. 

I love oatmeal because it’s a hearty blank canvas to which you can add anything – sweet or savory.

Using an Instant Pot means that you can walk away from them once they start cooking. No more babysitting the stove!

11. Greek Chicken Grain Bowls 

As much as I love all-encompassing Mediterranean flavors, you can’t beat the tangy goodness found in Greek cuisine.

Marinated chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives topped with creamy tzatziki sauce and tangy feta?

You’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to Mount Olympus!

12. Salmon Grain Bowls 

Salmon works so well with a variety of ingredients and sauces. However, I think the vegetables used in this recipe are pretty perfect. 

You’ll flavor the fish with garlic and stone ground mustard, making it fragrant and a touch spicy.

Lay that over quinoa or brown rice, and it’s a pretty decent meal.

Or, take it to the next level with parsnips, sweet potatoes, and Brussel sprouts. I think it might be my new favorite veggie mix!

13. Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl 

Have you tried sweet quinoa before? It’s surprisingly delicious!

This oatmeal-inspired quinoa dish has a beautiful infusion of cinnamon and is topped with bright, fresh fruit. 

The peaches and raspberries are tart yet sweet, and the sliced almonds add a delicious crunch.

It’s just what you need if you’re bored of microwave oatmeal packets.

14. Instant Pot 20 Minute Chicken Burrito Bowls 

This burrito bowl version is quick and easy to make, thanks to the Instant Pot.

In just 20 minutes, the chicken will be bursting with flavor and cooked to juicy perfection.

15. Farro Grain Bowl 

Farro is another underrated grain that’s chewy, nutty, and brimming with goodness.

With one bite of this grain bowl, you’ll be firmly on the farro bandwagon! I mean, the colors alone are spectacular. 

Featuring butternut squash, beets, and kale, it’s topped off with pistachios for crunch and feta cheese for a tangy, salty flavor. 

Finally, the dressing pulls it all together with tangy mustard and balsamic. I’m drooling already!

16. Chicken & Quinoa Bowl 

Chicken and quinoa are a simple and tasty combination to which you can add any veggies and seasonings you like. 

But if you’re stuck for ideas, try these sweet, blistered tomatoes with kale.

This bowl is unexpectedly tasty and straightforward, but you’ll love every bite.

Top it with almonds for a perfect crunchy finish. 

17. Winter Grain Bowl With Balsamic Dressing 

Root vegetables, like beets and sweet potatoes, have an earthy flavor, which can be overwhelming in some recipes.

Luckily, this grain bowl pairs them with sweet and chewy dried fruit. It’s a surprising but delicious combo of flavors and textures.

Wild rice offers a nice bite that contrasts the soft veggies and brings a wallop of nutrients to the mix.

It’s perfect for lunch or dinner on a cold winter day. 

18. Baja Grain Bowls 

This Baja bowl is everything you could want in a lunch or light dinner. It’s bright, crunchy, tender, and fully loaded with Tex-Mex flavors.

Feel free to eat this with tortilla chips. I know I do!

If you prefer to eat this bowl with a spoon, don’t worry, it’s just as delicious either way.

19. Weeknight Salmon Sushi Bowls 

Imagine everything you love about salmon rolls without the hassle of rolling! Because that’s what this grain bowl is!

Use cooked or sushi-grade salmon and cover it with avocado, cucumber, and carrots.

What’s the icing on the sushi-bowl-cake? Dreamy Sriracha mayo, of course!

20. Mexican Buddha Bowl 

“Buddha bowl” is a trending term for grain bowls.

It has all the same components which are meant to be good for the body. It’s just got a fun name that people seem to love.

Luckily, this bowl is really easy to put together, and it’s delicious to boot.

It’s kind of like a burrito bowl, but there isn’t any meat. Add some if you like, but it’s still filling without.

21. Fried Farro 

I think this play on fried rice is an awesome variation to add to your weekly routine.

Spinach and edamame add bright pops of green and tasty flavors. Meanwhile, you’ll top it with crunchy cashews for added texture.

Yum!!

22. Healing Bowls with Turmeric Sweet Potatoes, Poached Eggs, and Lemon Dressing 

Is there anything better than a runny yolk?

When it mixes into the grains and veggies in this bowl, it’s good enough to make you swoon.

Between the earthy sweet potatoes and zesty lemon dressing, this one is a must-make.

23. Crispy Chicken Bahn Mi Bowls

If you’ve ever had a Bahn Mi sandwich, you’ll know they’re full of crisp veggies and delicious meat with tons of flavor. 

For maximum taste and crispy goodness, you’ll broil the chicken once it’s cooked.

Mix that with some tangy pickled veggies, and this is one grain bowl you’ll crave time and time again.

24. Kale Quinoa Harvest Bowls 

Flavorful and gorgeous, this is a hearty and healthy recipe that checks all the boxes. 

From the tender sweet potatoes and dried cranberries to the crunchy pecans and tangy blue cheese, it’s as yummy as can be.

25. Vegan Burrito Bowl 

Most grain bowls can be made vegan with the right kind of dressing. But if you’re looking for the best of the best, this is it.

It has a bright and sweet pineapple salsa and creamy guacamole. 

Again, don’t be afraid to customize this recipe with any tasty ingredients you like. For example, crispy tofu on top would add protein and fun texture.