Skip to main content

Mix and Match Grain Bowl

Make a simple, delicious and healthy meal for any time of day with ingredients you have on hand and these mix and match ideas.
Two versions of a grain bowl with vegetables and chicken or tofu.
Prep time: varies
Cook time: varies
Makes: 4 servings
Nutrition Facts: View label

Ingredients

  • (see Notes for ingredient ideas)
  • 2 cups cooked grains
  • 2 cups chopped vegetables (raw or cooked any way you choose)
  • 12 ounces cooked protein, cut bite-sized (about 2 cups)
  • ¼ cup topping
  • ¼ to ½ cup sauce or dressing

Directions

  1. Wash hands with soap and water. Gather ingredients and 4 bowls.
  2. Spoon about ½ cup of the grain into each bowl.
  3. Arrange ¼ of the vegetables and protein on top of or around the grains in each bowl.
  4. Drizzle 1 to 2 Tablespoons of the dressing over each bowl.
  5. Sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of topping over the top.
  6. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.

Notes

Ingredient Ideas

Protein – try cooked chicken, beef, pork, seafood, tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils or eggs

Vegetables – use any mixture of fresh, frozen or canned

Grains – try whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat or oats

Topping – try something crunchy or chewy like nuts, seeds, raw or pickled vegetables, microgreens or fresh or dried fruit

Sauce or dressing – use a prepared dressing or salsa, or try one of these Food Hero recipes:

Comments

We used this recipe for a "Cook Along" and enjoyed seeing the variety of yummy-looking bowls people created. Buckwheat was the whole grain of choice because it cooks quickly. Some mentioned how easy it would be to use this template for breakfast, subbing fruit for vegetables if desired. The template also works as a simple approach to planning a meal from what's on hand.

You might also like...

Recipes A to Z (without photos)

Roasted Sugar Snap Peas
Recipe image

Roasted Sugar Snap Peas

Roasted snap peas with savory soy make this 5 ingredient recipe a tasty and satisfying side dish or snack.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups
Frozen Fruit Yogurt
Footed glasses filled with a creamy fruit dessert.

Frozen Fruit Yogurt

A kid-approved 3 ingredient treat that only takes a few minutes to make and uses your favorite fruit.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
3 ½ cups
Succotash
Bowls filled with a variety of vegetables and okra.

Succotash

Combine sweet corn and tender lima beans with okra and tomato to make the perfect side dish of summer or any time of the year. Succotash is a blend of indigenous and African Heritage foods and we thank those who have shared this recipe with Food Hero.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
30 to 45 minutes
Makes:
5 ½ cups
Carrot Ginger Salad
Photo of Carrot Ginger Salad

Carrot Ginger Salad

This flavorful, sweet and savory side dish is great for make-ahead meals!
Prepare:
20 minutes
Makes:
2 cups
Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins
Moist carrot and raisin muffins and sliced bread.

Sweet Carrot Bread or Muffins

Sweet carrots, brown sugar, and warm cinnamon make the perfect combination for muffins or bread.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
12 slices or muffins
Roasted Beets
Baking sheet with golden and red beets.

Roasted Beets

A colorful and earthy side dish that only uses 4 ingredients.
Prepare:
5 to 10 minutes
Cook:
45 to 60 minutes
Makes:
4 Servings
Was this page helpful to you?