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. Rinse or scrub fresh vegetables under running water before preparing.
  3. Spoon about ½ cup of the grain into each bowl.
  4. Arrange ¼ of the vegetables and protein on top of or around the grains in each bowl.
  5. Drizzle 1 to 2 Tablespoons of the dressing over each bowl.
  6. Sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of topping over the top.
  7. 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)

Any Berry Sauce
A serving bowl of Any Berry Sauce is shown with a plate of 3 pancakes that have sauce spread on top and a few fresh berries on the side.

Any Berry Sauce

This easy make-ahead berry sauce is perfect for pancakes, oatmeal or yogurt any time of year.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
2 ¼ cups
Chicken Mole
Chicken with a thick, savory sauce sprinkled with sesame seeds and served with rice and broccoli on a plate.

Chicken Mole

A flavorful chicken recipe with a rich and smoky sauce.
Prepare:
20 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
7 cups
Low-Fat Tartar Sauce
Small bowl of tartar sauce with a vegetable patty.

Low-Fat Tartar Sauce

A healthy homemade tartar sauce with fresh herbs and tangy mustard, perfect to serve with seafood.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
½ cup
Soulful Seasoning
Bowl of seasoning mix.

Soulful Seasoning

Mix your own seasoning for veggies, meats, rice, tofu and soups.
Prepare:
5 minutes
Makes:
10 Tablespoons
Stovetop Tuna Casserole
Bowl of egg noodles with peas and tuna mixed in.

Stovetop Tuna Casserole

Tender egg noodles with a creamy sauce, bright peas and tasty tuna.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Cook:
15 minutes
Makes:
7 Cups
Melon Cooler
Glass filled with a bright orange juice drink garnished with mint.

Melon Cooler

Refreshing and flavorful fruit drink with only 3 ingredients!
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
3 cups