Reasons Why You’ll Love This Grain Bowl Template.

So many reasons, but here are a few.

• • Nutritious – Our grain bowl template is packed with nutrient-dense foods to help you meet your daily recommended intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. By incorporating a variety of colorful vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, you can create a well-balanced and healthy meal that can help support your overall health and well-being.
  • Versatile – One of the best things about our grain bowl template is its versatility. Mix and match different ingredients to create a meal that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether vegan, vegetarian, or omnivorous, you can customize your grain bowl template to include your favorite foods.
  • Easy to make – Our grain bowl template is also straightforward to make. You can prep many of the ingredients ahead of time, such as cooking the grains and chopping the vegetables, which makes it an excellent option for meal prep. Layer the ingredients in a bowl and drizzle with your favorite dressing or sauce, and you’re good to go.
  • Filling – Another great thing about our grain bowl template is it’s incredibly filling. Combining complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day. Plus, the high fiber content can help promote satiety and keep you feeling full for longer periods.
  • Cost-effective – Our grain bowl templates is also a cost-effective meal option. By using simple, whole-food ingredients, you can create a nutritious and satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Plus, by prepping the ingredients ahead of time and using leftovers, you can save time and money on future meals.
  • Eco-friendly – Our grain bowl template is also an eco-friendly meal option. Incorporating plant-based ingredients can help reduce your carbon footprint and promote sustainability. Reusable containers and utensils can minimize waste and contribute to a healthier planet.
  • Delicious – Last but not least, our grain bowl template is simply delicious. With various flavors, textures, and colors, you can create a nutritious meal that satisfies your taste buds. Plus, by experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings, you can create endless variations of this tasty dish.

Grain Bowl Template Ingredients

All grain bowls follow a basic template. Mix and match to your taste! It’s fun and easy!

• • Grains – Grains such as quinoa, brown rice, bulgur wheat, and farro are great options for a grain bowl template. They provide complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients such as B vitamins, magnesium, and iron. You can cook them ahead of time and store them in the fridge for easy meal prep.
  • Protein – Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build and repair tissues in the body. You can include a variety of protein sources in your grain bowl template, such as tofu, tempeh, beans, and lentils. Whether vegetarian or vegan, you can choose plant-based proteins such as chickpeas, black beans, or edamame.
  • Vegetables – Vegetables are the star of a grain bowl template. They provide a variety of essential nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants. You can include raw and cooked vegetables such as kale, spinach, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, beets, bell peppers, and cucumbers. You can add roasted vegetables such as sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini for added texture and flavor.
  • Fruits – Adding fruits to your grain bowl template can add a touch of sweetness and tanginess to your meal. Add avocado, mango, pineapple, pomegranate, or grapefruit to your bowl.
  • Nuts and Seeds – Nuts and seeds can add crunch and healthy fats to your grain bowl template. You can include almonds, cashews, sunflower, pumpkin, or sesame seeds. They also provide essential nutrients such as vitamin E, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Dressing or Sauce – A dressing or sauce can combine all the flavors of your grain bowl template. Some of our easy homemade dressings include Cilantro Lime Dressing, Green Goddess, Garlic and Lemon Cashew Cream, Lemon-Garlic Tahini, and Lemon-Honey Vinaigrette.
  • Spices and Herbs – Spices and herbs can add depth and flavor to your grain bowl template. Add cumin, paprika, turmeric, or herbs such as basil, cilantro, or parsley.

How to Make Our Grain Templates

This is the fun part! Get creative!

• • Choose your base – The first step in making our grain bowl template is choosing your base. The base of a grain bowl template is typically a grain, but you can also use noodles, quinoa, or even leafy greens as a base. Grains like brown rice, quinoa, farro, and barley are good options because they are filling, packed with nutrients, and have a chewy texture that complements the other components of the bowl. To cook your grain, rinse it thoroughly in cold water to remove dirt or debris. Add the grain to a pot with water or broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the grain is cooked through, usually between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the grain. Once the grain is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.
  • Choose your protein – The next step is to choose your protein source. Our grain bowl template can be vegetarian, vegan, or include meat or fish. Common protein sources for grain bowl templates include grilled tofu, chickpeas, black beans, jackfruit, and much more. To cook your protein source, you can grill, bake, or sauté it. If you use tofu, press it for 15-20 minutes to remove any excess liquid, then pan-fry it until it is golden brown on all sides. For beans or chickpeas, you can use canned beans or cook them from scratch by soaking them overnight and boiling them until they are tender.
  • Choose your vegetables – The third step is to choose your vegetables. Our grain bowl template is a great way to incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables into your diet. You can use roasted or raw vegetables, depending on your preference. Some great vegetable options for grain bowl templates include roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, kale, bell peppers, carrots, and avocado. To roast your vegetables (such as roasted cauliflower, broccoli, chickpeas, or roasted cherry tomatoes), preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut your vegetables into bite-sized pieces, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast them in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly browned.
  • Choose your dressing – The final step is to choose your dressing. The dressing brings all the components of the grain bowl template together and adds flavor and richness to the dish. There are endless dressing options, but some popular choices include tahini dressing, cilantro lime dressing, tangy cashew cream, vegan Green Goddess, and the Best Homemade hummus!
  • Assemble your grain bowl template – Now that you have all your components ready, it is time to assemble using our grain bowl template. Add your grain or base to the bottom, add your protein of choice, then load in the veggies and greens, add some fresh herbs and spices, fruit, nuts, and seeds, and finally, drizzle on your dressing.

Grain Bowl Variations

There are so many! Here are just a few.

• • Mexican Grain Bowl  – For a Mexican-inspired grain bowl template, use quinoa or brown rice as your grain and add black beans, avocado, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, and a lime dressing. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
  • Mediterranean Grain Bowl  – For a Mediterranean-inspired grain bowl template, use farro, couscous, or quinoa as your grain and add chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and a lemon-tahini dressing. You can also add grilled chicken or falafel for added protein.
  • Buddha Bowl  – A Buddha Bowl is a colorful and nutrient-rich meal that typically consists of various vegetables, grains, protein, and healthy fats arranged in a bowl. The concept of a Buddha Bowl is rooted in the Buddhist practice of mindful eating and emphasizes the importance of balance and variety in our diets.

More of My Favorite Plant-Based Recipes

1/2 and 1/2 Homemade Artisan Pizza

6 Nourishing Versions of Avocado Toast

Vegan Pot Pies

If you try out this grain bowl template, let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!