Customizable Grain Bowl (Printable)

Layer grains, proteins, and fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal. Customize with your favorite toppings and dressings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup cooked brown rice
02 - 1 cup cooked quinoa
03 - 1 cup cooked farro
04 - 1 cup cooked couscous, gluten-free if needed

→ Proteins

05 - 1 cup cooked and cubed chicken breast
06 - 1 cup baked tofu, cubed
07 - 1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 cup cooked shrimp

→ Vegetables

09 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
10 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
11 - 1 cup roasted sweet potato, cubed
12 - 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
13 - 1 cup shredded carrots
14 - 1 avocado, sliced

→ Toppings and Extras

15 - ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese, optional
16 - ¼ cup toasted seeds or nuts such as pumpkin seeds or almonds
17 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley
18 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

→ Dressings

19 - ¼ cup lemon-tahini dressing
20 - ¼ cup balsamic vinaigrette
21 - ¼ cup soy-ginger dressing
22 - ¼ cup green goddess dressing

# How To Make It:

01 - Cook grains according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly before assembling.
02 - Prepare your chosen protein by cooking, baking, or using prepared leftovers as desired.
03 - Wash and chop all vegetables. Roast or steam according to preference.
04 - Arrange a layer of cooked grains in each bowl.
05 - Top grain base with selected proteins and prepared vegetables.
06 - Sprinkle with seeds, nuts, herbs, and cheese as desired.
07 - Drizzle with preferred dressing immediately before serving. Alternatively, store components separately for meal preparation.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • You control every single element, so picky eaters and adventurous ones can build their perfect bowl side by side.
  • Most components come together while you're doing other things, making weeknight dinners feel less like a chore.
  • Leftovers transform beautifully—just store each layer separately and reassemble when hunger strikes.
02 -
  • If you're prepping for the week, keep dressing separate or your grains will absorb it and taste flat by Wednesday.
  • Raw vegetables on top of warm grains actually works beautifully—the contrast is part of what makes these bowls so satisfying to eat.
03 -
  • Toast your seeds and nuts right before assembly so they stay crispy instead of getting soft from steam or dressing moisture.
  • If you're eating raw avocado, add it right at the end or it'll brown and lose that creamy appeal.
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