A great quinoa bowl or grain bowl is a delicious, healthy, easy to transport, easy for meal prep, one bowl, grain-based, cold or hot, customizable, and requires no knife to eat. At least that is my definition of it. A quinoa bowl is not just any food that can be consumed in a bowl. For example, a bowl of spaghetti is not it. A grain bowl is more than a vessel.

Grain bowls are a carefully constructed combination of flavors and textures designed to provide a balanced, satisfying, and healthy meal. Think of it as a deconstructed salad but with a grain instead of lettuce. I usually skip the lettuce altogether, opting for microgreens and herbs in my grain bowls.

Thai Bowl Quinoa Bowl

What sets a quinoa or grain bowl apart is its bite-sized, intentional layering of ingredients. Grain Bowls are not just random leftovers in a bowl (I am certainly *not* knocking leftovers in a bowl). A good grain Bowl typically includes a base of grains, like quinoa, brown rice, or farro, which provide sustained energy. Then comes the protein, which could be anything from a boiled egg to grilled meat or fish to beans or tofu. Next, we add a rainbow of bite-sized vegetables, which can be raw or roasted, for vitamins, minerals, fiber, and texture. You can next add some chopped nuts, herbs, and a handful of microgreens. And finally, the pièce de résistance: a flavorful dressing that ties everything together.

The beauty of Quinoa bowls and grain bowls lies in its versatility. You can customize it to your heart’s content, depending on your dietary needs, preferences, and what you have on hand. Feeling like a Mediterranean feast? Go for quinoa, Kalamata olives, some feta cheese, roasted red peppers, micro arugula, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette. Craving something with an Asian flair? Try brown rice, edamame, shredded carrots, peanuts, cucumber, micro broccoli, and a peanut sauce. The possibilities are endless! And the best part? They’re perfect for meal prepping. Make a mega pot of quinoa and freeze in ziplock bags. The frozen quinoa can be quickly defrosted in the microwave, or if you are packing a lunch it will be defrosted by the time you are ready to eat.

Need some inspiration, I’ve curated a list of exceptional quinoa bowls and grain bowls. Find your next nutrient-dense lunch!

29+ Quinoa Bowl & Grain Bowl Recipes

1
kathysvegankitchen
Quinoa Power Bowl
Not only are power bowls nutritious, but they are a great way to use up those leftover ingredients in the refrigerator.
Check out this recipe
2
gimmesomeoven
Rainbow Peanut Noodles Recipe
This rainbow peanut noodles recipe is made with colorful veggies, your choice of noodles, and an irresistible peanut sauce. Serve hot or cold!
Check out this recipe
3
thehealthymaven
Quinoa Bowls with Veggies + Miso Sesame Dressing
These customizable Quinoa Bowls with Miso Sesame Dressing will become a weeknight staple. This quinoa bowl recipe Is gluten-free too!
Check out this recipe
4
fitmittenkitchen
Gluten-free, dairy-free Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl with a creamy honey lime dressing
This Southwest Quinoa Power Bowl is super flavorful, thanks to a Honey Lime Dressing. Great for meal prep, vegetarian and gluten free.
Check out this recipe
5
makingthymeforhealth
Spring Farro Bowls with Lemon Tahini Dressing
Spring Farro Bowls with Lemon Tahini Dressing- made with lightly steamed seasonal vegetables, these farro bowls are perfect to prep for lunches or a light and easy dinner. (vegan with gluten-free option)
Check out this recipe
6
kristineskitchenblog
Quinoa and Roasted Broccoli Grain Bowls
With quinoa and roasted broccoli, this delicious grain bowl recipe is a healthy protein-packed meal you can make ahead.
Check out this recipe
7
thissavoryvegan
Simple Mexican Quinoa Bowls
These Simple Mexican Quinoa Bowls are a great weeknight dinner or meal prepped lunch. Served with a Chipotle Cilantro Vinaigrette!
Check out this recipe
8
pinchofyum
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
Kalamata olives and feta and roasted red pepper sauce.
Check out this recipe
9
Thai Bowl Quinoa Bowl
thepounddropper
Thai Chicken and Quinoa Bowl
This Thai Chicken and Quinoa Bowl is a single serving meal that is healthy, gluten free, and packed with protein and so much goodness! This Thai Chicken and Quinoa bowl comes together in less than 20 minutes-perfect for quick and easy lunch or meal prep these bowls for lunch for the entire week!
Check out this recipe
10
salads4lunch
Quinoa and Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing
This Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing is everything—golden roasted cauliflower, fresh greens, crunchy almonds, and a tangy, creamy dressing that ties it all together. Bonus: this salad is gluten-free, packed with veggies, and perfect for meal prep or your next dinner party.
Check out this recipe
11
ambitiouskitchen
BBQ Ranch Chicken Quinoa Bowls
Delicious BBQ chicken quinoa bowls with black beans, veggies & your fav ranch dressing. Options to make slow cooker or grilled chicken!
Check out this recipe
12
theherbeevore
Southwest Grain Bowl With Brown Rice & Avocado Recipe
This southwest grain bowl recipe is bright, fresh, and loaded with flavor! With brown rice, quinoa, avocado, vegetables, and a sweet & spicy dressing.
Check out this recipe
13
booboosbakery
Fall Harvest Quinoa Bowl
This Fall Harvest Quinoa Bowl is a nourishing meal made with roasted butternut squash, brussels sprouts, caramelized onions, spinach & chickpeas.
Check out this recipe
14
healthygffamily
Quinoa Salad with Roasted Squash, Caramelized Onions and Wilted Spinach Recipes
This easy, gluten-free and vegetarian salad is warming and hearty, perfect for cooler days. Delicious warm or cold, it makes a large quantity, keeps well for several days and pairs with everything.
Check out this recipe
15
flavorfulife.com
Fall Farro Grain Bowl with Roasted Veg and Crispy Cheese
A nutrient-packed farro grain bowl featuring sweet butternut squash, hearty kale, fried cheese, crispy chickpeas and a zingy lemon dressing.
Check out this recipe
16
slenderkitchen
Farro Bowls with Broccoli and Chickpeas
These easy vegetarian farro bowls are packed with roasted broccoli, chickpeas, farro, and the most delicious garlic tahini sauce. Great for meal prep and easy to make!
Check out this recipe
17
laurafuentes
EPIC Mediterranean Farro Bowls
Everything you love in one bowl that’s easy to meal prep.
Check out this recipe
18
 Farro, Mushroom, and Egg Grain Bowls
simplyrecipes
Farro, Mushroom, and Egg Grain Bowls
These farro, mushroom, and egg grain bowls are just what you need for a hearty and flavorful lunch during the work week.
Check out this recipe
19
thecrookedcarrot
Zesty Italian Farro Bowl
Zesty Italian Farro Bowl – a simple Italian recipe featuring chewy farro, spicy garlic chickpeas, roasted tomatoes, shaved fennel, olives and a lemon-mustard vinaigrette.
Check out this recipe
20
foolproofliving
Warm Farro Breakfast Bowl with Cinnamon Apples
This Warm Farro Breakfast Bowl with Cinnamon Apple is a delicious and health recipe made with apples, cinnamon, cranberries, and quinoa crunch.
Check out this recipe
21
sarahgoldrd
Wheat Berry Caprese Grain Bowl
This wheat berry caprese grain bowl pairs flavors from the traditional Italian dish with grains, beans, and arugula, creating a satisfying meal in one bowl.
Check out this recipe
22
Asian Buddha Bowl with Peanut Dressing - 12 Minute Meal
bitesofwellness
Asian Buddha Bowl with Peanut Dressing – 12 Minute Meal
Asian buddha bowls are the ultimate veggie packed meal. Ready in just 12 minutes, this buddha bowl with peanut dressing is so flavorful and easy to make.
Check out this recipe
23
Warm Garlicky Lemon Zoodles Bowl with Roasted Veggies + Tahini Sauce Recipes
healthygffamily
Warm Garlicky Lemon Zoodles Bowl with Roasted Veggies + Tahini Sauce Recipes
This vibrant and savory bowl of veggies is warm, cozy and packed with flavor. Warm garlicky and lemony zucchini noodles and warm roasted vegetables. Feel free to add protein of choice: chicken, tofu, chickpeas. Great for meal prep as it reheats well.
Check out this recipe
24
Millet Nourish Bowl
foodess
Millet Nourish Bowl
A hearty, nutritious bowl with millet, roasted and raw veggies, pumpkin seeds and lemon-tahini sauce.
Check out this recipe
25
sharonpalmer
Burrito Millet Grain Bowl
This super quick and easy Burrito Millet Grain Bowl recipe is packed with nutrition and flavor. Gluten-free and vegan, you can get four millet bowls ready in under 30 minutes, making it great for meal prep.
Check out this recipe
26
robustrecipes
Mexican Millet Power Bowls with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette (V + GF) – Robust Recipes
Mexican Millet Power Bowls with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette are packed with tons of veggies. They are vegan and gluten-free. You will be satisfied for hours!
Check out this recipe
27
rachaelhartleynutrition
Millet Bowl with Black Beans and Pico de Gallo — Registered Dietitian Columbia SC
Make this easy millet bowl with black beans and pico de gallo for lunch! It’s packed with filling fiber and protein! Jazz it up with extra veggies or hot sauce.
Check out this recipe
28
monkeyandmekitchenadventures
Italian Broccolini Millet Bowl with Lemony Parsley Sauce
Bursting with spring flavors, this easy and simple Italian Broccolini Millet Bowl with Lemony Parsley Sauce is full of satisfying goodness and nourishment.
Check out this recipe
29
whatmollymade
Veggie Quinoa Power Bowl
This veggie quinoa power bowl is a great meal prep lunch idea. It’s full of flavor and packed with roasted vegetables to keep you powered up all day.
Check out this recipe
30
dishingouthealth
Mediterranean Power Bowls with Red Pepper Sauce
Mediterranean Power Bowls with avocado salad, chickpeas, and smoky red pepper sauce. These quinoa bowls are nutritious and perfect for meal prep.
Check out this recipe

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Quantum Microrgeens is your guide to living well inside & out. Get clean(ish) recipes, living tips and everything microgreens. We're Melissa & Kelly, two sisters living in California and Connecticut.

Quantum Microrgeens is your guide to living well inside & out. Get clean(ish) recipes, living tips and everything microgreens. We're Melissa & Kelly, two sisters living in California and Connecticut.

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