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)

Fruit Salad
Footed dessert glasses filled with a fruit mix coated in yogurt.

Fruit Salad

A favorite recipe by many of our educators, as it is so easily adaptable and tasty.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
5 cups
Pineapple Carrot Protein Smoothie
Glass filled with a thick orange smoothie.

Pineapple Carrot Protein Smoothie

Enjoy this high-protein smoothie for a quick meal or to re-fuel after exercise. Make it your own with different fruits and vegetables.
Prepare:
10 minutes
Makes:
1 ½ cups
Cucumber Yogurt Dip
Yogurt dip served with a plate of sliced vegetables.

Cucumber Yogurt Dip

Quick and flavorful dip with Greek yogurt, mint and garlic. Perfect for snacks and party appetizers!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Makes:
1 ¼ cup
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Plate of tender shredded pork.

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

This easy Pulled Pork recipe is made with pork shoulder and spices from your pantry. Slow cooking is a simple way to create tender and juicy pork for many different meals.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
7 to 9 hours
Makes:
5 cups
Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread
Platter of sliced pumpkin bread.

Low-Fat Pumpkin Bread

This pumpkin bread is a seasonal favorite, sweetened with applesauce and brown sugar.
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
60 minutes
Makes:
16 slices
Mix and Match Skillet Meal
Rice, chicken, vegetable and cheese dish.

Mix and Match Skillet Meal

Customizable stir fry you can make with your favorite protein, vegetables, and grain!
Prepare:
15 minutes
Cook:
45 minutes
Makes:
6 cups
Was this page helpful to you?
CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.