Friends, if you’re looking to eat more plants, bowls should be in your regular cooking rotation! Bowls pack in nourishing, whole-food ingredients (like beans, rice, and vegetables) that’ll set yourself up for a week of healthy eating. Plus, there’s something therapeutic about eating a warm meal from a bowl; it’s just the right size to nestle in your hands!
Other benefits of bowls include:
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Quick and easy to put together while getting a full dose of whole foods
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Stretches out meals and uses leftover ingredients
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Affordable cooking solution that makes the most of your food —and saves you from food waste!
However, if your bowls are feeling a little lackluster —it may be less about the ingredients themselves and more about the way you’re putting them together.
How to make a meal-in-a-bowl: 5 elements to include
To create a meal-in-a-bowl, choose (at least) one ingredient from each of the five categories. Consider seasonality, availability of ingredients and, of course, your own palate preferences!
1. Grains, Starchy Vegetables & Pasta (cooked)
For whole grains, try amaranth, barley, farro, quinoa, oats, and rice. Starchy vegetables can include butternut squash, sweet potatoes,and potatoes. And whole-grain pasta, rice noodles, and gluten-free pasta are all good options.
2. Greens (raw, sauteed, or steamed)
From sprouts to arugula to bok choy – there are so many ways to incorporate more greens on your plate.
3. Fresh Herbs, Spices, & Other Toppings
Fresh herbs (like basil, cilantro, dill, and parsley) + spices and toppings like nutritional yeast and ground raw flax meal will upgrade a bowl instantly.
4. Plant-Based Proteins (beans & other cooked proteins/meat alternatives)
Beans and meat-alternatives like tofu, tempeh, and seitan are keys to complete a bowl with a hearty texture.
5. Non-Starchy Vegetables or Non-Sweet Fruit (cooked)
Artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, and onions are just some of the many non-starchy vegetables. As for non-sweet fruit, consider avocado, cucumber, and tomatoes.
BONUS: Condiments & Dressings
Does your bowl feel like it’s missing something? Drizzle it with condiments like pesto, salsa, dressings, and vinegar. It’ll give it that extra oomph of flavor.
7 veggie-packed bowl recipes for inspiration
1. The Energy Bowl
Get the recipe: The Energy Bowl.
2. Burrito Bowl
Get the recipe: Burrito Bowl.
3. Spicy Peanut Buddha Bowl
Get the recipe: Spicy Peanut Buddha Bowl.
4. Shawarma Tofu Bowl
Get the recipe: Shawarma Tofu Bowl.
5. The Wholesome Bowl
Get the recipe: The Wholesome Bowl.
6. Tofu Sofritas Bowl
Get the recipe: Tofu Sofritas Bowl
7. Curried Tofu, Kale & Mushroom Bowl (keto-friendly)
Get the recipe: Curried Tofu, Kale & Mushroom Bowl.
Looking for more ways to put more plants on your plate? Check out these cooking tips for eating more veggies every day of the week!
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Alice C. ( 2yr ) – These all look amazing and so yummy. I am going to try them all. Thank you
Swich C. ( 2yr ) – They’re delicious! :)
Khadija C. ( 2yr ) – Lovely and Healthy
Swich C. ( 2yr ) – We agree! Be sure to let us know your thoughts if you make any of these recipes.
Alice C. ( 2yr ) – My mouth is watering, they all look so yummy.
Ashley S. ( 2yr ) – Have you tried any of these recipes? If so, which have been your favorites? :)
Betty P. ( 2yr ) – OMGosh… These all look delicious!! I’ll try them all!!
Swich C. ( 2yr ) – They’re delicious! Keep us posted and let us know which is your favorite.
Cindy S. ( 2yr ) – I see some of these that I know I will like,band look forward to trying them.
Swich C. ( 2yr ) – Let us know what you think!
Kathy R. ( 2yr ) – I’m just getting over a injury ..so it might take a bit to get ingredients and being able to actually do the cookin..cooking.. so excited..however I really don’t like or can tolerate spicy foods ..can jalapeños ..black pepper ..and other spices be omitted?
Ashley S. ( 2yr ) – Absolutely! These recipes will still taste great even without the extra spice. Wishing you a speedy recovery!