26 Healthy Vegetarian Bowl Recipes You Can Make Ahead of Time (2024)

These vegetarian bowl recipes are perfect for your weekly meal prep. In one meal-prep session, you can easily make enough servings to have for lunches throughout the week. These bowls are full of delicious veggies and hearty grains, and they get plenty of satiating protein from ingredients like tofu and beans. Recipes like Green Goddess Grain Bowl and Edamame & Veggie Rice Bowl are healthy, delicious and will keep you full throughout the day.

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Grain Bowl with Chickpeas & Cauliflower

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This beautiful grain bowl is packed with healthy ingredients like quinoa, chickpeas, kale and cauliflower—all drizzled with a lemony tahini sauce. The fast one-bowl meal makes a satisfying weeknight dinner or packable work lunch. If you don't have za'atar, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon each ground cumin and coriander.

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Meal-Prep Roasted Vegetable Bowls with Pesto

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Your co-workers will be jealous when you pull out this healthy lunch of roasted veggies and brown rice. Put together four lunches when you have time, and you will have packable lunches (or ready-to-eat dinners) for several days—just grab a container on your way out the door in the morning.

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Sweet Potato & Cauliflower Rice Bowl

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In this riff on a healthy grain bowl recipe, we use cauliflower rice instead of another whole grain like brown rice to cut back on carbs and load up on veggie servings. A simple citrusy drizzle, inspired by Cuban mojo sauce, finishes these vegan rice bowls, perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Vegan Grain Bowl

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This easy grain bowl has so much to love—sweet potatoes, protein-packed chickpeas, creamy avocado and homemade tahini dressing. Make the full recipe on the weekend and pack it into individual serving containers for ready-to-go lunches for work all week.

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Green Goddess Grain Bowl

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This healthy grain bowl packs in the greens with peas, asparagus and a creamy yogurt dressing. Tofu adds protein while keeping it vegetarian, but you could also swap in cooked shrimp or chicken for a satisfying dinner or packable lunch ready in just 15 minutes.

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Vegetarian Protein Bowl

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This vegetarian protein bowl has everything you need for a complete meal in one bowl. Beans not only boost protein but also add creaminess to the farro mixture. Chimichurri sauce brightens the dish.

Edamame & Veggie Rice Bowl

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The ingredients in this vegan grain bowl recipe can be prepped ahead for an easy lunch to pack for work. The tangy citrus dressing is a refreshing flavor with the sweet caramel of the roasted sheet-pan veggies.

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Bean & Veggie Taco Bowl

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Simple brown rice and black beans serve as the backdrop for sautéed veggies and taco toppings!

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Coconut Black Rice Bowls with Tofu & Purple Asparagus

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Black beans, black rice and black sesame seeds all contain anthocyanins, potent antioxidant compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation. So "forbidden" rice isn't just striking, it's also a serious nutrition upgrade. Simmering it in coconut milk adds a rich aroma and flavor.

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Chipotle-Lime Cauliflower Taco Bowls

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A bold, smoky marinade elevates roasted cauliflower in this meal-prep version of our popular Chipotle-Lime Cauliflower Tacos. To cut down on prep time, look for precut cauliflower in the produce department. You can also save time by using microwaveable quinoa pouches instead of cooking quinoa.

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Gochujang-Glazed Tempeh & Brown Rice Bowls

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If you're a tempeh skeptic, you've probably never had the firm soy-based slabs slathered with a sweet-and-spicy barbecue sauce. We give this easy BBQ tempeh combo a punch of umami with tamari and add a little heat courtesy of gochujang.

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Chickpea & Quinoa Grain Bowl

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It seems grain bowls have as many variations as there are stars in the sky, and there is no wrong way to build one! But we prefer to keep things classic and simple with hummus, quinoa, avocado and loads of veggies!

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Chickpea & Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

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Quinoa and chickpeas pack this vegetarian grain bowl with plenty of plant-based protein. Whip up a batch of these Mediterranean meals and pack in containers with lids to stash in the fridge for easy, healthy grab & go lunches all week long.

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Pressure-Cooker Grain Bowl

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Whip up this healthy vegetarian grain bowl with ease in your Instant Pot. Pressure-cooking the sweet potato is faster and yields the perfect texture. A drizzle of homemade spicy dressing takes this easy dinner to the next level.

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Crispy Chickpea Grain Bowl with Lemon Vinaigrette

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Our favorite part of these vegetarian grain bowls is the tangy lemon vinaigrette, which ties together a satisfying combo of quinoa, toasted pumpkin seeds, and roasted chickpeas and kale. Whip them up for easy meal-prep lunches or a healthy and satisfying dinner.

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Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowls

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With a handful of shortcut ingredients from your local specialty grocery store, you can prepare an entire week's worth of high-fiber meals in about 15 minutes. Look for precooked wild rice packets to cut down on prep time. Topping these bowls with prebaked tofu also cuts down on the time it takes to make this quick meal-prep lunch.

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Lemon-Roasted Vegetable Hummus Bowls

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Brimming with colorful roasted vegetables, these plant-based, meal-prep lunch bowls are high in fiber to keep you full through the afternoon. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought hummus to cut down on prep time, or make a batch of your own. You can also sub in an 8-ounce microwaveable quinoa pouch to minimize cooking.

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Jackfruit Barbacoa Burrito Bowls

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Jackfruit, a tropical fruit with a dense, chewy texture, is a blank canvas that takes on flavors well. In these vegan burrito bowls, the jackfruit is simmered in a warm and spicy chile sauce that's so good that you'll never know you're eating a plant-based protein instead of pork or beef.

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Vegan Superfood Grain Bowls

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This nutrient-packed grain bowl recipe comes together in 15 minutes with the help of a few convenience food shortcuts like prewashed baby kale, microwavable quinoa and precooked beets. Pack these ahead to keep on hand for easy meal-prep lunches or dinners on busy nights.

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Turmeric Rice Bowl with Garam Masala Root Vegetables & Chickpeas

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This fragrant turmeric rice bowl topped with leftover spiced roasted root vegetables and chickpeas is inspired by flavors from India for an easy, vegetarian dinner.

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Black Bean-Quinoa Bowl

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This black bean and quinoa bowl has many of the usual hallmarks of a taco salad, minus the fried bowl. We've loaded it up with pico de gallo, fresh cilantro and avocado plus an easy hummus dressing to drizzle on top.

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Vegan Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl with Creamy Green Sauce

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In a vegan riff on green goddess dressing, cashews provide a creamy base with tons of flavor from herbs and apple cider vinegar. Drizzle it all over this bowl of quinoa and roasted vegetables to make a satisfying vegan dinner or easy packable lunch that is ready in just 30 minutes.

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Chickpea & Veggie Grain Bowl

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This high-fiber vegetarian grain bowl is packed with colorful veggies and plant-based protein to keep you feeling energized and satisfied.

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Farro & Vegetable Bowls with Lemon-Shallot Herb Sauce

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These hearty grain bowls make the perfect lunch or dinner. You can use any assortment of roasted vegetables you like. The herb sauce adds brightness, while chopped pistachios provide crunch. Use any leftover sauce as a spread on a sandwich or drizzle over fried eggs.

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Vegetarian Sushi Grain Bowl

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Skip the hassle of making sushi rolls at home and just go for this grain bowl. Start with a base of brown rice and add veggies, dressing and creamy avocado for a delicious and easy meal.

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Vegan Burrito Bowls with Cauliflower Rice

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These meal-prep vegan burrito bowls are healthier and more flavorful than takeout. Make them early in the week for grab-and-go meals when days are busy. We use frozen cauliflower rice, a low-carb substitute for white or brown rice, to cut down on prep time.

26 Healthy Vegetarian Bowl Recipes You Can Make Ahead of Time (2024)

FAQs

What are the 5 key components of a Buddha Bowl? ›

In general, they're made up of five key components:
  • Whole grains.
  • Veggies.
  • Protein.
  • Dressing.
  • "Sprinkles," such as nuts, seeds, herbs or sprouts.
Jul 21, 2023

What is a Buddha bowl made of? ›

Assemble: Layer bowls with cooked quinoa, arugula, sweet potato, tomato, avocado, falafel or chicken, feta then nuts. Top homemade buddha bowl with dressing.

Are Buddha bowls healthy? ›

Buddha bowls are a great example of the 'Healthy Eating Plate' model developed at Harvard, Debenham adds. Half the plate (or in this case, bowl) is made up of vegetables, a quarter carbohydrates and a quarter protein, making it a healthy, balanced meal.

What makes a power bowl? ›

A Power bowl is a combination of grains such as rice, proteins like beans and tofu, and vegetables in a single bowl. Toppings such as salsa, spices, and dressings add flavor and color. Many are vegetarian, but meat can be added too. They can be eaten warm or chilled.

What is the difference between a nourish bowl and a Buddha Bowl? ›

Nourish Bowl: also called Nourishment Bowls, are filled with simple, nutrient-dense ingredients to make a filling meal. Buddha Bowls: also called Hippie, Glory, or Sunshine Bowls, are often vegan or vegetarian (think: plant-based proteins), but meat is included in some recipes.

How long does a Buddha Bowl last in the fridge? ›

How long will a Buddha bowl keep in the fridge? Since there are no highly perishable items in plant-based Buddha bowls, most of them will keep in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure to leave off extra-juicy toppings, such as tomatoes, and fruits that may brown, such as apples and pears, until ready to serve.

What's the difference between Buddha Bowl and Poke bowl? ›

Buddha bowls have been compared to Nourish Bowls (a non-vegetarian version) and to Poké Bowls (a Hawaiian raw fish dish). There are several explanations for why the name refers to Buddha.

What is a monk bowl? ›

An alms bowl is a round, oval-shaped eating vessel used by monastics, with a flat bottom and a narrowed opening with which they receive offerings from human and heavenly beings. Its composition and size is described in the monastic rules, so that it holds the appropriate amount of food for the stomach.

Can Buddha bowls have meat? ›

Can a Buddha bowl have meat? Yes you can but just don't call it a Buddha bowl!. Buddhism is against the killing of any sentient being, and rearing any for meat and selling of meat. If you can have meat in your bowl without knowingly supporting any if these actions…

What is another name for a buddha bowl? ›

Buddha bowls are similar to another type of dish called nourish bowls – however, the main difference is nourish bowls can include animal protein. Buddha bowls are also known as grain bowls, hippie bowls, macro bowls or power bowls.

Why do they call it a buddha bowl? ›

Enthusiasts say it's a way of emulating the way Buddha used to eat; he would wake up before dawn and walk about with his bowl among the local people.

How big should a buddha bowl be? ›

Any bowl that will comfortably fit in one hand will suffice. There is no 'perfect' size. If you get tangled up in the abstract quest of finding the perfect-sized buddha bowl, you'll make yourself crazy; it's a needless attachment.

How do you make a perfect bowl? ›

Here are the 6 simple steps to building the perfect nourish bowl:
  1. Step 1 — start with a base of good quality carbohydrates. ...
  2. Step 2 — Top your base with 2–3 cups of salad greens for loads of nutrient rich goodness. ...
  3. Step 3 — Continue the build with half a cup of protein. ...
  4. Step 4 — More veggies!

What is the healthiest bowl base? ›

Start with your base of good quality carbohydrates to create the perfect canvas base for your bowl. Look for whole grains like brown rice, farro, or quinoa. These have a ton of fiber and a lower glycemic index, meaning they won't spike your blood sugar levels like refined grains will.

What is the formula for grain bowls? ›

My formula for simple and satisfying grain bowls includes the following: ½ – ⅔ cup grains. ½ cup green leafy vegetables. ½ – ⅔ cup vegetables (and fruits)

How would you describe a buddha bowl? ›

Named for its big, round Buddha belly shape, a “Buddha bowl” can mean different things to different people, but let's define it here as a one-dish meal consisting of rice or whole grains, roasted veggies, a dressing and protein (by way of beans, tofu, lentils, or in some cases meat or fish).

What are the seven bowls in Buddhism? ›

In Tibetan tradition, the offering of the seven or eight bowls (Tib: Ting) of water is a common practice by most practitioners. The making of offering is a practice that helps eliminate clinging and miserliness while also building up good potential.

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