20 Healthy Bowl Recipes That Are Definitely Dinner-Worthy
Simple one-bowl meals that are packed with healthy grains and more!
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
Bowl recipes are a smart meal strategy: Basically, you can throw together any combination of foods to mix-and-match your way to a nutritious, delicious lunch or dinner. Transform leftovers from different meals into one masterpiece by combining them all in a bowl and drizzling on a dressing or start from scratch for a more intentional, healthy meal. Piling on the good (and good-for-you) stuff means you'll be full and satisfied — plus, you can meal prep the ingredients and throw everything together when you're ready to eat. That's a weeknight dinner winner if you ask us.
While you can put pretty much anything in a noodle or grain bowl, you may need ideas for next-level flavor combos. That's where we come in — we rounded up our best bowl recipes for any diet, including protein-packed chicken recipes, vegetarian options and even some vegan ideas. Try vibrant Roasted Chickpea, Tomato and Chicken Bowls, colorful Air Fryer Fish Taco Bowls or flavorful Sticky Tofu Bowls, to name a few.
Veggies and protein are key to a complete grain bowl, but the add-ins take it over the top. Don't forget that extra something special, like a bright and tangy dressing, crunchy nuts or seeds, fresh herbs, pickled veggies or any of your favorite condiments (salsa, ranch, hot sauce, etc. are all fair game!). Start with our best recipes, below, but feel free to zhuzh 'em up as you see fit. Grab a bowl!
Sticky Tofu Bowl
Combine extra-firm tofu and shiitake mushrooms for a protein-packed topping on this 100% plant-based bowl.
Get the Sticky Tofu Bowl recipe.
RELATED: 20 Rice Bowl Recipes That Make Any Weeknight Meal a Breeze
Roasted Chickpea, Tomato and Chicken Bowls
Salad just not satisfying? Go for a grain base, then fold in leaves for a heartier option that still gets in your greens.
Get the Roasted Chickpea, Tomato and Chicken Bowls recipe.
RELATED: 47 Healthy Salad Recipes
Air Fryer Fish Taco Bowls
Street tacos are tasty, but they can't hold nearly as many toppings as these brown rice-based beauties. More slaw, please!
Get the Air Fryer Fish Taco Bowls recipe.
RELATED: Here's Everything Else You Can Make in Your Air Fryer
California Roll Bowl
Turn the sushi parlor staple into an epic bowl: Pile lettuce, rice, cucumber, avocado and surimi then drizzle everything with spicy mayo.
Get the California Roll Salad recipe.
Brown Rice Bowl with Jammy Eggs and Olive Vinaigrette
Think beyond ranch dressing: A blended olive vinaigrette brings zesty flavor to this filling dinner, plus leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Get the Brown Rice Bowl with Jammy Eggs and Olive Vinaigrette recipe.
Roasted Squash and Pumpkin Seed Mole Bowls
Sometimes the secret to a great bowl is a killer sauce. A pumpkin seed-tomatillo drizzle takes this one over the top.
Spicy Sesame Rice Bowls
Gochujang-marinated beef cooks in just 10 minutes in your Instant Pot, meaning this flavorful dinner is not far away.
Get the Spicy Sesame Rice Bowls recipe.
Roasted Mediterranean Shrimp Bowl
Looking for a gluten-free base other than rice? Chickpea-based rice reminds us of orzo — and pairs perfectly with this Mediterranean-inspired bowl.
Get the Roasted Mediterranean Shrimp Bowl recipe.
RELATED: 36 Easy Mediterranean Diet Recipes That Are Absolutely Delicious
Greek Chicken Grain Bowl
Don't stress about packing lunch: It can be as easy as grains, veggies and protein seasoned with just a squeeze of lemon. Done!
Get the Greek Chicken Grain Bowl recipe.
Crispy Tofu Bowls
Quinoa, while technically a seed, packs in more protein than any other whole grain. Plus, it's mild, nutty flavor pairs well with almost anything — like this crispy tofu, toasted cashews, chopped cucumber combo.
Get the Crispy Tofu Bowls recipe.
RELATED: 35 Healthy Tofu Recipes That Even Meat Lovers Will Crave
Salmon Niçoise Bowl
Make the fancy French salad casual enough to enjoy on the couch (or on the go!) by transferring its key ingredients into a bowl. A simple lemon dressing brings it all together.
Get the Salmon Niçoise Bowl recipe.
Steak and Rice Noodle Bowls
This colorful steak dinner drizzled with a chile-lime vinaigrette proves that bowls definitely don't have to be boring.
Get the Steak and Rice Noodle Bowls recipe.
RELATED: 83 Steak Recipes That Make Dinner at Home Feel Extra Fancy
Mediterranean Chicken Bowls
Throw all your bowl toppings — chicken, tomatoes and onion — in the air fryer for a vibrant feast in 30 minutes.
Get the Mediterranean Chicken Bowls recipe.
Pork Meatball Banh Mi Bowls
Take all the components of bánh mì — a sub-like sandwich filled with fresh herbs, veggies and pork — and pile it into a bowl for a tasty twist you can eat with a fork.
Get the Pork Meatball Banh Mi Bowls recipe.
RELATED: 50 Homemade Meatball Recipes That Make the Perfect Family Dinner
Tex-Mex Chicken Bowl
Make use of a meal prep MVP — rotisserie chicken — by shredding it for a fast, filling meal. Lunch or dinner in 15 minutes, done.
Get the Tex-Mex Chicken Bowl recipe.
Tuna Poke Bowl
This takeout favorite is easy to make at home in just three steps. Be sure to source sushi-grade ahi tuna.
Get the Tuna Poke Bowl recipe.
RELATED: What Is Sushi-Grade Fish? Everything You Need to Know
Sesame Steak Noodle Bowl
Cutting the noodles with spiralized carrots adds extra nutrients — and crunch!
Get the Sesame Steak Noodle Bowl recipe.
Lentil Broccoli Falafel Bowls with Jalapeño-Herb Tahini
Nothing goes to waste in this veggie-packed dinner: The cilantro stems get blended into a zesty sauce for added heft and flavor.
Get the Lentil Broccoli Falafel Bowls with Jalapeño-Herb Tahini recipe from Woman's Day.
Steak Burrito Bowl
Level up your bowl meal prep by storing its components (rice, cabbage, roasted black beans, etc.) separately, so everything stays fresh and crisp 'til you're ready to chow down.
Get the Steak Burrito Bowl recipe from Women's Health.
RELATED: The Best Food Storage Containers, Tested by Experts
Shrimp Bowls with Scallion Vinaigrette
Fold chopped tomatoes straight into the scallion vinaigrette for an extra spoonful of veggies on this hearty bowl.
Get the Shrimp Bowls with Scallion Vinaigrette recipe from Woman's Day.
50 Healthier Chicken Recipes We Love
75 Family Dinner Ideas for Any Day of the Week
32 High-Protein Vegetarian Meals
50 Flavorful and Filling Low-Calorie Meals
