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 nourish bowl list at least 6 examples of ingredient choices for each component? ›

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 good meal prep veggie? ›

Our best Vegetarian Meal Prep Ideas
  1. Chickpea muffins. We start this roundup with these snack-friendly Chickpea muffins. ...
  2. Zucchini soup. ...
  3. Vegetable Couscous. ...
  4. Lentil sweet potato salad. ...
  5. Bircher muesli. ...
  6. Pumpkin muffins. ...
  7. Rice salad. ...
  8. Chickpea salad.
Oct 4, 2023

What is the difference between a buddha bowl and a nourish 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.

Are Buddha bowls healthy to eat everyday? ›

Buddha bowls are filling, healthy and fun meals that pack most of the nutrients your body needs. Preparing Buddha bowls can be a relaxing activity with a very rewarding payoff: you get a delicious and balanced meal that will enrich your day, body and soul, overall health and your Instagram/Pinterest feed.

What vegetables can be cooked ahead of time? ›

To get you started, here are 10 of my favorite make-ahead vegetable ideas to batch ahead.
  • 01: Crispy Homemade Sweet Potato Fries.
  • 02: The Best Kale Salad.
  • 03: Roasted Breakfast Potatoes.
  • 04: Sauteed Peppers and Onions.
  • 05: Spiralized Sweet Potatoes or Squash.
  • 08: Casar Spinach Pasta Salad.
  • 10: Roasted Vegetables.

What vegetables can you prep ahead of time? ›

  • Asparagus. Believe it or not, asparagus works great for meal prep! ...
  • Brussels Sprouts. Brussels sprouts are great to meal prep with as they are a fairly hearty veggie that can hold up in the fridge. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Butternut Squash. ...
  • Cabbage. ...
  • Cauliflower. ...
  • Carrots. ...
  • Celery.
Apr 1, 2019

What vegetables can you prepare the night before? ›

PREP YOUR VEGGIES

Get your potatoes, carrots, parsnips, red cabbage and Brussels ready, then simply cover with foil and pop in the fridge, ready to cook tomorrow.

What are 3 good reasons to make grain bowls? ›

The Benefits of Warm Bowls: Why They're a Healthy Choice
  1. Nutrient-Dense. Grain bowls are packed with nutrients, making them an ideal choice for those looking for a healthy meal. ...
  2. Versatile. One of the great things about grain bowls is that they're incredibly versatile. ...
  3. Satiating. ...
  4. Customizable. ...
  5. Convenient.

Why are grain bowls healthy? ›

Nutrient-Dense: The combination of grains, vegetables, and cilantro dressing ingredients creates recipes rich in protein, complex carbs, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats. Filling: The protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs in these bowls leave you feeling full and satisfied after your meal.

Can you freeze grain bowls? ›

Any whole grain can be cooked and frozen: white or brown rice, barley, farro, wheat berries, rye berries, or buckwheat. Even smaller grains like quinoa or millet do well.

What are the five components of a buddha bowl? ›

As I mentioned above, Buddha Bowls usually consist of five difference components including a base, a protein, vegetables, a sauce and optional toppings and/or garnishes.

What are the main components of a buddha bowl? ›

It would always be some type of buddha bowl, with a grain, a legume, blanched leafy greens, steamed vegetables, a pickled vegetable, and a delicious sauce.

What are the elements of a buddha bowl? ›

Buddha bowl is a catchy name for a simple concept: a one-dish meal that's made by piling a healthy combination of whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and a luscious sauce in a large, single-serving bowl.

What does buddha bowl contain? ›

Preparation
  • Grains or starch: Silver rice, wild rice, quinoa, pumpkin, (purple) potatoes.
  • Protein: Tempe strips, tofu cubes, mushrooms, chickpeas, egg, lentils.
  • Vegetables: Avocado is almost obligatory, but you can add anything you like.
  • Sauce: Tahini dressing, hummus, soy sauce, lemon juice, vinaigrette.

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