9 grain bowl ideas
Grain bowls are a quick, versatile addition to your weekly meals. Mix your favourite proteins and veg with grains of your choice for a flavourful dish
Add grain bowls to your culinary repertoire for an easy lunch or dinner option that's simple yet hearty and packed with flavour. Start with a base – barley, quinoa or bulgur wheat are popular choices, and our guide to the top healthiest grains offers plenty more inspiration. From there, customise with your favourite protein, veggies and a drizzle of sauce for a versatile dish that’s also great for meal prep, staying fresh in the fridge for days.
Find more quick dinner recipes for those low-energy days. If you want to get organised, our healthy packed lunch recipes will help you dodge the same old sandwiches while staying on track with your health goals.
For even more ways to incorporate grains and pulses into your cooking, browse our grains and pulses ideas.
1. Pork chops with rhubarb & grains
Rhubarb adds a delicious contrast to tender pork. Served alongside wholesome mixed grains, this simple midweek dinner for two comes together in under an hour.
2. Brussels sprouts grain bowl
Transform your leftover Brussels sprouts from Christmas dinner into a vibrant grain bowl with roasted squash, hummus and a drizzle of tahini. This easy recipe is vegan and gluten-free, and makes a delicious way to reduce festive food waste.
3. Prawn & grain poke bowls
Marinate prawns in a zesty chilli and lime dressing, then pair with grains, juicy mango, radish, avocado and spring onions. This vibrant bowl requires no cooking and makes a quick, colourful and satisfying midweek meal.
4. Help-yourself grain fridge salad
This wholesome vegetarian salad is a lifesaver for busy families, staying fresh in the fridge for a few days. Ideal for quick suppers or packed lunches, it works as a main for up to four or a versatile side dish to serve six.
5. Roasted new carrots, cauliflower, grains & carrot-top dressing
Enjoy this warm and wholesome grain salad, packed with carrots, cauliflower, and green beans. Using all of the vegetable stalks is a brilliant way to reduce waste while saving time on prep.
6. Salmon & purple sprouting broccoli grain bowl
Power through your day with this nourishing salmon and broccoli mixed grain bowl. Packed with omega-3, fibre and vitamin C, it’s a wholesome lunchtime option that fuels both body and mind.
7. Beetroot, feta & grain salad
Whip up a colourful vegetarian meal in just two minutes with a pouch of cooked grains and three simple ingredients. This fuss-free dish is quick, easy and bursting with flavour.
8. Leftover turkey grain bowls with za’atar, rainbow slaw & harissa yogurt
Turn your Christmas turkey leftovers into something special with these colourful grain bowls. Topped with rainbow slaw and a creamy tahini dressing, they make an irresistible gluten-free dinner that’s both fresh and satisfying.
9. Nutty chicken grain salad
If you're looking for a salad to fill you up, give this easy chicken dish a go. Made with just a handful of ingredients, it's just the thing when you're short on time.
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