Summer Grain Bowls

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

These summer grain bowls are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for warm-weather meals. They’re easy to customize, so you can make them just the way you like.

• Quick to make: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or lazy summer lunches.
• Packed with nutrients: Loaded with colorful veggies, whole grains, and protein to keep you energized.
• Endless variations: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge or garden for a new twist every time.

Recipe

Grain bowls are a versatile and nutritious meal option, perfect for summer. Packed with wholesome ingredients, they can be customized to suit any taste or dietary preference. This recipe combines fresh vegetables, protein, and a flavorful dressing for a satisfying and healthy dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or basil)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa or brown rice with the chickpeas or grilled chicken.
2. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, shredded carrots, and fresh herbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Drizzle the dressing over the grain bowl and toss gently to combine.
5. Sprinkle with feta cheese if desired and serve immediately.

Notes:

• Substitute any vegetables or protein based on preference or availability.
• For a vegan option, omit the feta cheese and use a plant-based protein.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Serving: 2

Calories: 450 per serving

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Summer grain bowls are a nutritious and balanced meal option, packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

What To Serve With It

When I make summer grain bowls, I love adding fresh veggies like crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, or roasted zucchini for a burst of flavor. For protein, I’ll toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even a soft-boiled egg to keep things filling. It’s all about mixing textures and tastes to create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is colorful.

Fresh Vegetable Pairings

Though I love a good grain bowl, it’s the fresh veggies that really make it shine for me. I always lean on seasonal vegetables because they’re at their peak flavor and add a natural sweetness or crunch. In summer, I’ll toss in juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, or charred corn for a smoky kick. I also love playing with flavor combinations—think tangy pickled radishes with creamy avocado or spicy arugula paired with sweet roasted carrots. Mixing textures and tastes keeps every bite exciting. Fresh herbs like basil or cilantro are my secret weapon, adding a pop of brightness that ties it all together.

Protein Additions

Since grain bowls are all about balance, I always make sure to include a solid protein to keep things satisfying. For chicken options, I love grilling or roasting it with simple spices like paprika and garlic—it’s juicy and pairs perfectly with grains. If I’m going meatless, plant proteins like chickpeas, black beans, or tofu are my go-tos. I’ll toss them in a skillet with olive oil and a pinch of salt for extra flavor. Sometimes, I’ll even add a fried egg on top for a creamy surprise. Protein makes the bowl feel complete, and it’s so easy to switch it up!