23 Vegan Grain Bowl Recipes to Reinvigorate Your Lunch Routine

This top-notch grain bowl melds the subtle nutty flavor of quinoa with vibrant sweet-as-candy roasted beets, tender steamed broccoli, and a dreamy thyme- and orange-scented dressing. Top with creamy avocado slices for a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy any time of the day. Feel free to use different colored beets or just one color; it’s delicious either way.

“Delicious! Everyone loved this dish,” writes one fan about this 30-minute oil-free fried rice. The complex nutty flavor of farro is a nice change from brown rice and perfectly complements the medley of frozen stir-fried veggies and fresh kale. Then a bright ginger-lime sauce transforms this simple stir-fry from yum into are-you-kidding-me. Garnish with sesame seeds, and dig in!

Aromatic summer veggies, such as grilled corn, zucchini, red onion, and roma tomatoes, take center stage in this nourishing vegan grain bowl. The veggies are brushed with basil pesto before grilling, lending finger-licking flavor to every mouthful, while garlic-infused quinoa lends a sweet earthiness to the bowl. To finish, add a large dollop of pesto sauce featuring blended chickpeas and cashew-based basil pesto. Note: If you’re not into cashews, sunflower seeds also work, or try this vegan basil pesto instead.

Loaded with good-for-you ingredients and requiring just 15 minutes to prepare—what’s not to love about this easy quinoa slaw bowl? Seasoned mashed chickpeas, shredded cabbage, and carrot are given a quick blast in the microwave to soften the veggies. (You could also do this on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to stop everything from sticking.) Toss in a few chickpeas, sweet peas, and juicy tomatoes, then squeeze lemon juice over the bowl to brighten the flavors. Writes a fan, “Just made this for supper—easy and quick meal. Everything was in the freezer or pantry. Tomatoes were fresh from the garden. Two bowls plus leftovers for two more! Cook once, eat twice!”

This hearty grain bowl pairs chewy wild rice and earthy red quinoa with creamy yellow lentils, crunchy green beans, and umami-rich mushrooms. The mildly sweet flavor of Swiss chard dials up the oomph factor while adding textural contrast. Drizzle with a tangy Dijon mustard dressing, and garnish with orange slices, pungent red onion, and a few slivered almonds. Feel free to get creative and mix and match leftover grains and veggies.

If bold flavors are your thing, you’ll go crazy for this mouthwatering Mexican-inspired grain bowl. Brown rice gets a delicious boost of flavor from tart salsa verde and fresh cilantro, while a chipotle-lime marinade adds a smoky citrus flavor to grilled yellow summer squash. Top with earthy pinto beans, creamy avocado, crisp red cabbage, and crunchy tortilla strips for a truly memorable meal.

Fragrant with the sweet-peppery flavor of basil pesto, this big beautiful cauliflower rice bowl is family-friendly and loaded with vegetables. Plus, it doesn’t require you to use every pot in the house! First, you cook brown rice, and toward the end of cooking, add the cauliflower rice and veggies—don’t you love simple hacks like this?—then just drain off the water, stir in pinto beans and pesto, and season with salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Easy peasy.

Tender sweet potato, earthy chickpeas, and ginger- and garlic-infused kale add a rainbow of color and satisfying goodness to this hearty vegan grain bowl. A light peanut sauce complements the flavors without overwhelming them. Quinoa works well in this bowl because it’s a more delicate grain, but feel free to use whatever grains suit. Bonus: All the toppings are pan-steamed in the same dish for quick preparation and easy clean-up. One happy fan shares, “It came out great. Put hot sauce in the peanut topping.”

These scrumptious quinoa grain bowls come together quickly and combine the smoky goodness of barbecue sauce–infused jackfruit with the subtle earthiness of quinoa. Top with quick-pickled veggies and serve with crispy whole grain garlic-infused bread.

Satisfy those comfort-food cravings with this thick and creamy mushroom-studded, oven-baked polenta bowl. Crowned with the caramelized flavor of roasted veggies, a tangy tomato sauce, and a garnish of fresh parsley, this cozy bowl overflows with hearty flavor.