These One-Bowl Dinners Make Healthy Weeknights a Snap

One-bowl meals are having a moment on all of our favorite restaurant menus, and we’re here for it. Filled with grains or noodles, veggies, and protein, one-bowl meals are healthy and filling— a total winning combo in our book. Since we’re all about making healthy weeknight cooking as easy as possible (especially during the summer!), we’ve made and tested our fair share of healthy bowl recipes.

If you’re looking for your new favorite rice bowl recipe, we’ve got plenty to choose from. Going meatless? Consider yourself covered. Craving sushi? There’s a bowl for that, too. Start your week off right by whipping up one of our top 20 favorite one-bowl meals below. Each is bursting with flavor and nutrients that will fuel you and give you a well-rounded meal without the hassle. You just might be surprised at how creative, filling, and 100 percent satisfying these healthy bowl recipes are.

20 of our favorite healthy bowl recipes for lunch, dinner, and everything in between

Salmon Roll Sushi Bowl

Why we love it: This sushi roll salmon bowl is my favorite way to enjoy all the bright citrus-y flavors I crave throughout the summer. The nourishing combo of fish, rice, fresh veggies, and herbs comes together to create a quick and easy weeknight meal, without having to navigate the stress of a packed sushi restaurant!

Hero ingredient: Crunchy, salty roasted seaweed.

Get the recipe for Salmon Roll Sushi Bowl.

Rainbow Grain Bowl

Why we love it: I’ve been on a major grain bowl kick lately. They’re the perfect solution for those nights when we want to eat clean, but a salad just won’t cut it. Plus there’s no more delicious way to clear your fridge of those random leftover grains and roasted veggies.

Hero ingredient: Sesame seeds kick the whole thing up a notch and makes the bowl feel fancy and elevated.

Get the recipe for Rainbow Grain Bowl.

Farro Bowl With Roasted Cauliflower and Kale

Why we love it: We had the chance to cook up this fresh and delicious warm farro bowl with Gail Simmons on our last trip to NYC and I’ve been attempting to perfect it ever since. It’s packed with fresh ingredients that can be altered a bit, depending on what’s in season. The recipe comes with a side of Gail’s sage advice on cooking it for yourself at home.

Hero ingredient: Jammy eggs give this bowl a sumptuous, creamy, and delicious texture and flavor.

Get the recipe for Farro Bowl With Roasted Cauliflower and Kale.

Hummus, Greens, and Avocado Bowl

Why we love it: For me, the perfect bowl is one that incorporates three elements: fiber, protein, and fat (shout-out to my girl Kelly LeVeque for this!). This hummus, greens, and avocado bowl checks all the boxes with fiber-rich kale, broccolini, hummus, protein-packed eggs, and sunflower seeds. Of course, I’d be remiss not to highlight everyone’s favorite source of fat: avocados.

Hero ingredient: Hummus makes for an unexpected dressing, but it’s the perfect tangy addition to this healthy bowl recipe.

Get the recipe for Hummus, Greens, and Avocado Bowl.

Spicy Tofu Banh Mí Bowl

Why we love it: The onset of summer inspires me to escape my usual routine by trying out new dishes inspired by exotic destinations. And while I don’t have any epic plans to travel around Vietnam, (yet!) this bowl is my current go-to in recreating my favorite sandwich for a quick weeknight dinner that takes me across the world, flavor-wise.

Hero ingredient: Tofu does the heavy lifting here—it’s so much more flavorful than you could possibly imagine.

Get the recipe for Spicy Tofu Banh Mï Bowl.

Chicken Burrito Bowl

Why we love it:  For a weeknight, I like to turn my burrito filling into this yummy protein-packed bowl. If I’m feeling a little more carb-y, (say, on a Saturday night), I’ll scoop it up with all the toppings into a burrito-sized tortilla, and enjoy a full Chipotle-style indulgence. Actually, we have yet to make a Chipotle trip since coming up with this recipe—it’s just as quick and easy, and a whole lot more delicious.

Hero ingredient: Beans! Not only are they delicious, but they add a delightful burst of nutrition.

Get the recipe for Chicken Burrito Bowl.

Veggie Grain Bowl With Spring Garlic Cashew Pesto

Why we love it: This grain bowl has all the fresh veggies combined with farro and tossed in a chunky, delicious homemade spring garlic cashew pesto. It is a highlight of the Two Hands menu, (our favorite Aussie-cool lunch spot in NYC). The flavors are seasonal, fresh, and come together to make the perfect meal on a warm summer day.

Hero ingredient: The garlic cashew pesto is an absolute dream, plus it can be used for just about any salad.

Get the recipe for Veggie Grain Bowl With Spring Garlic Cashew Pesto.

Buckwheat Soba Noodle Bowl

Why we love it: The best part about this soba noodle bowl is that there’s no need to wait for a party to whip it up. Why not make a big pot of soba noodles on Sunday night and fill your fridge with bowls of prepped veggies for a week full of delicious lunches? When it comes to desk-side feasting, it doesn’t get much easier (or healthier) than that. Though be forewarned: serious coworker envy will ensue.

Hero ingredient: Soba noodles just make everything better, don’t you think? They’re irresistible!

Get the recipe for Buckwheat Soba Noodle Bowl.

Quinoa Power Bowl

Why we love it: If there’s one thing I hate, it’s a big lunch that makes the second half of your day drag. This quinoa bowl is filling but in all the right ways. Afternoon slump, bye.

Hero ingredient: If you’ve got salsa verde lying around, give it a drizzle—you won’t regret it.

Get the recipe for Quinoa Power Bowl.

Sheet Pan Spring Veggie Bowl

Why we love it: What could be seen as a totally random hodgepodge of roasted veggies is elevated to a hearty one-bowl meal thanks to this creamy yogurt dressing. Potatoes, chickpeas, and carrots are some of our favorite staples in this dish, but they’re easily interchanged with whatever is in season and your own beloved ingredients.

Hero ingredient: Don’t skimp on the yogurt and herb dressing!

Get the recipe for Sheet Pan Spring Veggie Bowl.

Plant-Based Grain Bowl

Why we love it: Let me introduce you to an easy meal-prep dish that can be subbed with whatever veggies you have on hand (or even last night’s leftovers). All you need is a handful of greens, grains, and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds for a gourmet meal.

Hero ingredient: Ah, the savory crunch of a pumpkin seed.

Get the recipe for Plant-Based Grain Bowl.

Vibrant Spring Broccoli Buddha Bowl from Half-Baked Harvest

Why we love it: As if the stunning colors in this bowl weren’t good enough on their own, it’s packed with flavor and nutrients that will leave you satisfied for hours to come. You are going to fall hard for this vinaigrette, so make some extra and enjoy it on leftovers and salads for days to come.

Hero ingredient: Blood oranges bring a burst of color and an undeniably citrusy bite.

Get the recipe for Vibrant Spring Broccoli Buddha Bowl.

Black Bean Buddha Bowl With Gingery Lemon Tahini Sauce from Minimalist Baker

Why we love it: If you’re like me, then you can’t resist a tahini sauce. This incredibly comforting bowl is a gluten-free delight that couldn’t be easier to make. It’s a versatile and flavorful one-bowl dinner that’s just as nutritious as it is tasty.

Hero ingredient: Tahini, of course!

Get the recipe for Black Bean Buddha Bowl With Gingery Lemon Tahini Sauce.

Blackened Salmon Bowls With Coconut Rice from Fed and Fit

Why we love it: These satisfying and tasty bowls are next-level delicious. It’s the best way to get your seafood fix. The blackened salmon is beautifully seasoned and seared, creating a flavor and texture that’s beyond words.

Hero ingredient: The coconut rice mellows out the salmon’s spices, though it can be interchanged with another grain like quinoa or even cauliflower rice if you prefer. I can practically smell it through the screen.

Get the recipe for Blackened Salmon Bowls With Coconut Rice.

Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad Bowls With Berries from Foodie Crush

Why we love it: There’s simply no arguing with the fact that this bowl is unexpectedly eye-catching and unique. It just might become a staple not only in your weeknight rotation but for your next potluck as well. The combination of all these surprising ingredients lends itself to a robust, bright, and flavorful salad that no one will see coming.

Hero ingredient: Loads of fresh herbs that give this salad an aromatic and savory touch.

Get the recipe for Vietnamese Rice Noodle Salad Bowls With Berries.

Salsa Verde Shredded Beef Bowls from The Defined Dish

Why we love it: Cauliflower rice and shredded beef come together to make a delicious, hearty bowl that only gets better with the addition of salsa verde. Add some creamy avocado into the mix plus a squeeze of lime and you’ve got a weeknight superstar.

Hero ingredient: Cilantro is mandatory, of course.

Get the recipe for Salsa Verde Shredded Beef Bowls.

Greek Cauliflower Salad Bowls from Cotter Crunch

Why we love it: Cauliflower rice, grape leaves, olives, pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, and goat cheese? In one bowl? Sign me up. This deliciously healthy Greek bowl delivers on flavor, texture, and ease, plus it’s sure to earn a spot in your weekly rotation. Give it a try and see for yourself!

Hero ingredient: Load up on the basil and lemon—you won’t regret it.

Get the recipe for Greek Cauliflower Salad Bowls.

California Chicken, Veggie, Avocado and Rice Bowls from Half-Baked Harvest

Why we love it: This recipe is the perfect excuse to fire up the grill! Gather some friends and/or family and impress them with delicious charred chicken and veggies over basmati rice for a spring/summer dinner that’s guaranteed to please.

Hero ingredient: A touch of cheese brings a nice creaminess to the party.

Get the recipe for California Chicken, Veggie, Avocado and Rice Bowls.

Loaded Steak Salad Bowl With Yogurt Green Goddess from What’s Gaby Cooking

Why we love it: Another great grilling opportunity, this loaded steak salad bowl is ideal for enjoying all of the season’s flavors.

Hero ingredient: There’s something about sweet, grilled corn on the cob that screams summertime. I’m all about it.

Get the recipe for Loaded Steak Salad Bowl With Yogurt Green Goddess.

Coconut Rice Salmon Bowl from The Modern Proper

Why we love it: Salmon is such a good bowl component, especially in this poke-esque coconut rice bowl. There are a lot of complementary flavors here, including coconut (duh), mango, and cilantro—all tied together with creamy avocado. Squeeze some fresh lime over the top and you’ve got a real winner.

Hero Ingredient: Toasted coconut and sesame seeds are the toppings of all toppings here. So much flavor.

Get the recipe for Coconut Rice Salmon Bowl.

This post was originally published on June 17, 2020, and has since been updated.