Southwest Grain Bowl Recipe

This Southwest Grain Bowl is super easy to make, filled with nourishing ingredients, and is perfect for meal prep lunches! 

Ever find yourself in a dinner rush but want something healthy and quick? You can’t go wrong with grain bowls. Need a meal prep lunch that will last you for days? Try a grain bowl! They are versatile, crowd-pleasing, and are perfect for packing for lunch the next day.

I’ve tried a few varieties (have you tried this Vegetable Grain Bowl recipe?)  but Southwest bowls are hands down my favorite. From the texture to the flavor to the visual appeal, there’s not a single thing I’d tweak about these heavenly bowls.

The Southwest grain bowl recipe I’m sharing today is just what you need to meet your eat-more-vegetables or weight loss goals without giving up on the taste. I stand strong with the conviction that healthy food can be absolutely delicious. These grain bowls are proof of that!

Top it with a dollop of sour cream and pair it with crunchy tortilla chips for a satisfying snack. No disappointments!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Good-for-You.  A bowl that’s packed with nutrition, antioxidants, and fiber that’s good for your heart and gut health. These Southwest Grain Bowls are filled with fiber with over 14 grams per bowl!

Easy to Make it Yours. Not a fan of black beans? Swap them out with kidney beans or chickpeas. Want more protein? Add some grilled chicken or salmon. No limits.

Perfect for Takeouts. Pack it in a jar or a small bowl with a tight lid, and there’s your tasty on-the-go meal.

Ingredients

For Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing

Cilantro: Use both the leaves and stems. Fresh cilantro will bring the best flavor and aroma to your dressing.

Fresh Lime Juice: Here’s where you get the zing! I also enjoy a bit of lemon zest.

Honey: Keep things naturally sweet with honey. Agave or maple syrup will fit in perfectly, too.

Minced Garlic: A great pick-me-up for your dressing. It’ll add a touch of umami richness to the bowl.

Minced Ginger Root: For the burst of flavor.

Salt: Always add to taste. I recommend tasting as you go to get the perfect balance.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: You can replace it with avocado oil. The texture will remain the same, but there’ll be a slight flavor difference.

For the Bowl

Kale: This one is full of nutrition and a staple in my grain bowls.

Cooked Grains of Choice: Use ANY TYPE of grain available as long as you like it. I use this Super Grains Blend from Whole Foods, which consists of quinoa, millet, and buckwheat. Other options include rice, farro, bulgur, or barley. All will make a hearty, satisfying bowl!

Cooked Black Beans: Black beans are good for bones, keep the heart healthy, managing blood pressure, and keeping steady insulin levels (source).

Veggies: A large (or two small) red bell peppers, diced celery stalks, thinly sliced green onions, diced jalapenos, and sliced avocado. These all fit in with the southwest flavor profile of this grain bowl!

Check the recipe card below for details on quantities.

How to Make Southwest Grain Bowls

1. Place all of the dressing ingredients in a small blender and blend until combined. Set aside.
2. To assemble the bowls, add 1/4 of the kale to a bowl, top with 1 cup of the grains, 1/4 of
   the black beans, red bell pepper, celery, green onions, jalapeño pepper, and avocado.
3. Drizzle with 1/4 of the dressing, and toss to mix ingredients and coat them evenly.
4. Continue with remaining bowls if serving them all at once.
5. If storing for meal prep, place all ingredients except the avocado and dressing in a bowl
   with an airtight container. When ready to eat, add the avocado and dressing. Enjoy!

Customize Your Grain Bowl

1. Add More Veggies. I’ve added roasted red onion, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts to my Southwest grain bowl – it’s great when you have more time to roast some vegetables. I’m sure a cup of cherry tomatoes (especially when they’re in season)  will taste brilliant, too. Add chipotle roasted sweet potato for a perfect blend of sweet and spicy.
2. Bring in Protein. Make a Southwest chicken bowl or a Southwest quinoa bowl with salmon. Use store-bought rotisserie chicken or canned salmon to save time. (Also check out this Salmon Quinoa Bowl for a different flavor profile but similar concept.)
3. Season Your Dressing. From chili powder and black pepper to garlic powder, there are a lot of ways to enhance the flavor of your dressing. Or simply sprinkle some homemade taco seasoning.

If you make this healthy Southwest Grain Bowl or any of my other healthy recipes, please share it on Instagram  and I’ll feature you! Also, if you try it, please leave a comment with a star rating below! Those star ratings are so helpful in helping my recipes get discovered. I appreciate you!

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