Build-Your-Own Grain Bowl Recipe (with Shrimp, Rice & Veggies)

These powerhouse bowls are downright drool-worthy!

When I can’t decide what sounds good for lunch or dinner, I love having a meal where I don’t actually have to decide on just one thing. That’s exactly why this grain bowl recipe is such a favorite. You get a hearty grain, your favorite protein, plenty of colorful vegetables, a flavorful sauce, and all the toppings your heart desires. Even better, you can mix and match the ingredients to create a bowl that fits whatever you’re craving that day.

Related: How to Build the Perfect Healthy Salad

Reasons to Love this Grain Bowl Recipe

There are plenty of reasons to keep this recipe in your back pocket. For starters, it’s easy, healthy, and completely customizable. I can make it with whatever grains, protein, and vegetables I already have in the fridge, which is always a win when I’m trying to use up leftovers.

It’s also a great way to build a balanced meal without making things complicated. The grains provide something hearty and filling, protein helps make the bowl satisfying, and vegetables add plenty of color, flavor, and texture. Then there’s the sauce and toppings, which are where I can really have some fun.

And let’s talk about leftovers. This is one of those recipes that works beautifully for meal prep grain bowls, so I can make several portions at once and have an easy lunch ready to go. It’s basically my favorite kind of meal: healthy without feeling boring.

Ingredients Needed to Make this Shrimp Rice Bowl

The beauty of this shrimp rice bowl is that there really isn’t one “correct” combination of ingredients. Here’s the basic formula I use:

• 1/2 cup cooked grains: Brown rice, quinoa, barley, or couscous all work well.
• 1/2 cup cooked protein: Shrimp, chicken breast, eggs, tofu, edamame, or beans are all great options.
• 1 cup vegetables: Use a mixture of cooked and raw vegetables for plenty of variety.
• 3 tablespoons flavorful sauce: Try salsa, spiced Greek yogurt, guacamole, or hummus.
• 2 tablespoons garnish toppings: Chopped cilantro, green onions, avocado, sesame seeds, olives, cheese, or pickles are all delicious options.

If I’m making a Mexican-inspired bowl, I might go with brown rice, shrimp, peppers, salsa, avocado, and cilantro. If I’m craving something completely different, I can swap in quinoa, roasted vegetables, chicken, hummus, and feta. That’s what makes this a true build your own bowl recipe—the possibilities are pretty much endless.

How to Make a Grain Bowl

Once your ingredients are cooked and ready to go, these bowls come together in just a few minutes.

1. Start with the grains. Add the cooked grains to the bottom of your bowl. Brown rice, quinoa, barley, and couscous are all delicious choices.
2. Add your protein and vegetables. Layer the cooked protein and vegetables over the grains. I like combining a few cooked vegetables with something fresh and crunchy for different textures.
3. Add the sauce. Drizzle your favorite sauce over the top of the bowl. Salsa, guacamole, hummus, or a creamy Greek yogurt sauce are all great choices.
4. Finish with toppings. Sprinkle on your favorite garnishes and dig in!

You can also turn this into a grain bowl with vegetables by going heavy on the produce and adding whatever combination you have available. Raw spinach or arugula, broccoli, zucchini, peppers, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cucumbers, and tomatoes are all fair game.

For an especially easy week, prepare all of your ingredients ahead of time and assemble the bowls when you’re ready to eat. These make-ahead lunch bowls can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator, making busy weekdays a whole lot easier.

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how forgiving it is. You don’t need to make a special grocery trip just to put together a good bowl.

Swap the grains: Use brown rice, quinoa, barley, or couscous. You can also use whatever cooked grain you happen to have leftover.

Change the protein: Shrimp is delicious, but chicken, eggs, tofu, edamame, and beans work just as well. You could even combine two proteins if you’re feeling ambitious.

Mix up the vegetables: Use raw, roasted, steamed, or sautéed vegetables. This is a great recipe for cleaning out the vegetable drawer!

Try a new sauce: Salsa gives the bowl a fresh, zesty flavor, while hummus or guacamole makes it extra creamy. A seasoned Greek yogurt sauce is another easy option.

Don’t forget the toppings: Fresh herbs, avocado, green onions, olives, cheese, sesame seeds, and pickles can completely change the flavor of the finished bowl.

Basically, if you have a grain, a protein, some vegetables, and something delicious to drizzle on top, you’re well on your way to dinner.

Related: How to Build a Perfect Skinny Smoothie

FAQ: Healthy Grain Bowl

What is a grain bowl?

A grain bowl is a customizable meal made with a cooked grain as the base and topped with protein, vegetables, sauce, and garnishes. Think of it as a salad’s heartier cousin. You can use practically any combination of ingredients, making it easy to create a meal around your favorite flavors.

Are grain bowls healthy?

They absolutely can be! A healthy grain bowl can provide a satisfying combination of whole grains, protein, vegetables, and healthy fats. Choosing nutrient-dense ingredients and being mindful of portions for sauces and toppings can help you create a well-rounded meal.

Can I make grain bowls ahead of time?

Yes! That’s one of the best things about them. Prepare your grains, protein, and vegetables ahead of time, then portion everything into airtight containers. Add sauces and delicate toppings separately when possible so everything stays fresh.

What grains are best for grain bowls?

Brown rice, quinoa, barley, and couscous are all excellent options. I usually choose based on what I have on hand and what flavors I’m going for. Quinoa is especially nice when I want something light, while brown rice makes the bowl feel extra hearty.

What protein goes well in a grain bowl?

Pretty much anything! Shrimp, chicken breast, eggs, tofu, edamame, and beans are all easy options. Leftover grilled chicken or shrimp is particularly handy when you’re putting together a quick lunch.

Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Meal Rotation

I love recipes that make healthy eating feel easy rather than like another chore on my to-do list, and this grain bowl recipe definitely fits the bill. It’s flavorful, filling, endlessly customizable, and perfect for using whatever ingredients I already have hanging around the kitchen.

Whether you make a shrimp and rice combination, load yours up with vegetables, or create a completely different flavor profile, there’s really no wrong way to build your bowl. And when I can prep everything ahead of time and have lunch ready for the week? Even better.

Similar Recipes

If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful bowls, there are plenty more to try. These recipes are great when you’re craving another healthy, satisfying meal that combines protein, vegetables, and plenty of flavor:

• Green Goddess Bondi Bowl
• Sriracha Salmon Power Bowl (pictured above)
• Skinny Taco Bowl
• Pineapple Honey Shrimp Taco Bowl
• Low-Carb Burger Bowls

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