Hey Lykkers! Ever feel like you want to eat healthy but also want your meals to be quick, tasty, and easy to prepare? I totally get it — meal prep can sometimes sound boring or complicated, but trust me, it doesn’t have to be.

Today, I’m sharing two super simple grain bowl recipes that are perfect for meal prep and packed with fresh, seasonal ingredients. These bowls are not only delicious but also really satisfying and versatile. Let’s jump right in!

Why Grain Bowls?

Grain bowls are basically your one-stop meal — a balanced mix of grains, veggies, protein, and tasty dressings.

They’re great for meal prep because you can make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and have healthy lunches or dinners ready for several days. Plus, they’re super customizable depending on what you like or what’s in season.

1. Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl

If you love bright, fresh flavors with a Mediterranean vibe, this bowl is going to be your new favorite. It’s light, crunchy, and creamy all at once.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup quinoa

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 1 cucumber, diced

- ½ cup dark purple olives, sliced

- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 tbsp lemon juice

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional: grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein

How to Make It:

1. Rinse your quinoa well and cook it according to package instructions (usually 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water, simmer for 15 minutes). Once done, fluff it and let it cool.

2. Toss together your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and parsley in a large bowl.

3. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a simple dressing. Pour over your veggies and quinoa, then mix gently.

4. Sprinkle on crumbled feta and add your choice of protein — grilled chicken or chickpeas work great.

5. Portion into containers and refrigerate. This keeps well for up to 4 days!

2. Southwest Brown Rice Bowl

Craving something a little smoky and hearty? This Southwest bowl hits all the right notes with spices, beans, and fresh lime.

Ingredients:

- 1 cup brown rice

- 1 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)

- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)

- 1 red bell pepper, diced

- ¼ cup chopped cilantro

- 1 tsp ground cumin

- 1 tsp smoked paprika

- Juice of 1 lime

- 1 avocado, diced (add just before eating)

- Strained yogurt or salsa for topping

- Optional: grilled shrimp or tofu for protein

How to Make It:

1. Cook your brown rice as per package directions and let it cool.

2. Mix rice, black beans, corn, bell pepper, and cilantro in a big bowl.

3. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and lime juice to bring everything together with a punch of flavor.

4. Divide the mixture into meal prep containers.

5. Add avocado and a spoonful of Strained yogurt or salsa just before you eat to keep it fresh.

6. Don’t forget to add your preferred protein — grilled shrimp or tofu are great options here.

7. Store in the fridge, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Final Thoughts

Meal prep doesn’t have to be complicated or dull. These two grain bowls are easy to make, taste amazing, and keep you fueled throughout the week. Whether you want fresh Mediterranean vibes or a smoky Southwest twist, these recipes have got your back. Give them a try, Lykkers, and let me know which one becomes your go-to!

Ready to get meal prepping? Let’s do this!