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Home » Recipe Collections

You’re Missing Out if You Haven’t Tried These 27 Bowls

Published: Jun 11, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

There’s something about bowls that just works—they’re easy to eat, loaded with good stuff, and usually way more fun than a regular plate. These are the kind of meals you’ll actually look forward to, whether you’re throwing something together last-minute or planning ahead. If you haven’t tried these yet, you’re missing out big time. They’re simple, packed with flavor, and make your usual routine feel way less boring.

Two grain bowls are shown on a white marble counter with forks, a red linen, dill, and a lemon.
Mediterranean Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

Mexican Corn Salad

An overhead image of Mexican corn salad with the ingredients fully mixed together.
Mexican Corn Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick to prep and full of bold flavor, this corn salad is a smart way to skip takeout without missing out. It’s easy to pair with anything and perfect when time is tight.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Corn Salad

Instant Pot Jollof

A close-up of a pot with cooked jollof rice with a person's hand holding a red spatula.
Instant Pot Jollof. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This Instant Pot Jollof Rice brings strong tomato-pepper flavor with very little effort. It’s a great meal for anyone who wants something filling without spending all evening cooking.
Get the Recipe: Instant Pot Jollof

Mexican Street Corn Salad

An overhead image of Mexican street corn salad in a bowl with two slices of lime resting on the side.
Mexican Street Corn Salad. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Charred corn and tangy dressing make this salad stand out without extra work. It’s quick, easy, and a good way to add something different to dinner.
Get the Recipe: Mexican Street Corn Salad

Nigerian Fried Rice

An overhead image of Nigerian fried rice in a serving bowl.
Nigerian Fried Rice. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Nigerian fried rice takes just 15 minutes and packs in bold spice and crisp veggies. It’s a solid pick for fast meals when takeout isn’t the answer.
Get the Recipe: Nigerian Fried Rice

Bulgur Salad with Orange Dijon Dressing

Bulgur Salad with Orange Dijon Dressing. Photo credit: Running ot the Kitchen.

Bulgur with orange Dijon dressing comes together fast and keeps prep low. It’s perfect for busy days when you still want something that hits the mark.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad with Orange Dijon Dressing

Barley Kale and Cherry Salad

Barley Kale and Cherry Salad. Photo credit: Running ot the Kitchen.

Barley, kale, cherries, and toasted walnuts make this bowl a solid choice for summer. It’s a good mix of fresh and filling that doesn’t take much time to pull together.
Get the Recipe: Barley Kale and Cherry Salad

Crispy Rice Salad

Crispy Rice Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Crispy rice salad turns leftovers into something new with bold flavor and crunch. It’s quick, smart, and proves you don’t need much to make a great meal.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Rice Salad

Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Two grain bowls are shown on a white marble counter with forks, a red linen, dill, and a lemon.
Mediterranean Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Two Cloves Kitchen.

These Mediterranean grain bowls come together fast with bold pantry staples. They’re a strong pick when you want something quick but still worth sitting down for.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Grain Bowl

Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl

Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl. Photo credit: Everyday Family Cooking.

Beans, veggies, and quinoa make this bowl hearty without being heavy. It’s a great option when you want a fast, no-fuss meal that still feels like a win.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl

Bulgur Salad with Pomegranate Seeds

Bulgur Salad with Pomegranate Seeds. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Blood oranges, bulgur, and feta keep this salad bright and balanced. It’s an easy choice for lunch or dinner when you want something seasonal and quick.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad with Pomegranate Seeds

Kale Quinoa Salad

Kale Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This kale quinoa salad brings color and crunch without much prep. It’s a smart way to mix things up when you want something fresh and ready fast.
Get the Recipe: Kale Quinoa Salad

Antipasto Farro Salad

Antipasto Farro Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Farro with crispy prosciutto and bold extras makes this bowl come together fast. It’s a reliable option when you want something strong and filling without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Antipasto Farro Salad

Moroccan Couscous Salad with Israeli Couscous Bowl

Moroccan Couscous Salad with Israeli Couscous Bowl. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Pearl couscous salad with tahini lemon dressing hits hard on flavor and texture. It’s quick to make and great for meals that don’t need much effort.
Get the Recipe: Moroccan Couscous Salad with Israeli Couscous Bowl

Quinoa Mango Spinach Salad

Quinoa Mango Spinach Salad. Photo credit: Running ot the Kitchen.

This quinoa mango spinach salad is light, fast, and keeps things interesting. It’s a solid option for meals that don’t drag but still feel worth making.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Mango Spinach Salad

Salmon Rice Bowl

Salmon Rice Bowl. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

The salmon rice bowl packs sweet, spicy, and savory into one fast meal. It’s a strong choice for busy dinners that still feel put together.
Get the Recipe: Salmon Rice Bowl

Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Overhead shot of shrimp skewers and veggie skewers next to a bowl of dressed grains.
Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl. Photo credit: Renee Nicole's Kitchen.

Grilled shrimp grain bowls bring bright, quick flavor with very little prep. They’re perfect for meals that need to be light but still feel like something.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Shrimp Grain Bowl

Rainbow Bowl

Rainbow Bowl. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

This rainbow bowl loads up on vegetables and grains for a colorful, fast meal. It’s a strong pick when you want fresh and filling without slowing down.
Get the Recipe: Rainbow Bowl

Vegetable Moroccan Couscous Bowl

A close up image of Vegetable Moroccan Couscous in a bowl with a serving spoon.
Vegetable Moroccan Couscous Bowl. Photo credit: Erren's Kitchen.

Moroccan couscous with vegetables and spices gets it done in one pot, fast. It’s a great choice for hearty meals that don’t take all night.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Moroccan Couscous Bowl

Middle Eastern Tofu Bowl

Middle Eastern Tofu Bowl. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Middle Eastern spices give this tofu rice bowl big flavor without much work. It’s a good go-to for quick meals that still feel complete.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Tofu Bowl

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Quinoa, beans, and herbs make this bowl come together fast and balanced. It’s perfect for make-ahead lunches or simple dinners that don’t require much thought.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Quinoa Salad

Slow Cooker Tex Mex Quinoa Taco Bowls

Slow Cooker Tex Mex Quinoa Taco Bowls. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These Tex-Mex quinoa bowls use the slow cooker to keep things easy. They’re a smart way to get dinner done with hardly any hands-on time.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Tex Mex Quinoa Taco Bowls

Middle Eastern Quinoa Salad Bowl

Middle Eastern Quinoa Salad Bowl. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Inspired by tabbouleh, this quinoa salad is fast and flexible. It’s a good choice when your meals need a break from the usual without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Middle Eastern Quinoa Salad Bowl

Quinoa Taco Salad

Quinoa taco salad in a large glass bowl with diced avocado and shredded cheese on top, next to a small bowl of salsa.
Quinoa Taco Salad. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Grains, beans, and salsa dressing turn this taco bowl into a bold, fast meal. It’s a strong pick when you want something easy that still brings flavor.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Taco Salad

Quinoa Salad

Quinoa salad with chickpeas, cucumber, and herbs served in a bowl, with a lemon, a red onion, and additional bowls on the side.
Quinoa Salad. Photo credit: Sage Alpha Gal.

Quinoa with cucumbers, chickpeas, and pistachios keeps things crisp and quick. It’s a good lunch or dinner when time is short and flavor still matters.
Get the Recipe: Quinoa Salad

Millet Tabbouleh

Millet Tabbouleh. Photo credit: Running ot the Kitchen.

Millet tabbouleh uses herbs and lemon to keep things light and easy. It’s great for quick meals that still feel fresh and balanced.
Get the Recipe: Millet Tabbouleh

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes. Photo credit: Grill What You Love.

Couscous with smoked tomatoes builds bold flavor fast without much cooking. It’s a strong pick for nights when you want something good without extra work.
Get the Recipe: Mediterranean Couscous Salad with Smoked Tomatoes

Bulgur Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Leeks

Bulgur Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Leeks. Photo credit: At the Immigrant's Table.

Roasted squash, leeks, and garlic keep this bulgur bowl hearty and low-effort. It’s a great way to make a meatless meal that still feels solid.
Get the Recipe: Bulgur Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Leeks

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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