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    Build Your Own Healthy Nourish Bowl

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my affiliate disclosure.

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Looking for a balanced, nutritious, delicious and easy to make meal idea? Learn how to build a healthy nourish bowl using this simple 3-step formula. Great for lunch, dinner and meal prep!

    Three different healthy nourish bowls arranged in a curve on a white background.

    What is a nourish bowl?

    A nourish bowl is a well balanced, healthy meal containing a variety of nutrient dense ingredients (veggies, healthy fats, quality proteins and carbs). They are also known as buddha bowls, macro bowls, bliss bowls, power bowls, etc. No matter what you call them, these bowls are an excellent option for a healthy and easy lunch or dinner.

    Do you eat them hot or cold?

    That’s up to you – either way is fine! It depends on your preference and the ingredients you choose to add.

    Reasons why I love these healthy bowls

    Nourish bowls are an amazing meal option for a number of reasons:

    • No Recipe Needed: I love that these bowls are so versatile and do not require a recipe. You can use whatever is in season or what is on special – the choice is up to you!
    • Healthy: Filled with a well balanced variety of nutrient rich, whole foods (aka “real food”).
    • Delicious: Obviously one of the most important reasons.😉 So many different flavours and textures combined in one bowl – YUM!
    • Easy To Make: These are super easy to make since you are basically just assembling a variety of your favourite ingredients in a bowl.
    • Endless Options: There are countless combinations so you will never get bored. This also makes them great in households with multiple people since everybody can customize their own bowl to suit their individual tastes.
    • Works For Every Diet: No matter your dietary preference or requirements, these bowls can be customized to suit your needs. That’s the beauty of a meal with no specific recipe. Allergies? Just don’t add those items to your bowl. Vegan? Just use plant-based ingredients. Paleo? Don’t add any dairy or grain-based ingredients, etc. I think you get the picture!
    • Perfect For Meal Prep: These are great for meal prep since you just need to prep a variety of ingredients and then can mix and match to make a variety of different nourish bowls.

    How to make a nourish bowl

    Are you ready to make one? Just follow this simple 3-step formula/template to easily build yourself a healthy and delicious meal.

    Infographic detailing the three steps to build a healthy nourish bowl.

    Step 1: Base Of Leafy Greens

    Start off with a base of leafy greens. Some options include: spinach, kale, arugula, mixed baby greens (mesclun mix), romaine, leaf lettuce, swiss chard, sprouts, microgreens, etc.

    Step 2: Top with variety of veggies, protein, carbs + healthy fats

    It’s time to top your base of leafy greens with a variety of nutrient dense veggies, protein, carbs and healthy fats. You can sprinkle them on top or arrange them in neat little piles or stripes across the top – whatever makes you happy! Here are some options for each group:

    • VEGGIES: They can be raw, roasted or grilled. Pick a few that you enjoy! Some options include: carrots, cucumber, cabbage, zucchini, beets, mushrooms, peppers, radish, broccoli, cauliflower, snap peas, green beans, asparagus, brussel sprouts, etc.
    • PROTEIN: Some options include: nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, quinoa, tempeh, tofu, eggs, fish and quality meat (chicken, turkey, beef, etc.). If choosing animal protein, focus on quality sources. Perhaps you have a great local farmers market, butcher or CSA program in your area that sources quality meat. Alternatively, there are also meat subscription boxes like ButcherBox or truLOCAL that conveniently deliver high quality meat to your door.
    • WHOLE FOOD CARBS: Some options include: sweet potatoes, quinoa, rice, corn, squash, whole grains, wild rice, beans, peas, etc.
    • HEALTHY FATS: Some options include: avocado, nuts, seeds, olives, olive oil, tahini, salmon, etc.

    Step 3: Finish it off with Add-Ons

    It’s time for the delicious add-ons! These are things that you drizzle, scatter and scoop over the top to bring it all together. Some options include: homemade or quality store-bought dressings or sauces, fermented veggies like sauerkraut or kimchi, nuts, seeds, hemp hearts, salsa, hummus, fruit, cheese, guacamole, pesto, nutritional yeast, fresh lemon juice, herbs, favourites spices or seasonings, etc.

    So let’s summarize…

    To make a healthy nourish bowl, simply: Start off with a base of leafy greens. Top with a variety of nutrient dense veggies, protein, carbs and healthy fats. Then bring it all together by drizzling or scattering on some delicious add-ons. Get creative and have fun – the options are endless!

    Great For Meal Prep

    These bowls are absolutely perfect for meal prep. Just prep a variety of ingredients and store them separately in the fridge. For example, you can wash and cut up veggies, roast veggies, cook up some proteins or grains, make a dressing or sauce, etc. Then when it comes time to make a meal, you can easily and quickly mix and match your prepped ingredients to make a delicious nourish bowl. You can also meal prep completely assembled bowls if you prefer but I like the ingredients approach for greater versatility.

    Looking for some inspiration?

    The beauty of these bowls is that they do not require a recipe and are so flexible! However, sometimes we need a little inspiration to get the creative juices flowing. Here are 12 great ideas to get you started!

    Collage of 12 different healthy nourish bowl recipe ideas.

    First off let me break down the ingredients in the bowls featured in the images at the top of this post. These were very easy to put together with a bit of prep work.

    Collage of 3 different healthy bowl ideas.
    1. Tex Mex Style: Base of mixed baby greens topped with shredded carrots, red and yellow tomatoes, green and red bell peppers, shredded roast chicken, corn, black beans, avocado and finished off with a drizzle of sauce (greek yogurt mixed with salsa).
    2. Salmon Bowl: Base of mixed baby greens topped with canned wild sockeye salmon, cucumber, wild rice blend, hard boiled egg, red cabbage, shredded carrots, pea shoots, pepitas, kimchi and finished off with a drizzle of this local UMAMI vinaigrette that I have been obsessed with lately (any tangy vinaigrette or tahini sauce would also taste great!).
    3. Mediterranean Style: Base of baby spinach topped with roasted sweet potatoes, feta cheese, olives, mix of roasted veggies (red onion, zucchini, bell peppers), hummus, squeeze of fresh lemon and drizzle of olive oil.

    Here are some more great ideas from some other talented bloggers to check out:

    • Veggie Power Bowl with Peanut Butter Coconut Milk Dressing by The Forked Spoon
    • Tumeric Chickpea Buddha Bowl by The Kitchen Girl
    • Crispy Tofu Bowls & Garlicky Lemon Yogurt Sauce by Girl Heart Food
    • Spicy Tuna Poke Bowl by Spoonabilities
    • Spicy Chicken Nourish Bowl by Kitchen Sanctuary
    • Roasted Veggie Winter Bliss Bowl by The View from Great Island
    • Fall Nourish Bowls by Damn Delicious
    • Chipotle Tahini Bowls by Pinch of Yum
    • Buddha Bowl by Claudia Canu

    What’s your favourite nourish bowl combo? Let me know in the comments or show me your delicious creations on Instagram by tagging me (@maple_and_mango). I would love to see what you come up with!

    Print
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    Build Your Own Healthy Nourish Bowl

    ★★★★★ 5 from 13 reviews
    • Author: Vanessa | Maple + Mango
    • Prep Time: 10 min (will vary)
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: varies
    • Category: Main Course
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Looking for a balanced, nutritious, delicious and easy to make meal idea? Learn how to build a healthy nourish bowl using this simple formula. Great for lunch, dinner and meal prep!


    Ingredients

    Base:

    • Leafy Greens (e.g. spinach, kale, arugula, mixed baby greens, romaine, leaf lettuce, swiss chard, sprouts, microgreens, etc.)

    Top with:

    • Veggies: raw, roasted or grilled (e.g. carrots, cucumber, cabbage, zucchini, beets, mushrooms, peppers, radish, broccoli, cauliflower, snap peas, green beans, asparagus, etc.)
    • Protein (e.g. nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, quinoa, tempeh, tofu, eggs, fish, quality meat*, etc.)
    • Whole Food Carbs (e.g. sweet potatoes, quinoa, rice, corn, squash, whole grains, wild rice, beans, peas, etc.)
    • Healthy Fats (e.g. avocado, nuts, seeds, olives, olive oil, tahini, salmon, etc.)

    Add-Ons:

    • Options include: homemade or quality store-bought dressings or sauces, fermented veggies like sauerkraut or kimchi, nuts, seeds, hemp hearts, salsa, hummus, fruit, cheese, guacamole, pesto, nutritional yeast, fresh lemon juice, herbs, spices, seasonings, etc.

    Instructions

    These bowls are super versatile and do not require a specific recipe.  Just 3 simple steps to easily build yourself a healthy and delicious meal.  Get creative and have fun – the options are endless!

    1. Base of Leafy Greens:  Start off by placing a couple handfuls of leafy greens in your bowl.
    2. Top with Veggies + Protein + Carbs + Healthy Fats:  Add a variety of nutrient dense veggies, protein, carbs and healthy fats.  You can sprinkle them on top or arrange them in neat little piles or stripes.
    3. Finish It Off With Add-Ons:  Drizzle, scatter or scoop on some delicious add-ons to bring it all together.

    Notes

    • Customizable:  These bowls can be customized to suit your personal tastes or dietary requirements (allergies, vegan, paleo, keto, etc.)
    • Perfect for Meal Prep:  These are great for meal prep since you just need to prep a variety of ingredients and then can mix and match to make a number of different nourish bowls.
    • *Quality Meat:  When choosing animal protein, focus on quality sources (e.g. great local farmers market, butcher, CSA program or meat subscription service like ButcherBox or truLOCAL).

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @maple_and_mango on Instagram and hashtag it #mapleandmango

    ⬇ PIN it for later! ⬇

    Pinterest image showing three different meal bowls vertically down the left with text next to it saying Healthy Nourish Bowls.
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Terri

      January 11, 2021 at 6:08 am

      I love all the ideas you give for these bowls- I’ve never actually made one and always wanted to!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        January 11, 2021 at 9:27 am

        Glad you loved the ideas – hope you have a ton of fun building your first bowl!

        Reply
    2. NANCY

      January 10, 2021 at 10:42 am

      Love those reminder to easy to make and mix/match ingredients to build a healthy and delicious nourishing bowl!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        January 11, 2021 at 9:28 am

        I love to mix and match ingredients – never gets boring!

        Reply
    3. Julia Pinney

      January 08, 2021 at 2:54 am

      I absolutely love this idea and how perfect for January. I think many of us are trying to get back on track after the holidays. So many wonderful options here. I love how you covered pretty much everything! And everything looks delicious.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        January 11, 2021 at 9:30 am

        Thank you for leaving a comment. I always crave food like this in January after all the richer foods and cookies in December;)

        Reply
    4. amy

      January 07, 2021 at 4:13 pm

      I love the variety in these bowls, I particularly liked the Mediterranean style bowl. That’s my favorite. These are going on my weekly lunch rotation.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        January 07, 2021 at 4:41 pm

        The Mediterranean style bowl is definitely a good one! I love the variety as well – never gets boring since the possible combinations are endless.

        Reply
    5. Vijitha

      January 07, 2021 at 4:08 pm

      Power bowls / nourish bowls are a favorite in our house! I especially love them for meal prep. You’ve put together a great many options and tips so well – very useful tutorial! These are perfect for after all the indulgent holiday treats 🙂 Thanks!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        January 07, 2021 at 4:39 pm

        I’m so happy that you found this post helpful! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

        Reply
    6. Bernice Hill

      January 05, 2021 at 7:19 pm

      I’m building next week’s grocery list for these NOW! My husband is going away for work next week and I’m taking advantage by eating simple and fresh.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        January 06, 2021 at 2:02 pm

        Nice! Have fun building some beautiful bowls!

        Reply
    7. Sharon

      January 05, 2021 at 3:52 pm

      This is GREAT!! Lots of variety and well laid out for meal prep. Thanks!!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        January 05, 2021 at 4:22 pm

        I’m so happy to hear that you enjoyed it and found it helpful:)

        Reply
    8. Tommy

      June 25, 2020 at 3:10 am

      Cooked this for my girlfriend – the marinated chicken is honestly to die for, I have an allergy to onion and garlic and often you can really miss the flavours leaving those two out, but with the sauce from the marination it was just perfect! We swapped the radishes for cucumber but otherwise so tasty! I love how easy these are and how healthy and tasty they are too! Thanks so much for the recipe

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        June 25, 2020 at 10:18 am

        Glad you and your girlfriend enjoyed it! Thanks so much for letting me know:)

        Reply
    9. Pamela Frost

      February 23, 2020 at 5:31 pm

      This looks so delicious and easy to make as well!

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        February 23, 2020 at 8:33 pm

        Yes they are – perfect for meal prep and so versatile!

        Reply
    10. Marieke

      February 10, 2020 at 8:46 am

      Thanks for all these delicious ideas! I love bowls, especially how versatile they are!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        February 10, 2020 at 9:47 am

        So glad you enjoyed all the ideas! Bowls really are versatile!

        Reply
    11. Katherine | Love In My Oven

      January 30, 2020 at 1:50 pm

      Bowls like these ones are basically my favorite thing to eat!! These look SO delicious. So many options! I’m pinning and making some of these next week!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        February 02, 2020 at 4:23 pm

        Thanks! There are definitely countless options which keeps things interesting:) Glad you liked the post!

        Reply
    12. Colleen

      January 29, 2020 at 8:19 pm

      Great post! Bowls are a favourite at my house. We kind of live on them, haha. Thanks for sharing a wonderful tutorial!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        February 02, 2020 at 4:22 pm

        Not such a bad thing to live off of – so many possible variations that you never get bored!

        Reply
    13. Cathy

      January 29, 2020 at 9:25 am

      This is my kind of dish! Thank you for simplifying it so well with such beautiful graphics!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        February 02, 2020 at 4:20 pm

        Thanks! Glad you found the post helpful!

        Reply
    14. Jessica

      January 28, 2020 at 5:06 pm

      I LOVE how you breakdown these nourish bowls – makes it so easy to make and mix/match ingredients. These look delicious!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Vanessa | Maple + Mango

        February 02, 2020 at 4:19 pm

        Thanks! Glad you liked this post:)

        Reply

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