Roasted Veggie Lentil Grain Bowl

Name: Roasted Veggie Lentil Grain Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked lentils; 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, carrots); 1 cup cooked grains (e.g., quinoa, brown rice); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 lemon, juiced; 1 tablespoon tahini; Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., parsley, cilantro)

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making this Roasted Veggie Lentil Grain Bowl for lunch or dinner. The harmony of flavors from the roasted vegetables paired with protein-packed lentils and grains creates a satisfying dish that's both nutritious and delicious. Each bite bursts with texture, making it a delightful experience. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; you can use whatever veggies you have on hand. In just about 30 minutes, you can whip up this bowl of goodness that is perfect for meal prep or a weeknight feast.

Created by

Aubrey Collins

Last updated on 2026-01-18T11:58:17.585Z

Creating this Roasted Veggie Lentil Grain Bowl has become a staple in my kitchen. I enjoy experimenting with various vegetables based on the season, which adds different flavors and colors to the dish. Recently, I tried adding halved Brussels sprouts and cherry tomatoes, which not only enhanced the taste but also made the bowl visually appealing!

One essential tip I've discovered is to roast the vegetables until they are slightly caramelized. This step really brings out the natural sweetness of the veggies and creates a beautiful contrast with the savory lentils and grains. Pair it with a drizzle of lemon-tahini dressing, and you’ll have a bowl that’s irresistibly fresh and bold!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Nutritious combination of lentils and fresh vegetables
Customizable with your favorite grains and seasonal produce
A filling meal that's perfect for meal prep
Deliciously satisfying and packed with flavor

      

Choosing the Right Vegetables

When making the Roasted Veggie Lentil Grain Bowl, the choice of vegetables plays a crucial role in the dish's overall flavor and texture. While the recipe suggests bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots, feel free to substitute these with other seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or sweet potatoes. Using a variety of colors not only results in a visually appealing bowl but also enhances the nutritional profile, bringing in diverse vitamins and minerals.

Make sure to uniformly chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces to ensure even roasting. You want them to develop a nice caramelization, which typically takes about 20 minutes in the oven. Keep an eye on them; if they start to brown too quickly, consider lowering the oven temperature slightly to avoid burning.

Perfecting the Dressing

The dressing elevates the Roasted Veggie Lentil Grain Bowl from good to exceptional. When whisking the tahini and lemon juice together, start with a small amount of water to thin it out. Depending on the thickness of your tahini, you may need to adjust the liquid to get a creamy consistency that drizzles nicely over the bowl. I usually add water spoonful by spoonful until the dressing reaches my preferred pourable texture.

If you want to add an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the dressing. This small addition provides a delightful kick that complements the roasted vegetables and enhances the overall experience of the dish.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for a nutritious and delicious grain bowl:

Ingredients

1 cup cooked lentils
2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, carrots)
1 cup cooked grains (e.g., quinoa, brown rice)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon tahini
Fresh herbs for garnish (e.g., parsley, cilantro)

Feel free to mix and match ingredients according to your preference!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your grain bowl:

Prepare the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Chop the mixed vegetables into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Roast the Vegetables

Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.

Assemble the Bowl

In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils and grains. Once the vegetables are done roasting, add them to the bowl and mix gently.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, tahini, salt, and pepper. Adjust to taste, adding water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Serve

Drizzle the dressing over the grain bowl and garnish with fresh herbs. Enjoy your nutritious and delicious meal!

Serve warm or cold, depending on your preference!

Pro Tips

Using seasonal vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutritional variety to your dish. Don’t hesitate to try different grain combinations for added texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Roasted Veggie Lentil Grain Bowl is an ideal candidate for meal prep. You can cook the lentils and grains ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to five days. When you're ready to eat, simply assemble the bowl by roasting a fresh batch of vegetables and adding your pre-cooked lentils and grains. Great news for busy weeknights!

If you have leftovers, the bowl can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve, as this will prevent the grains from becoming soggy. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to keep the lentils moist.

Variations to Explore

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt it to fit your dietary preferences. For a vegan option, the tahini dressing is perfect, but for a creamy twist, try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of feta cheese on top. If you're seeking a low-carb variant, substitute the grains with cauliflower rice to lighten the bowl without sacrificing flavor.

Additionally, mix up the grains you use. While quinoa and brown rice are excellent choices, consider experimenting with farro, barley, or even buckwheat for different textures and flavors. Each grain adds its unique nutritional benefits, making your grain bowl even healthier.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this bowl vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan as it contains no animal products.

→ What can I substitute for lentils?

You can use chickpeas or black beans in place of lentils for a different flavor and texture.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can meal prep this dish! Store the components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

→ What type of grains work best?

Quinoa, brown rice, farro, or even couscous work well in this recipe.