Searching for Nutritious Delights? 40 Dishes with Grains, Fruits and Veggies Everyone Will Enjoy!

Incorporating more whole grains, vegetables and fruit into our diets offers numerous health benefits that cannot be overstated. And we have ideas – oh, do we have ideas! Wait till you see the colorful, texture-rich, flavorful recipes we have for you here. Every single one of our 40 recipes combines grains and vegetables (or fruit) in a significant way. Serve as sides to your protein of choice, or enjoy as a hearty plant-based main dish. We have included a few cous cous recipes, and one noodle too. Many people think cous cous is a grain; it is actually a very small pasta; for the noodle recipe, try a hearty buckwheat noodle! These recipes fit in perfectly, and are too tasty to leave out.

Whole Grains Offer Tons of Nutrition

Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, farro, and freekeh, are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, promoting digestive health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers, and aiding in weight management by keeping us feeling fuller for longer periods. 

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Can be The Star

Meanwhile, vegetables and fruit are nutritional powerhouses, packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and antioxidants. Consuming a variety of colorful vegetables and fruit supports overall health, strengthens the immune system, improves digestion, and lowers the risk of obesity and other lifestyle-related diseases. 

By prioritizing whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables in our meals, we not only nourish our bodies but also contribute to a more sustainable food system, as plant-based foods generally have a lower environmental footprint compared to animal-based products.

Roasted Pumpkin Quinoa Salad

Our Roasted Pumpkin Quinoa Salad is hearty enough for a main dish at lunch, or add a small amount of roasted meat, chicken, fish or tofu for dinner. Combined with fresh herbs and nuts and fresh, juicy pomegranate seeds, this is a memorable salad. Company worthy. Get the recipe.

Kale Quinoa Salad with Blueberries, Green Beans, Feta & Pecans

This salad has it all going for it. The title says it all: Kale Quinoa Salad with Blueberries, Feta & Pecans. I served this at my wedding and believe me, even kale “haters” were smitten. Get the recipe.

Turkish Bulgur Salad

If you’re looking for a delicious and flavorful salad recipe for your summer BBQ parties, look no further than the Traditional Kisir Recipe! This spicy Turkish Bulgur Salad is the perfect dish to impress your guests and add some variety to your table. Get the recipe.

Pearl Barley Salad with Fresh Summer Vegetables

A Pearl Barley Salad recipe that’s loaded with chewy barley and fresh summer vegetables then topped with fresh basil, a sprinkle of vegan feta cheese and a drizzle of lemon miso dressing. Low calorie and high protein, this healthy recipe requires only 8 wholesome ingredients and 20 minutes to make. Ooh La La It’s Vegan, too! Get the recipe.

Greens & Grains Power Lunch

All of the ingredients for this Greens & Grains Power Lunch can be prepped at the start of the week, and you’re all set for easy, healthful and delicious meals for days to come! Naturally gluten free, dairy free and vegan! Get the recipe.

Asparagus Quinoa Salad with Pesto

Upgrade your lunch game with this easy-to-make Asparagus Quinoa Salad with Pesto! It’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. The nutty quinoa provides a filling base, while the roasted asparagus and peas add flavorful savory contrast. Get the recipe.

Lebanese Tabouli Salad

This Taboule Recipe (Lebanese Tabouli Salad) is a refreshing and healthy Middle Eastern salad made with fresh parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur.

It is full of flavor, color, and nutrition and is extremely easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Get the recipe.

Grape Quinoa Salad with Spinach and Almonds

For a quick, healthy meal the whole family will love, you’ve got to try this delicious grape quinoa salad! The perfectly cooked quinoa is mixed with sliced almonds, green onions, sweet red grapes and fresh spinach. The whole dish is topped off with a tangy orange dressing that brings the whole thing together. It’s great for a quick dinner with some rotisserie chicken, but it also makes the best side dish for the holidays or a potluck! {Gluten-free & vegan-friendly}. Get the recipe.

Massaged Kale Quinoa Salad

My go-to kale salad! This Massaged Kale Quinoa Salad is super simple, loaded with plant protein, vitamins, and healthy fats (yet, oil-free!) It has tons of flavor and texture! Even the kids gobble this one up! And it only takes about 20 minutes to make! Get the recipe.

Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowls

Roasted vegetables, healthy plant protein, lots of texture, bursts of fresh flavor, and a creamy Cashew Curry Sauce to bring it all together. These Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowls, made in under an hour, are a delicious meal suitable for any night of the week. Get the recipe.

Quinoa Veggie Bowl

An easy, plant based meal that celebrates the bounty of spring. This Quinoa Veggie Bowl will leave you feeling healthy and satisfied. A big dollop of pesto brings tons of bright, fresh flavor. Get the recipe.

Roasted Veggie Rice Bowls

These delicious Veggie Rice Bowls are easily customized with your favorite vegetables and are perfect for any night of the week! Don’t forget the creamy tahini sauce! Get the recipe.

Mediterranean Grain Bowls

These Mediterranean Grain Bowls feature fluffy quinoa, crispy garlic herb roasted chickpeas, lemony cucumber tomato salad, creamy avocado, and an easy hummus dressing. They’re packed with flavor and nutrients and have become a dinner time staple in our house! Get the recipe.

BBQ Hawaiian Tofu Bowl

These vegan BBQ Hawaiian Tofu Bowls feature a sweet and savory mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs. Quick and easy to make, gluten-free, and incredibly delicious! Ready in just 30 minutes! Get the recipe.

Easy Quinoa Edamame Salad

Embrace the crunch and freshness of our quinoa edamame salad with a delicious Asian Salad Dressing. This recipe combines protein-packed quinoa and edamame with crisp, colorful veggies. The kicker? A homemade Asian-inspired vinaigrette that pulls it all together. It’s an easy, versatile dish that’s perfect for a quick lunch or a standout side at dinner parties. With its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, this salad is more than just a meal; it’s a healthy culinary experience. Let’s get started! Get the recipe.

Mediterranean Farro Salad

This Mediterranean Farro Salad is an easy, fresh salad mixing farro, fresh vegetables, chickpeas, fresh herbs and feta cheese with a light dressing. Farro salads hold up nicely making them great for meal-prep or leftovers. Get the recipe.

Edamame Quinoa Salad With Sesame Ginger Dressing

This edamame quinoa salad with sesame ginger dressing is flavorful, healthy and so easy to make. I often eat a big bowl of this for lunch or dinner. It’s hearty enough to keep you full!

I love making this over the weekend and packing it in meal prep containers for lunch. Get the recipe.

Warm Roasted Veggie Quinoa Salad with Creamy Sesame Dressing

If you’ve never tried a warm quinoa salad, then you are in for a treat! This bowl is filled with roasted, caramelized veggies mixed with a savory crunchy quinoa, fresh avocado, feta crumbles, pumpkin seeds, and a creamy mouthwatering toasted sesame dressing. This is the best nourishing warm salad that you will want to make over and over again. Get the recipe.

Really Good Freekeh Salad

Looking for a filling side salad? Make this Really Good Freekeh Salad with arugula, tomatoes, goat cheese, and pickled red onion. Serve it warm or cold for a hearty whole grain salad. Get the recipe.

Plantain Salad With Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing 

This Plantain Salad With Avocado Cilantro Lime Dressing is the ultimate flavorful and filling summer salad. It is full of flavorful sweet plantains, high-protein black beans and quinoa, creamy avocado, and so much more! This plantain salad recipe is the perfect flavorful salad to try when you need to mix it up! Get the recipe.

Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta

Get ready for a flavor explosion in your mouth! This Greek Quinoa Salad is loaded with delicious Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for meal prep since it tastes better the longer that it sits. Easy to make and great for those barbecues, picnics and weeknight meals! {Gluten-free & Vegetarian}. Get the recipe.

Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad with Apples & Pistachios

This Butternut Squash Quinoa Salad with spinach and apples is a delicious, flavorful dish that’s perfect for fall and winter. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet fancy enough for entertaining. Gluten-free and vegan. Get the recipe.

Vegan Quinoa Poke Bowl

This vegan quinoa poke bowl is rich in nutrients, great for meal prep, and fully customizable. You will love the components we have put together and the delicious mint sauce we top it with. This quinoa poke bowl is a delightful, delicious, and visually appealing rainbow poke bowl that is great for meal prep, and you will surely love it. Get the recipe.

Quinoa Edamame Salad 

This Quinoa Edamame Salad recipe offers a delicious blend of protein rich quinoa and edamame with a variety of other fresh vegetables creating a satisfying and nourishing dish you’ll come back to again and again. Get the recipe.

Tex Mex Cucumber Boats

Tex Mex cucumber boats have a deliciously easy Tex Mex quinoa salad filling. Fresh and flavorful, these quinoa bean cucumber boats make a great lunch or dinner. Get the recipe.

Arugula Couscous Salad 

Ready for a bite of spring? This lemony Arugula Couscous Salad is filled with fresh, bright, and crisp flavors. Pair it with your favorite protein or make ahead to enjoy all week long. Get the recipe.

Berry and Nuts Quinoa Salad

This Berry and Nuts Quinoa Salad is a light and fresh lunch or side salad, yet it has plenty of protein from quinoa and nuts. Fresh summer berries are little powerhouses of vitamins and are super kid-friendly. But the cinnamon toasted nuts will take this dish to the next level. Get the recipe.

Autumn Harvest Grain Salad 

This Autumn Harvest Grain Salad is the best fall salad! It’s a blend of Trader Joe’s Harvest Grains combined with fall-inspired ingredients like butternut squash, cranberries, pecans, and apples. Toss with a vibrant orange dressing for a flavorful side or lunch. Get the recipe.

Ancient Grains Salad

This Ancient Grains Salad is a healthy side dish or a light meal that is brimming with fiber, plant-based protein, vitamins, and minerals! It features juicy cherry tomatoes, salty kalamata olives, and a tangy tahini dressing that’s to die for! Get the recipe.

Wild Rice Salad

Wild Rice Salad is hearty and satisfying salad worthy of a main meal. This bright and beautiful vegan salad is full of flavorful and tender wild rice tossed along with apples, oranges and pomegranate and walnuts. Use this festive and elegant salad for your next Thanksgiving and holiday dinner. It sure will be a guest favorite. Get the recipe.

Falafel Salad With Lemon Tahini Dressing

A vegan falafel salad with lemon tahini dressing that’s filled with fresh vegetables, fluffy quinoa and scattered with real chopped golden brown falafel pieces. Get the recipe.

Tricolor Quinoa Salad

We adore this delicious vegan tri-color quinoa salad mixed with sweet roasted baby peppers, caramelized eggplant and tangy lemon. All tossed together with a zesty lemon garlic dressing. This is the perfect side dish recipe for potlucks and parties. Get the recipe.

Vegan Thai Noodle Salad

Fresh veggies, a creamy peanut sauce, and your favorite noodles easily come together in this Vegan Thai Noodle Salad! It’s ready in less than 15 minutes, low in calories, full of flavor, and one that everyone will love! Get the recipe.

Harvest Grain Bowl

Looking for the perfect protein-packed bowl of goodness to keep you powered through the day? This harvest grain bowl will do just that! In fact, it’s loaded with quinoa, chicken, sweet potatoes, beans, greens, feta, and Refrigerator Pickled Onions and then topped off with an easy cilantro-lime vinaigrette. It’s guaranteed to satisfy whatever craving you have at the moment. Get the recipe.

Warm Sorghum Salad With Kohlrabi, Apple, & Fennel

A warm sorghum salad paired with roasted kohlrabi, ginger gold apple, and fennel. This gluten-free vegan recipe is slightly sweet, comforting, and nourishing for the cold months ahead. Get the recipe.

Farro Salad

This Farro Salad is hearty, toothsome, and nutritious. It makes a satisfying lunch for home, work, or school. Also, deliciously healthy for dinner. Get the recipe.

Greek Farro Salad

This easy and delicious Greek Farro Salad is a great addition to any meal. It has tons of flavor from a quick lemon and herb vinaigrette, garden fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta all mixed with farro. Get the recipe.

Kale Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas & Avocado

This delicious kale quinoa salad with chickpeas, avocado, and preserved lemon dressing is the perfect dinner salad or make-ahead work lunch. Top it with more plant-based ingredients to make it your own! Get the recipe.

Easy Quinoa Black Bean Salad

This easy quinoa black bean salad is a hearty and refreshing salad that comes together in just 30 minutes! Quinoa and black beans are tossed with fresh vegetables like cucumber, bell pepper and carrot and topped with a zesty chili lime dressing. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks and as a side during grilling season! Get the recipe.

Fall Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples

Fall Farro Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Apples is a plant-based grain bowl of textures and tastes that brings the essence of fall to your plate. Served warm or cold, every bite promises the comforting taste of roasted squash, the rustic wholesomeness of chewy farro, and the sweetness of fresh apples and dried cranberries. Get the recipe.

20 Favorite Side Dishes To Pair With Burgers

 Here are 20 of our favorite side dishes to pair with burgers, from oven-baked fries (2 kinds), green salads to hearty potato and pasta sides, even a quick stovetop mac and cheese. READ: 20 Favorite Side Dishes To Pair With Burgers

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