Your Guide to a Perfectly Imperfect Meal
In the rush of our day to day, sometimes the best meal is the simplest one. That’s why we’re so obsessed with this Leftover Bowl recipe—where the magic of a nutritious, satisfying meal comes from throwing a bunch of good stuff into a bowl and calling it lunch. No fuss, no rigid recipes; just delicious, wholesome food that’s as easy to prepare as it is rewarding to eat.
Building Your Bowl
Creating your Leftover Bowl is as easy as selecting your favorite items from each category below. Mix and match flavors and textures to suit your preferences and what's available in your kitchen.
Base
Cooked Grains like quinoa, brown rice, or millet provide slow-releasing carbohydrates for sustained energy and are rich in fiber, which aids digestion.
Leafy Greens such as spinach or kale are low in calories but high in vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like iron and calcium.
Arugula & Romaine are not only fibrous but also include antioxidants that support immune health.
Proteins
Beans such as chickpeas or lentils are high in protein and contain fiber, iron, and potassium, which support muscle function and overall heart health.
Cooked Meats like chicken or beef offer high-quality protein essential for muscle repair and growth.
Tofu & Tempeh are excellent plant-based proteins that also provide a good amount of calcium and iron.
Eggs & Fish offer omega-3 fatty acids important for brain health and reducing inflammation.
Veggies
Raw Vegetables like carrots and cucumbers are crunchy, hydrating, and rich in various antioxidants.
Roasted Vegetables increase the bioavailability of nutrients like beta-carotene and can be easier to digest.
Microgreens & Sprouts contain higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals compared to their mature counterparts, making them nutrient powerhouses.
Salty & Sweet
Olives & Pickles are flavorful and add a burst of flavor along with essential minerals like sodium, which helps control your body's fluid balance.
Fresh Fruits bring natural sweetness along with essential vitamins and hydration.
Dried Fruits are a concentrated source of energy and fiber but watch portions due to higher sugar content!
Good Fats
Avocados & Nuts provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and are satisfyingly filling.
Seeds such as flax or chia are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for maintaining heart health.
Cheese provides calcium for bone health and can add a satisfying richness to your bowl.
The Dressing
Homemade Vinaigrettes give you control over ingredients and are a healthier way to add flavor with benefits like heart-healthy fats from olive oil.
Creamy Dressings based on Greek yogurt or tahini offer protein and a smooth texture, while adding calcium and healthy fats.
By choosing from each category with an eye on nutrition, you’ll craft a bowl that’s perfectly tailored to nourish your body. Enjoy the simplicity of a meal that’s both good and good for you!
9 Leftover Bowls to Inspire...
Shrimp & Seaweed Bowl
A base of noodles, topped with nori strips, fresh cilantro and microgreens, cherry tomatoes, chilled leftover shrimp, sprinkled with black sesame seeds.
Asian Pork & Noodle Bowl
A flavorful assortment of noodles and fresh herbs like cilantro, complemented by pork, mushrooms, and seaweed, with a light, tangy dressing.
Tofu & Grain Bowl
Quinoa and mixed grains serve as the base, topped with tofu, edamame, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy carrot strips, dressed with a sesame seed garnish.
Strawberry & Spinach Yogurt Bowl
A refreshing mix of leafy greens and yogurt, topped with fresh strawberries, dried tomatoes, and a variety of nuts for a crunchy texture.
Watermelon & Avocado Bowl
Cubes of fresh watermelon and avocado slices are combined with corn, black sesame seeds, and leafy greens, offering a sweet and savory flavor profile.
Colorful Veggie & Chicken Bowl
Bright with red cabbage, yellow bell peppers, and greens, this bowl features grilled chicken and is sprinkled with sesame seeds for extra flavor.
Vegan Green Bowl
A lush base of spinach and mixed greens topped with slices of avocado, pumpkin seeds, and a mix of vegetables including zucchini and edamame.
Salmon Seaweed Bowl
Strips of nori, fresh cucumber, a scoop of rice, and sushi-grade raw salmon pieces, lightly dressed and sprinkled with sesame seeds.
Spicy Shrimp & Noodle Bowl
A vibrant bowl of noodles, spicy leftover shrimp, fresh cilantro, tomatoes, and mushrooms, finished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
