Protein Bowl

This protein bowl is FULL of flavor and perfect for a quick lunch. You’ll find yourself eating it again and again. It lends itself to some creativity, allowing you to use up what you have on hand. It’s gluten-free, takes about 3 minutes to make, and is a tasty way to get extra vegetables and protein in at lunch.

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About This Recipe

Looking for a quick and nutritious lunch option?

As moms, our lunch doesn’t have to consist of leftover sandwich triangles from our kids’ plates and a rogue baby carrot or two we find left in the vegetable drawer.

With a few simple ingredients in the pantry and fridge, you can whip up a vegetarian Protein Bowl that will keep you full and give you energy for the afternoon ahead (and maybe even help you fend off the mid-afternoon snack craving!).

What’s in This Protein Bowl?

The ingredients are incredibly fresh, simple, and healthy. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Black beans – A great source of protein and fiber.
• Bell pepper – Veggies! Any color works but I prefer orange or red because they are a little sweeter.
• Cherry tomatoes – More veggies! If you don’t like tomatoes, use more bell peppers or maybe a little red onion.
• Avocado – A little more protein and some good-for-you fat. Make sure it’s ripe. When you press the outside, it should give slightly.
• Feta cheese, crumbled – More protein and some calcium. Goat cheese would work, too.
• Lemon – Adds a little acidity.
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to taste

What Makes Protein Lunch Bowls So Easy?

We know our readers dig simple recipes. In fact, we have a wealth of recipes that only require 5 ingredients or less such as our Sheet Pan Sausage & Veggies, Stove Top Mac & Cheese, or our Honey Garlic Chicken Kabobs.

Protein Lunch Bowls just might be one of the easiest recipes on our site, though. Reason is, you simply add the fresh ingredients to a bowl, drizzle it with some lemon juice and a touch of seasoning and mix it all together.

When you stir it together, the avocado adds (healthy) fat needed for richness, the feta brings some saltiness and creaminess, lemon juice lends a little acidity to brighten things up, and the peppers give some crunch. This simple bowl is shockingly good!

Variations to the Protein Bowl

There are lots of ways to mix up this recipe based on what you have on hand and ways to add in even more protein. Here are some ideas.

• Add diced cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken makes this easy.
• Add chickpeas, a great source of vegetarian protein.
• Fresh edamame would be delicious and add more protein, too.
• Use goat cheese instead of feta. Yum!
• Toss in a little Cilantro Lime Rice or Instant Pot Brown Rice.
• Add in some corn.
• Add some freshly diced red onion. Not too much though!
• Add some cooked whole wheat couscous or quinoa.
• Spoon it inside Whole Wheat Pita Bread.

More Vegetarian Recipes You’ll Love

• Cancer-Fighting Soup
• Make Ahead Lunch Wraps
• Pumpkin Chili
• Spinach Lasagna Rolls
• Cheddar Chive Egg Bites