Why We Love This Protein Bowl Recipe
We love a good healthy “bowl” recipe! Take your favorite ingredients, layer them in one dish, and BAM you have a tasty and super convenient meal. And there is basically no limit to the varieties of recipes that fall into this category… like Healthy Mean Green Buddha Bowls, Superfood Fajita Bowls, Teriyaki Bowl with Chicken, or Chicken Quinoa Bowls, just to name a few! Our Power Protein Bowl recipe has several ingredients packed with all kinds of nutrients and healthy fats, plus tons of flavor. However, it is not technically a low-carb recipe, because we’ve added cooked black beans for additional protein, vitamins, and fiber. But feel free to omit the beans in this recipe and add extra greens, for a low-carb version. This fabulous recipe is easy to meal prep at the beginning of the week as a great way to kickstart healthy habits!
Ingredients Checklist
Cooked chicken – shredded or chopped (like our IP Shredded Chicken) Black beans – cooked, drained, and rinsed Baby arugula – rinsed and dried Artichoke hearts – canned, drained, and separated Cherry tomatoes – halved Avocado – sliced (check out our handy tips for How to Cut Avocados) Pitted olives – green or black
And/or any other vegetables you like. Keep reading for some of our fantastic ideas for how to change things up!
How to Layer a Protein Bowl
First, set out four large salad or cereal bowls. Place one generous handful of arugula leaves at the bottom of each bowl. Next, top with the heavier ingredients: Add ½ cup cooked shredded chicken, ½ cup cooked black beans, and artichoke hearts. Then add the lighter goodies: Sliced tomatoes, pitted olives, and sliced avocado.
Best Sauces for Protein Power Bowls
We did not specifically add a sauce to this protein bowl recipe because it’s such a great all-purpose recipe for you to customize. Mix it up week after week with all sorts of sauces like:
Creamy basil pesto Ranchero sauce Homemade salsas: try our Classic Salsa, Tomatillo Verde Salsa, or Salsa al Pastor Remoulade Avocado Crema Zesty magic taco dip Homemade Greek dressing Tzatziki sauce
Recipe Variations
One of the many reasons I love this recipe is how easy it is to customize! Here are more ideas for swaps and substitutions you may enjoy:
Make this a low-carb protein bowl recipe by swapping beans with extra greens. Use sliced cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes. Swap shredded chicken with cooked shrimp, pulled pork or beef, roasted salmon, or cooked and cooled ground beef or turkey. Make this a vegetarian and vegan recipe by subbing meat with cubed tofu, chickpeas, butter beans, kidney beans, or more black beans. Swap sliced avocado for Homemade Guacamole. Sub any or all of the olives, artichokes and avocado for other ingredients you like.
Pro Tip: Try these bowls with corn, hard-boiled eggs, cooked lentils or chickpeas, edamame, cucumber slices, zucchini, tempeh or tofu, red onion, carrots, roasted garlic, roasted sweet potatoes, chopped kale, cabbage, baby spinach, radishes, cauliflower, broccoli, sliced bell peppers, hummus, crumbled goat cheese, or just about any hearty and healthy goodies!
Are protein bowls good for you?
This recipe is quite healthy! Although not low carb because of the beans, it is nonetheless loaded with all kinds of nutritious goodness. Black beans have lots of fiber and protein – plus lean chicken breast is also packed with protein. Avocado slices add even more power protein goodness along with healthy fats.
Do you eat a protein bowl hot or cold?
Bowls can be hot or cold, depending on the recipe ingredients. Grain bowl variations that have cooked grains, like quinoa, farro, or brown rice, can be very tasty to enjoy warm. However, this recipe includes fresh and cold ingredients on a bed of crisp lettuce. It’s, therefore, best to eat cold.
How do you make ahead for meal prep?
To keep everything from getting soggy, I recommend keeping the lettuce, dressing, and remaining goodies in separate containers until ready to assemble and enjoy. Store in the fridge. Alternatively, you can layer these protein “bowls” into a large jar to make mason jar-style salads. Start by placing the dressing and chicken (or other protein) at the bottom of the jar. Then add beans, artichoke hearts, green olives, tomatoes, and any other hearty ingredients. Lastly, pile in the avocado slices and greens. To serve, I recommend dumping it into a bowl. Whether assembled or not, it is best to enjoy power protein bowls within 3 days of prepping.
Looking for More Easy and Healthy Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
My Big Fat Greek Salad Low Carb Bell Pepper Sandwich Whole Wheat BLT Tacos Chicken Gyro Salad with Creamy Tzatziki Sauce Nam Sod Lettuce Wraps (or Salad)
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