30 Wholesome Christmas Grain Bowl Recipes for Festive Feasts
There's something truly magical about Christmas time, isn't there? The twinkling lights, the festive songs, and, of course, the mouth-watering holiday feasts! As someone who absolutely adores both Christmas and wholesome eating, I've found that grain bowls make the most delightful dishes during this festive season.
Today, I'm thrilled to share my favorite "30 Wholesome Christmas Grain Bowl Recipes for Festive Feasts." Each one is designed to bring joy and good health to your holiday gatherings. Whether you're hosting a big family dinner or just enjoying a cozy meal at home, these grain bowls will certainly become a cherished part of your Christmas tradition.
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1. Roasted Butternut Squash and Cranberry Quinoa Bowl
This vibrant bowl is perfect for a festive meal, combining the sweetness of squash with tart cranberries.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- Toss butternut squash cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Once quinoa and squash are cooked, combine them in a bowl with dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and baby spinach.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season to taste.
2. Holiday Wild Rice and Mushroom Bowl
Earthy and delicious, this grain bowl brings the best of forest flavors to your Christmas table.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 cup mixed mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the wild rice according to package instructions.
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent.
- Add mushrooms and cook until they're tender and browned.
- Mix the cooked rice with the mushroom mixture and garnish with chopped parsley.
3. Pomegranate and Farro Festive Bowl
This bowl is bursting with the flavors of pomegranate, perfect for adding a touch of Christmas cheer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup farro
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the farro as per the instructions on the package.
- Combine cooked farro with arugula, pomegranate seeds, feta, and walnuts.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season to taste.
4. Maple Roasted Sweet Potato and Brown Rice Bowl
Sweet and hearty, this bowl is a comforting dish for cold winter nights.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup pecans
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the brown rice as instructed on the package.
- Toss sweet potatoes with maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes.
- Combine cooked rice, roasted sweet potatoes, pecans, and dried cranberries in a bowl.
5. Festive Lentil and Bulgur Grain Bowl
This nutritious bowl features protein-packed lentils and chewy bulgur, perfect for a healthy holiday dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bulgur
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1/2 cup diced carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook bulgur according to package directions.
- Mix the cooked bulgur with lentils, carrots, parsley, and goat cheese.
- Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Christmas Kale and Barley Bowl
This green-rich bowl is both filling and festive, featuring hearty kale and chewy barley.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup barley
- 2 cups kale, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook barley according to the instructions on the package.
- Sauté kale in olive oil until wilted.
- Combine cooked barley, sautéed kale, Parmesan, and sunflower seeds.
- Drizzle with lemon juice, season, and serve.
7. Christmas Cranberry and Chickpea Couscous Bowl
This easy-to-make bowl is brimming with holiday flavors and packed with plant-based protein.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup couscous
- 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons chopped mint
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare couscous according to package directions.
- Mix cooked couscous with chickpeas, cranberries, mint, and almonds.
- Dress with olive oil and lemon juice, then season to taste.
8. Gingerbread Spice Quinoa Bowl
Inspired by the classic holiday cookie, this bowl brings a touch of sweet and spice to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 cups almond milk
Instructions:
- Cook quinoa with almond milk according to package instructions.
- Stir in raisins, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup.
- Serve warm, garnished with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon.
9. Cinnamon Apple and Oat Bowl
This comforting bowl combines the classic flavors of cinnamon and apple, perfect for a cozy Christmas morning.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions:
- Cook oats according to package directions.
- In a small pan, sauté the apples with cinnamon until tender.
- Mix the apples into the cooked oats, top with walnuts, and drizzle with honey.
10. Smoky Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl
Packed with smoky and sweet flavors, this bowl is a delicious and hearty option for festive dining.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup farro
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
- Cook farro as per package instructions.
- Toss sweet potatoes with smoked paprika and roast at 400°F for 25 minutes.
- Combine farro, black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, and cilantro in a bowl.
- Serve with lime wedges.
11. Harvest Wheat Berry Bowl
This bowl combines earthy wheat berries with veggies and a tangy dressing, making it perfect for a holiday feast.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup wheat berries
- 1 cup roasted Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1/4 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook wheat berries according to package instructions.
- Combine with roasted Brussels sprouts, dried cherries, shredded carrots, and blue cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season with salt and pepper.
12. Christmas Grain Salad with Beet and Goat Cheese
This vibrant salad brings festive colors and flavors, perfect for a light and wholesome meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 2 red beets, roasted and diced
- 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook pearl barley as per the package instructions.
- Mix in roasted beets, goat cheese, mixed greens, and pistachios.
- Dress with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.
13. Winter Citrus and Millet Bowl
Fresh and zesty, this bowl is a delightful mix of citrus fruits and nutty millet.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup millet
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1 grapefruit, segmented
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook millet according to package instructions.
- Combine millet with orange, grapefruit, pomegranate seeds, and avocado slices.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
14. Christmas Chickpea and Spiced Rice Bowl
This bowl is packed with flavors from warm spices and hearty chickpeas, making it a perfect holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook basmati rice following package directions.
- In a pan, sauté chickpeas with cumin and cinnamon until fragrant.
- Mix the spiced chickpeas with the cooked rice, raisins, and chopped mint.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and serve.
15. Cranberry, Almond, and Freekeh Bowl
Nutty freekeh pairs perfectly with sweet cranberries and crunchy almonds in this holiday dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup freekeh
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 cups arugula
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook freekeh according to package instructions.
- Combine cooked freekeh with dried cranberries, sliced almonds, and arugula.
- Dress with olive oil and lemon juice, then season to taste.
16. Spiced Carrot and Farro Bowl
Warm spices and sweet carrots make this grain bowl a comforting and festive option.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup farro
- 2 cups carrots, diced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook farro as per the package instructions.
- Toss carrots with cinnamon, cumin, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Mix the cooked farro with the roasted carrots and chopped parsley.
- Drizzle with olive oil, season to taste, and serve warm.
17. Holiday Red Rice and Roasted Veggie Bowl
This colorful grain bowl features wholesome red rice and a medley of roasted winter veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red rice
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 cup diced butternut squash
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook red rice following package directions.
- Toss cauliflower and butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Combine cooked red rice with roasted veggies, pomegranate seeds, and crumbled feta.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season to taste.
18. Nutty Christmas Tabbouleh Bowl
A nutty twist on the classic Middle Eastern salad, perfect for a fresh and healthy holiday dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bulgur wheat
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped mint
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook bulgur wheat as per package directions.
- Mix bulgur with parsley, mint, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and walnuts.
- Dress with olive oil and lemon juice, then season to taste.
19. Maple Veggie and Barley Bowl
Sweet and savory veggies make this barley bowl a sure hit at your holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup pearl barley
- 1 cup diced sweet potatoes
- 1 cup brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook pearl barley according to package instructions.
- Toss sweet potatoes and brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Once roasted, drizzle veggies with maple syrup and combine with cooked barley.
- Top with sunflower seeds and serve.
20. Hearty Christmas Barley and Spinach Bowl
Nutritious and comforting, this bowl is perfect for a quick and healthy holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup barley
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook barley as per package instructions.
- In a pan, sauté chickpeas with ground cumin until fragrant.
- Mix the spiced chickpeas with cooked barley, baby spinach, and raisins.
- Drizzle with olive oil and season to taste.
21. Winter Roasted Vegetable and Quinoa Bowl
This nutrient-rich bowl brings the taste of roasted winter veggies and nutty quinoa.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups diced butternut squash
- 1 cup brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook quinoa following package directions.
- Toss butternut squash, brussels sprouts, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Combine cooked quinoa with the roasted vegetables and dried cranberries.
- Serve warm, drizzled with additional olive oil if desired.
22. Christmas Apple and Wild Rice Bowl
This sweet and savory grain bowl combines the crunch of apples with the nuttiness of wild rice.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup wild rice
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 cups baby kale
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook wild rice as per package instructions.
- Mix cooked wild rice with diced apple, dried cranberries, pecans, and baby kale.
- Dress with olive oil and lemon juice, then season to taste.
23. Cranberry Pistachio Bulgur Bowl
Bright and crunchy, this vibrant bowl will add a touch of festivity to your holiday meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup bulgur
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pistachios
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook bulgur following package directions.
- Combine cooked bulgur with dried cranberries, pistachios, baby spinach, and crumbled feta.
- Dress with olive oil and lemon juice, then season to taste.
24. Festive Pumpkin and Sage Quinoa Bowl
Savory sage and sweet pumpkin come together to make this comforting and filling grain bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups pumpkin, cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped sage
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook quinoa as per package instructions.
- Toss pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
- Mix roasted pumpkin with cooked quinoa and chopped sage.
- Top with pumpkin seeds and serve warm.
25. Sweet Potato and Spinach Farro Bowl
This nutrient-packed bowl combines the rich tastes of sweet potato and spinach with hearty farro.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup farro
- 1 large sweet potato, diced
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook farro according to package instructions.
- Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Combine cooked farro, roasted sweet potatoes, and baby spinach.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinegar, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with sunflower seeds.
26. Pear and Walnut Barley Bowl
A beautiful combination of sweet and crunchy makes this bowl a delightful holiday treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup barley
- 1 pear, sliced
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 cups mixed greens
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook barley as per package instructions.
- Mix cooked barley with sliced pear, walnuts, and mixed greens.
- Dress with olive oil and lemon juice, then season to taste.
27. Winter Veggie and Black Lentil Bowl
This protein-rich bowl features black lentils and a mix of winter veggies for a nutritious holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup black lentils
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced sweet potatoes
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook black lentils according to package directions.
- Toss carrots, sweet potatoes, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Combine cooked lentils with roasted veggies and chopped parsley.
- Drizzle with additional olive oil and season to taste.
28. Cranberry Apple Quinoa Bowl
This sweet and tart bowl is full of holiday flavors, perfect for a festive and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 cups arugula
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- Combine cooked quinoa with diced apple, dried cranberries, arugula, and goat cheese.
- Dress with olive oil and lemon juice, then season to taste.
29. Christmas Broccoli and Brown Rice Bowl
This simple yet flavorful bowl features tender broccoli and nutty brown rice, perfect for a wholesome holiday meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook brown rice following package directions.
- Steam or roast broccoli florets until tender.
- Mix cooked rice with broccoli, slivered almonds, and Parmesan cheese.
- Dress with olive oil and lemon juice, then season to taste.
30. Holiday Pomegranate and Barley Bowl
This festive and refreshing bowl combines the tartness of pomegranate with the hearty chew of barley.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup barley
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- Olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
- Cook barley as per package directions.
- Combine cooked barley with pomegranate seeds, chopped pecans, arugula, and blue cheese.
- Dress with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then season to taste.
Conclusion
These 30 wholesome grain bowl recipes to make your Christmas feasts both nutritious and festive! These dishes bring a delightful variety to the table, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Enjoy this season of comfort and joy with delicious, healthful meals that make your holiday extra special.