The Power of the Winter Bowl

For most of us, spring is still a distant hope on the horizon—which makes this the perfect moment to embrace the winter bowl. Cozy, customizable, and easy to assemble, one-bowl meals are the epitome of functional eating (More protein! More fiber! More feel-good!). Here’s how to make it happen.

Your Failsafe Winter Bowl Formula

When you set out to assemble your one-bowl wonder, keep this simple math in mind (we promise it’s easy): 

Protein from the sea + fiber from the pantry + seasonal veggies = a winter bowl. 

For protein, opt for tuna, salmon, clams, sardines, and beyond. Stock your pantry with a variety of cans and pre-flavored packets so you have maximum choices. 

Find your fiber in whole grains (quinoa and brown rice, for example) or legumes like beans, chickpeas, and lentils. Keep cans of beans on hand for easy access, and batch cook and freeze whole grains for quick reheating. 

Last but not least, the seasonal stars of the show: your vegetables. Hearty cold-weather produce is ideal for adding depth and interest to a bowl: think butternut squash, cubed sweet potatoes, broccoli florets, carrots, sauteed kale, and more. 

Our recipes here are meant to be thought starters, not strict rules. Swap out ingredients, try a new spice, take it down a totally new flavor path. Building a better bowl starts with your pantry, the exciting finds at the farmers’ market, and your tastebuds. So go wild—the world is your oyster (or tuna, salmon, etc.).

For Big & Bold Flavors, Try…

Salmon Burrito Bowl

This satisfying bowl packs in so much that you won’t even miss the wrap: we like to contrast our lemon pepper salmon with sweet corn salsa, guacamole, quinoa, and bell peppers sauteed until they get a kiss of char to them; add a crumble of Mexican cotija cheese and dash of hot sauce for extra zing.

For a Touch of Heat, Try…

Spicy Tuna Roll Bowl

Think outside the roll: This one’s your favorite sushi order, gloriously realized in bowl form. Sriracha-spiked mayo brings its signature punch to a base of sushi rice with cool cucumber slices, avocado, and shredded carrots. Top it with sesame oil, pickled ginger, and a splash of soy sauce, and you’ve achieved grain bowl perfection.

For A Citrusy, Herby Spin, Try…

Lemon Garlic Tuna Quinoa Bowl

Our fan-favorite lemon garlic tuna packet lends itself particularly well to this finely balanced bowl. Arugula and radishes are peppery counterpoints to chickpeas, while high-protein quinoa adds a mild nuttiness. Don’t skip the chopped fresh parsley, which makes the whole dish come alive.

For Sweet & Savory, Try…

Teriyaki Salmon Bowl

Sweet, glossy teriyaki glaze meets our tender salmon in this bowl that tastes like it took far longer than it did. Layer it over steamed brown rice, then pile on crisp cucumbers, julienned carrots, and bright green broccoli florets. Finish with a scatter of sesame seeds and sliced green onions, and if you’re feeling extra-spicy, add a drizzle of chili crisp to cut through the sweetness.

For Mediterranean Flair, Try…

Mediterranean Couscous Bowls with Sardine Vinaigrette

Make this robust, lemony sardine vinaigrette on gloomy days to usher in some brightness. Classic Greek salad elements like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and olives meld beautifully with couscous—to up your fiber quotient, add in lentils and swap regular couscous for whole grain versions.