Rainbow Lentil Power Bowls for Busy Moms

This is your go-to recipe for those days when you want to eat something that feels good and does good, without spending an hour in the kitchen. These Rainbow Lentil Power Bowls are packed with plant-based protein, vibrant veggies, and a simple dressing that brings it all together. It’s lunch or dinner that actually fuels you… and looks really cute on Instagram too.

They're flexible, toddler-shareable (with a few tweaks), and perfect for fridge-stashing when your week gets very real.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Bowl:

• 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice

• 1 cup shredded red cabbage

• 1 cup chopped cucumbers

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, for topping

• Optional: feta, hummus, or a boiled egg for extra protein

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon tahini

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook your base

   Cook lentils and quinoa (or rice) according to package instructions. Pro tip: do this in bulk early in the week for easy bowl assembly later.
   

2. Chop and prep

   Wash and chop all your colorful veggies. This is a great time to let the kids “help” with cucumber stacking or carrot tossing.
   

3. Make the dressing

   Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until creamy and smooth.
   

4. Assemble the bowls

   In each bowl, layer grains, lentils, and all the veggies. Drizzle with dressing and top with avocado and fresh herbs. Add extras like hummus, feta, or a boiled egg if you like.
   

5. Serve or store

   Serve immediately or store in containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Dressing can be stored separately or added just before eating.

For kid-friendly adjustments, leave out the garlic and offer a simple olive oil and lemon drizzle instead. When meal prepping, store each component separately for easy mix-and-match magic all week. If you need more crunch, toss in toasted pumpkin seeds or crushed almonds, and if you don't have tahini, try Greek yogurt, avocado mash, or a splash of your favorite dressing. Why do moms love this recipe? It’s packed with fiber, protein, and vibrant colors, fully customizable with fridge leftovers, perfect for meal prep or last-minute healthy bites, and feels fancy with minimal effort.

Real moms, real mess, real food that fuels. Share your rainbow bowls with @messyjoyshow and show us how you make it your own, because the only rule here is to nourish yourself first.