Layer, Drizzle, Devour: Seasonal Power Bowl Inspiration
Here is a guide to creating seasonal delicious Power/Buddha Bowls. The perfect dish for healthy meal prep or a dinner party build your own buffet.
Adapted from Living Fit Eats
How to Build the Perfect Power Bowl for Any Season
Power bowls are a game changer when it comes to healthy habits on your plate. They’re colorful, customizable, and meal-prep friendly — and with endless combinations, the flavors never get boring! In just six simple steps, you can create a delicious and nutritious power bowl to fuel your day, highlight seasonal ingredients, and keep your meals vibrant all year long.
STEP 1: The Base — Leafy Greens
Most power bowl formulas start with a whole grain, but I argue that the best base is leafy greens. They’re light yet filling, full of energizing nutrients, and add beautiful volume to your bowl. Tender greens like spinach, arugula, or baby kale make a perfect foundation.
Seasonal ideas:
Fall/Winter: Baby kale, spinach, shredded cabbage, arugula
Spring/Summer: Arugula, romaine, mixed garden lettuces, sorrel, warrigal spinach
STEP 2: Whole Grains
Whole grains provide fiber, minerals, and a touch of plant-based protein to keep you satisfied. I prefer to keep the grains in supporting roles — about ½ cup is all you need.
Seasonal ideas:
Fall/Winter: Quinoa, farro, brown rice, wild rice
Spring/Summer: Bulgur, barley, millet, couscous
STEP 3: Seasonal Veggies
Here’s where the fun begins! The more color, the better. I love sticking with seasonal produce — it’s fresher, more nutrient-dense, and often more affordable. Roasting a big batch of veggies at the start of the week makes power bowl assembly a breeze. In the summer lean into raw veggies and in the cooler months roasted and steamed veggies are ideal.
Seasonal ideas:
Fall: Roasted butternut squash, brussels sprouts, beets, carrots
Winter: Sweet potatoes, cauliflower, kale, parsnips
Spring: Asparagus, peas, radishes, spring carrots
Summer: Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, corn, bell peppers
STEP 4: Protein
Protein is your bowl’s anchor — it keeps you full and energized for hours. You can go plant-based or add an animal protein, depending on your preferences.
Favorite options:
Chickpeas (roasted or seasoned), lentils, beans, tofu, or tempeh
Grilled chicken, grass-fed beef, salmon, or hard-boiled eggs
Sprinkle hemp seeds for a quick protein boost — 3 tablespoons = 10g of protein!
Seasonal tip: For a fall-inspired combo, toss chickpeas with smoked paprika and roast them alongside your veggies.
STEP 5: Healthy Fats
A little healthy fat brings balance and satisfaction to your bowl while providing lasting energy.
Top picks:
¼ avocado
1 tablespoon olive oil or tahini
¼ cup nuts or seeds
Olives
STEP 6: The Extras — Flavor & Flair
This is where the magic happens! Extras add brightness, freshness, and personality to your bowl. Think of them as the finishing touch that turns “fuel” into a meal you crave.
Ideas for extras:
Fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, mint, basil, thyme, shiso, etc.)
Sprouts or microgreens
Citrus squeeze (lemon or lime)
Pickled onions or sauerkraut for tang and to aid digestion
And of course — the sauce!
Seasonal Power Bowl Combinations to Try
🍁 Autumn Power Bowls
1. Harvest Glow Bowl
Baby kale + quinoa + roasted butternut squash + Brussels sprouts + chickpeas + pumpkin seeds + Maple Tahini Dressing
2. Autumn Apple Bowl
Spinach + farro + roasted sweet potatoes + sliced apples + grilled chicken + walnuts + Balsamic Vinaigrette
3. Warm Wild Rice Bowl
Arugula + wild rice + roasted carrots + sautéed mushrooms + lentils + hemp seeds + Maple Tahini Dressing
❄️ Winter Power Bowls
1. Cozy Root Bowl
Spinach + brown rice + roasted beets + parsnips + tofu + sunflower seeds + Balsamic Vinaigrette
2. Citrus Bright Bowl
Shredded cabbage + farro + roasted cauliflower + blood orange slices + salmon + pistachios + Honey Citrus Dressing
3. Warming Lentil Bowl
Baby kale + barley + roasted sweet potato + sautéed kale + warm lentils + avocado + Maple Tahini Dressing
🌸 Spring Power Bowls
1. Green Goddess Bowl
Arugula + barley + asparagus + peas + grilled chicken + fresh herbs + Honey Citrus Dressing
2. Market Garden Bowl
Spinach + bulgur + roasted radishes + carrots + white beans + feta + Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
3. Spring Renewal Bowl
Romaine + quinoa + cucumber + roasted fennel + smoked trout + pumpkin seeds + Honey Citrus Dressing
☀️ Summer Power Bowls
1. Mediterranean Sunshine Bowl
Romaine + couscous + cherry tomatoes + cucumber + chickpeas + olives + Balsamic Vinaigrette
2. Farmers Market Bowl
Mixed greens + millet + grilled zucchini + corn + black beans + avocado + Honey Citrus Dressing
3. Berry Bliss Bowl
Spinach + quinoa + strawberries + blueberries + grilled chicken or tofu + pecans + Balsamic Vinaigrette
🌾 Bonus: Year-Round Favorites
1. Everyday Energy Bowl
Spinach + quinoa + roasted veggies (any mix) + chickpeas + hemp seeds + Maple Tahini Dressing
2. Rainbow Nourish Bowl
Mixed greens + brown rice + colorful raw veggies + tofu + sesame seeds + Honey Citrus Dressing
3. Protein Power Bowl
Baby kale + farro + broccoli + roasted peppers + grilled salmon + avocado + Balsamic Vinaigrette
Simple, Flavorful Dressings for Every Season
Maple Tahini Dressing (Fall Favorite)
Creamy and slightly sweet, this dressing pairs perfectly with roasted squash, Brussels sprouts, or chickpeas.
Ingredients:
¼ cup tahini
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
2 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
Pinch of salt
Directions:
Whisk until smooth and drizzle over your bowl.
Honey Citrus Dressing (Bright & Fresh)
This light, tangy-sweet dressing brings sunshine to your spring and summer bowls.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey (or more to taste)
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Pinch of sea salt
Directions:
Shake or whisk together until emulsified. Drizzle over greens, grains, and fresh veggies.
Classic Balsamic Vinaigrette (Year-Round Staple)
A simple go-to dressing that complements nearly any combination of greens, grains, and proteins.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon maple syrup or honey (optional for balance)
Pinch of salt and pepper
Directions:
Whisk together in a small bowl or shake in a jar until combined.
Other Sauce Recipes:
Final Thoughts
Once you perfect the six-step formula, you can build a power bowl for any season — and never eat a boring salad again. Start with greens, add grains, layer in colorful veggies, protein, healthy fats, and finish with something fresh and flavorful. With easy dressings on hand, every bowl can feel new, nourishing, and totally satisfying.
