Name: Tempeh & Broccoli Caesar Grain Bowl
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup quinoa; 16 oz tempeh, cubed; 4 cups broccoli florets; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 Tbsp Trader Joe’s Green Goddess seasoning; 4 cups shredded lacinato kale; 1 small lemon, juiced; 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast; pinch of salt; 4 cups shredded romaine lettuce; 2 Persian cucumbers, diced; 1 cup vegan Caesar dressing (homemade or store-bought); 2 avocados, cubed; 1 Tbsp Trader Joe’s Everything Bagel seasoning

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Roasted and seasoned tempeh and broccoli sit atop a bed of quinoa, romaine and massaged kale, chopped cucumbers, and avocado. Everything is drizzled with our Creamy Vegan Caesar Dressing and a scattering of Everything Bagel seasoning for a grain bowl that will rock your taste buds!

These grain bowls are going to rock your taste buds! I eat them at least once a week. These Caesar grain bowls started out as a throw together meal for a quick lunch or dinner with just roasted tempeh, broccoli and Caesar dressing. It was easy and delicious so I kept making it.

Each time I repeated the “recipe” (which was really no more than a couple of ingredients roasted together on a sheet pan and thrown in a bowl), I started adding to it again and again, and this recipe was born.

It just goes to show that healthy, delicious and satisfying meals don’t have to be laborious or complicated. Just a few simple ingredients is all it takes!

Why I Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about these grain bowls. First, many of the ingredients can be prepped ahead of time so that you can throw this meal together on the go or when you’re really busy and still ensure you’ve got a healthy meal at the ready.

Second, as a Trader Joe’s groupie, it features some of my favorite ingredients, including the Green Goddess season blend and Vegan Caesar Dressing. This meal is also a winner if you’re like me and a vegan in a non vegan family. You can set out the ingredients buffet style (including a non vegan protein) and everyone can happily eat the same meal, customized to the way they like it.

Oh, and I almost forgot! With kale, quinoa and tempeh, this grain bowl is a protein powerhouse and full of superfoods that do a body good.

What is a Grain Bowl?

Grain bowls are another word for “Buddha” or vegan bowls. They usually include some combination of the following:

Greens (such as kale, romaine, arugula or spinach)
Grains (such as quinoa, brown rice, farro or millet)
Roasted or cooked vegetables
Raw or fermented / pickled vegetables
Seeds (such as sesame, sunflower or pepitas)
Dressing or sauce

Everything gets layered into a… you guessed it! In a bowl, in small piles. The sauce is poured on top and it’s party time for your taste buds.

Ingredients for Tempeh & Broccoli Caesar Grain Bowl

The round up of ingredients below is all you need to create your own Caesar grain bowl.

Quinoa

Any grain will do, but I especially love a mixed blend of red and white quinoa for a grain bowl. Make sure you give it a good rinse before cooking.

Tempeh

Nutty tempeh adds a powerhouse of protein. I cook it on the same sheet pan as the broccoli. This one’s my favorite.

Broccoli Florets

Broccoli is my pick for these bowls for texture and appearance, but of course, any vegetable or combination of roasted veg will do.

Green Goddess Seasoning from Trader Joe’s

I love this seasoning and toss the tempeh and broccoli with some olive oil and this blend before spreading it out and roasting it in the oven for about 10 minutes.

Massaged Kale

Freshly squeezed lemon juice, nutritional yeast and a pinch of salt get massaged with shredded, lacinato kale (curly works just fine too). Massaging the kale breaks it down and softens it.

Romaine

Shred a head of this lettuce to combine with the kale for the bed of your Caesar grain bowl.

Persian Cucumbers

Chop these rather than slice them for consistency in bite with the blocks of tempeh and broccoli florets.

Caesar Dressing

Use my Vegan Dinner Club homemade Creamy Vegan Caesar Dressing, (get access to the full recipe library for less than $5), or your favorite store-bought brand. (I love this one.

Avocados

Everything is better with avocado, so of course, my recipe iterations of these grain bowls grew to include chopped avo on top!

Everything Bagel Seasoning

This is the final flair to the recipe. It adds a little something special while checking off our seed box in the grain bowl ingredient list.

How To Make a Tempeh & Broccoli Caesar Grain Bowl

Prep.

Preheat your oven to 350°F and gather your ingredients.
Make your grains.

Get your quinoa cooking and move to step 3 while it simmers covered.
Roast your protein and veggies.

Toss your tempeh and broccoli with olive oil and Green Goddess seasoning, spread out on a sheet pan and slide in the oven for about 10 minutes.
Prepare your greens.

Massage your kale with lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt.
Assemble your bowls.

Start with your lettuce and kale first. Then sprinkle with your quinoa. Add the tempeh and broccoli next, followed by the cucumbers. Top with the avocado and drizzle with the dressing. Sprinkle with Everything Bagel seasoning.

Meal Prep & Storage Tips

Make your quinoa and salad dressing ahead of time and store until ready to make your grain bowl

Tempeh & Broccoli Caesar Grain Bowls are best eaten when served, but individual ingredients will stay fresh in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

@thestephaniedreyer These grain bowls are going to rock your world! I eat them at least once a week. Use our homemade creamy Caesar dressing or use your favorite store-bought. (I love Trader Joe's vegan Caesar dressing in the refrigerated section. Full recipe up on our blog (link 👇🏼). #grainbowls #caesarbowls #tempehrecipes #caesarrecipes ♬ original sound - thestephaniedreyer

Other Ways To Make A Grain Bowl

The best thing about a bowl is that you can constantly change it up to make it your own. (Case in point: the evolution of this recipe!). Try one or more of the add-ins below for more ways to build your Tempeh & Broccoli Caesar Grain Bowl.

Beet and red cabbage sauerkraut
Cornichons, sliced vertically
Capers
Croutons
Vegan bacon bits
Raw, spiralized zucchini

FAQs

Can I substitute the quinoa with another grain?

Absolutely! While quinoa is chosen for its high protein content and fluffy texture, you can easily substitute it with other grains such as farro, bulgur, or brown rice. Adjust the cooking time according to the grain's requirements.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare components of this recipe ahead of time. The quinoa can be cooked, and the tempeh and broccoli can be roasted ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat if desired, assemble your bowls, and add the fresh ingredients and dressing.

Can I add or substitute other vegetables?

Definitely! This recipe is quite versatile. Feel free to add or substitute other roasted or raw vegetables that you enjoy. Some great additions or substitutions include roasted sweet potatoes, red bell peppers, or raw spinach.

What if I don't have Green Goddess seasoning?

Green Goddess seasoning is a blend of several herbs and spices. If you don't have it on hand, you can make a simple substitute by mixing dried herbs such as tarragon, chives, parsley, and a bit of garlic powder. The idea is to add a herby flavor to the tempeh and broccoli, so feel free to use what you have available.