These grain bowl sauces are designed for prepping on weekends and drizzling on everything from quinoa to roasted vegetables throughout the week.
Batch-prepping sauces and dressings is the ultimate power move for any home cook. A bowl of rice and vegetables may not be much on its own, but add a fun sauce, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal.
I like to keep one or two sauces/dressings stashed in the fridge during the week, which really speeds things up when you’re throwing together quick lunches and weeknight meals like salads and grain bowls.
The 7 make-ahead grain bowl sauces below are inspired by global flavors and can be drizzled on everything from salads and sautéed veggies; to farro, rice, and quinoa bowls; to soba noodles and beyond. Let me know which one’s your fave!
Cilantro-Lime Tahini Dressing
A creamy, herby Middle Eastern-inspired sauce. Great with falafel and veggie burgers. (One of my most popular recipes to date!)
Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette
A bright, puckery vinaigrette to lighten up salads and balance out ingredients like grains, mushrooms, beans, and chickpeas.
Lemon Tahini Dressing
A basic tangy drizzle for any dish that could use some extra richness.
Easy Peanut Dressing
A dangerously delicious peanut sauce spiked with Thai red curry paste.
Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette
An all-purpose, Asian-inspired sauce for drizzling on salads and rice bowls, tossing with noodles, or finishing sauteed vegetables.
Cilantro-Lime Cashew Cream
A creamy condiment with Latin vibes. Especially good with root vegetables, potatoes, yuca, and plantains.
The Best Vegan Pesto
Basil, cashews, miso, lemon juice, and EVOO are all you need to make the best pesto in under 10 minutes.
