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.
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.