Grain bowls seem to be everywhere these days—and for good reason. They have everything I want in a weeknight meal: They’re hearty, flavorful, colorful, and infinitely adaptable. Plus, with some planning and prep work on the weekend—cooking grains, meat, and vegetables, maybe whisking together a dressing—they come together in just minutes.

While the convenience factor is great, the thing I love most about grain bowls is the combination of flavors, textures, and temperatures. Certain elements in addition to the grains are key to making these grain bowls satisfying and delicious. Protein and more than one vegetable are necessary, in my opinion, as are a sauce to tie everything together and a crunchy element to jazz up the texture. With a final flourish of fresh herbs or microgreens, grain bowls beautiful as well.