This easy to make Italian Style Buddha Bowl is a protein packed, family pleasing weeknight dinner idea...
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Birds Eye® through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Birds Eye®, all opinions are my own.
I have to admit it, folks. Sometimes it is a struggle to get more protein and whole grains into my and my family's diet. I try, but sometimes convenience wins out and pizza gets delivered or a trip through the fast food drive-thru happens.
It's not that I don't want to make sure that my family is eating healthier and getting all the good stuff that they need to grow and power them through their day. But there are days when I just run out of time or energy, and oftentimes both of those things happen at the same time.
That is why I was so glad to recently discover Birds Eye® Protein Blends at my local grocery store! These quick and easy to make Protein Blends side dishes come in four delicious flavors- Southwest Style, California Style, Italian Style, & Asian Style.
Since Italian food is a favorite in my home, I grabbed the Birds Eye® Protein Blends Italian Style and started brainstorming a quick and tasty way that I could use it to get more whole grains, protein, and veggies into my family's diet more often. This fresh and healthy Italian Style Buddha Bowl was the family pleasing end result! :)
It starts with the Birds Eye® Protein Blends Italian Style, a delicious side dish packed with a blend of whole grains, lentils, spinach, broccoli, white beans, & a tasty sauce. Then I filled the rest of the bowl with fresh baby arugula, whole wheat penne, ripe grape tomatoes, olives, and crunchy sliced almonds. Finish it off with a drizzle of oil & vinegar or your favorite light Italian dressing, and a healthy dinner is served in minutes...
I love that the Birds Eye® Protein Blends steam perfectly in their own bag which means less mess and fewer dishes after dinner. And each family member can customize their Italian Style Buddha Bowl according to their personal preferences.
You can swap out the arugula for kale or spinach. Add cucumbers. Trade a handful of toasted pine nuts for the sliced almonds. The possibilities are pretty much endless with this one, folks. ;) Which is key when you have picky eaters who you are trying to steer toward healthier eating...
Yield: Serves 2
Italian Style Buddha Bowl
This easy to make Italian Style Buddha Bowl is a protein packed, family pleasing weeknight dinner idea.
prep time: 10 min cook time: 5 min total time: 15 min
ingredients:
- 11.5 oz package of Birds Eye® Protein Blends Italian Style
- Baby arugula (could also use kale or baby spinach)
- Sliced almonds
- Grape tomatoes
- Olives
- Whole wheat pasta (I used penne.)
- Olive oil & vinegar or your favorite low fat Italian dressing (optional)
instructions:
How to cook Italian Style Buddha Bowl
- Prepare the Birds Eye® Protein Blends Italian Style according to the package directions. Divide the protein blend between two large bowls. Fill in the rest of the bowl with the arugula (or other leafy greens), sliced almonds, grape tomatoes, olives, and pasta. Drizzle with oil & vinegar or a light Italian salad dressing, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
New Birds Eye Protein® Blends bring the power of protein to your vegetable sides.
Which of these healthy & satisfying Birds Eye® Protein Blends sides will you and your family be trying first- the Southwest Style, California Style, Italian Style, or Asian Style?
If you loved this healthier dinner idea for the family, you might also like my...
