If you’re in search of a wonderfully straightforward lunch idea, look no further than this delightful spread, vegetable, and bread bowl! This uncomplicated and adaptable mix of ingredients transcends the realm of a mere recipe, making it a handy resource to whip up a nourishing, delectable, and satisfying lunch in a jiffy.

This concept is inspired by my sister, who excels at taking everyday ingredients and transforming them into visually appealing and mouthwatering meals. Whenever I visit her, I can count on encountering this spread, vegetable, and bread meal concept in some form on the lunch table.

Whether she’s repurposing leftovers from the previous night’s dinner or using fresh produce from the local farmers’ market, she ingeniously combines hummus, fresh veggies, and quality bread into a salad format that never fails to satisfy. The best part is that it creates a well-rounded meal rich in fiber, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.

What You’ll Need

Though more of a concept than a formal recipe, here are the key elements utilized in my bowls:

– **Spread**: The heart and soul of these bowls, which can be prepared with various spread options. While hummus is my go-to choice (any savory hummus variety works splendidly), other alternatives like bean dip, baba ganoush, lentil dip, ricotta, tzatziki, and labneh are equally suitable.

– **Vegetables**: Including veggies elevates the fiber content and nutrient value of the bowls. You can mix and match any leafy greens and fresh vegetables available. These bowls are incredibly adaptable and can be tailored to suit the seasons, featuring radishes and peas in the spring, carrots, cucumber, and tomatoes in the summer, and roasted squash and beets in the fall and winter.

– **Bread**: The quality of the bread significantly influences the bowls’ taste. Sourdough bread is recommended for its minimal processing and delightful flavor, but you can choose your favorite type.