Buddha Bowl

The combination of different flavors, textures, and colors in a Buddha bowl make it a tasty and visually appealing meal that will surely leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.

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I make homemade pizza dough at least once a week, but that wasn't always the case. I used to think scratch pizza dough would take too long, be too much fuss, and not be worth the effort. How wrong I was! Our five-ingredient pizza dough is foolproof in terms of flavor and freshness. You can count on this simple recipe every time!

Who doesn’t love a good Buddha bowl? I vividly remember my first Buddha bowl. My daughter, Riann (resident baker and recipe developer), and I were at a small restaurant in Lowell, Mass called ‘Life Alive.’ It was the first of its kind, and Riann and her high school girlfriends couldn’t stop talking about it. So, one Saturday afternoon, I was happy to drive a car full of giggling high school girls to the hippest eatery in Mass. I LOVED it! We all had a wonderful time that day – it sticks out in my memory!

Buddha bowls are a popular and nutritious meal option that has been gaining popularity recently. A Buddha bowl, also known as a grain bowl, is a hearty and colorful dish that typically consists of a grain, a protein source, vegetables, and a dressing. They are not only visually appealing but also healthy, easy to make, and customizable to your liking. In this blog post, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make a Buddha bowl that is delicious, satisfying, and nourishing.

A vegan food journal with fresh, delicious recipes.

Hello, I'm Denise.

I love to eat, garden, travel, and do yin yoga! I make plant-based recipes and photograph them from my 1920’s, remodeled apartment in Rhode Island. I've always loved fresh basil. Put some fresh basil leaves on a piece of cardboard, drizzle on a little olive oil and sea salt, and I'd be tempted to eat it! ❤️

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I make homemade pizza dough at least once a week, but that wasn't always the case. I used to think scratch pizza dough would take too long, be too much fuss, and not be worth the effort. How wrong I was! Our five-ingredient pizza dough is foolproof in terms of flavor and freshness. You can count on this simple recipe every time!

Why You’ll Love This Spring Buddha Bowl

So many reasons, but here are a few.

    • Nutritious: Buddha Bowls are packed with nutrient-dense foods to help you meet your daily recommended intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
    • Versatile: You can mix and match different ingredients to create a meal that suits your taste preferences and dietary needs.
    • Easy to make: Buddha Bowls are incredibly easy to make, and you can prep many of the ingredients ahead of time, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
    • Filling: The combination of complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
    • Cost-effective: Using simple, whole-food ingredients can create a nutritious and satisfying meal without breaking the bank. Plus, by prepping the ingredients ahead of time and using leftovers, you can save time and money on future meals.
    • Eco-friendly: By incorporating plant-based ingredients and reusable containers and utensils, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
    • Delicious: With a variety of flavors, textures, and colors, Buddha Bowls are not only healthy but also satisfying to your taste buds. Plus, by experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings, you can create endless variations of this tasty dish.
Peach Cobbler

Buddha Bowl Ingredients

Mix and match is where it’s at with this fresh grain bowl!

    • Quinoa – a protein-rich grain with a nutty flavor and chewy texture that serves as a base for the bowl.
    • Avocado – a creamy fruit rich in healthy fats and fiber that provides a satisfying texture.
    • Roasted chickpeas – crispy and crunchy legumes seasoned with various spices that add a plant-based protein source to the bowl.
    • Cucumbers – refreshing and hydrating vegetables with a crisp texture and sweet flavor that provide a refreshing crunch.
    • Cherry tomatoes – small, sweet, and flavorful tomatoes that add a bright burst of color and flavor to the bowl.
    • Green onions – mild onions with a subtle onion flavor and crunch that serve as a garnish or topping for added flavor and texture.
    • Arugula – a leafy green with a peppery and slightly bitter taste that adds a vibrant green color and bold flavor to the bowl.
I make homemade pizza dough at least once a week, but that wasn't always the case. I used to think scratch pizza dough would take too long, be too much fuss, and not be worth the effort. How wrong I was! Our five-ingredient pizza dough is foolproof in terms of flavor and freshness. You can count on this simple recipe every time!

How to Make a Buddha Bowl

Super easy to make!

    • Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions and set aside.
    • Roast the chickpeas – (see my recipe here). Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper. Place them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes at 425° or until crispy.
    • Cut the veggies – While the chickpeas are roasting, slice the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and green onions.
    • Make your dressing. For our Buddha Bowl today, we like to use Cilantro Lime Dressing, Green Goddess Dressing, Lemon-Garlic Cashew Cream, or Lemon-Garlic Tahini.
    • Assemble the Bowl – This is the fun part! 
    • Start with a base of cooked quinoa in a large bowl.
    • Add the sliced avocado, roasted chickpeas, sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions.
    • Drizzle the dressing over the top of the bowl.
    • Finish by topping the bowl with fresh arugula.
    • Dig in!

Buddha Bowl Variations

Use your imagination!

    • Protein – Substitute with black beans, kidney beans, or lentils for a different source of protein.
    • Roasted or sautéed tofu or tempeh can also be used as a plant-based protein option.
    • Veggie 1 – Sliced zucchini or yellow squash. Bell peppers or shredded carrots can also add a nice crunch.
    • Veggie 2 – Diced or sliced regular tomatoes. Roasted or grilled bell peppers or eggplant can also provide a sweet and savory flavor.
    • Avocado – Substitute with hummus, tahini, or guacamole for a creamy texture and healthy fats.
    • Roasted sweet potato or butternut squash can also provide a similar texture and flavor.
    • Herbs / Onions – Substitute with sliced red onions or diced shallots.
    • Chives, cilantro, or parsley can also provide a fresh and herbaceous flavor.

Remember, the key to a great Buddha bowl is to use fresh, colorful ingredients that provide a variety of textures and flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to find your perfect Buddha bowl!

Try One of Our Other Grain Bowls

Grain Bowl Template (the basics of grain bowl making)

Mexican-Inspired Bowl

Mediterranean Bowl

If you give any of these grain bowls a try, let us know in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!

 

Buddha Bowl

Denise Keniston - Basil Lover
The combination of different flavors, textures, and colors in a Buddha bowl makes it a tasty and visually appealing meal that will surely leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Assemble individual bowls with quinoa, roasted chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, green onions, and arugula
  • Drizzle on dressing and toss
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

The Small Food Processor I Use

  I have purchased this small food processor for so many of my family and friends. This Hamilton Beach Electric Vegetable Chopper and Mini Food Processor is perfect for smaller batches, like dressings and dips, when you don’t want to break out your big food processor. Here is my affiliate link. https://amzn.to/3KWU6fA

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