If you’re craving something vibrant, nourishing, and endlessly customizable, this Buddha Bowl is about to become your new kitchen obsession. Packed with colorful veggies, wholesome grains, craveable roasted chickpeas, and a creamy tahini-lemon dressing, it checks every box: texture, flavor, nutrition, and pure satisfaction. Whether you’re making lunch for a busy workday or crafting a leisurely weekend dinner, the Buddha Bowl delivers balanced plant-based goodness in a way that feels fresh and restorative every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps it refreshingly simple, which means each ingredient plays a starring role. Every element brings something special to your Buddha Bowl, from the hearty base to the lively veggies and the luscious drizzle of homemade dressing.

Cooked Quinoa or Brown Rice: Your wholesome, nutty foundation for all the flavors and textures to rest on.
Roasted Chickpeas: Adds irresistible crunch and hearty plant protein—try seasoning with your favorite spices before roasting for extra flavor!
Shredded Carrots: Their sweet crunch brings both color and a refreshing bite.
Sliced Cucumber: Delivers crisp, cool notes that lighten the whole bowl.
Steamed Broccoli: A dose of greens that’s both tender and nourishing, and cooks up quickly.
Avocado, Sliced: Creamy richness that melds beautifully with the other textures.
Red Cabbage, Shredded: Gorgeous purple crunch that stands out both visually and flavor-wise.
Tahini: Nutty and smooth, tahini forms the backbone of this dreamy dressing.
Lemon Juice: Bright acidity lifts the flavors in both the dressing and the entire bowl.
Maple Syrup: Adds a touch of natural sweetness for balance.
Water: Just enough to thin the dressing to the perfect pourable consistency.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the components into harmony.
Sesame Seeds or Chopped Fresh Herbs (optional): For a touch of fancy and a final pop of flavor and texture.

How to Make Buddha Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Grain Base

Begin by cooking your grain of choice—quinoa or brown rice—according to package instructions. Quinoa gives a protein-packed, nutty base, while brown rice is classic and comforting. Once it’s fluffy and tender, let it cool slightly so the rest of your ingredients stay crisp and fresh when layered on top.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and just a splash of water. Whisk until completely smooth, adding a bit more water if needed until you have a creamy, pourable consistency. This rich, tangy-sweet dressing is what brings the whole Buddha Bowl together—don’t skip it!

Step 3: Prepare the Veggies and Chickpeas

Roast your chickpeas for deeply satisfying crunch. At the same time, steam the broccoli until perfectly tender-bright. Slice the cucumber, shred the carrot and cabbage, and cut your avocado right before serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.

Step 4: Build the Buddha Bowl

Start your assembly with a generous bed of quinoa or rice, then artfully arrange the chickpeas, carrots, cucumber, broccoli, avocado, and red cabbage in neat, colorful sections. Think of it as both a delicious meal and a feast for your eyes!

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Drizzle your homemade tahini dressing over the assembled bowl, making sure to hit every pocket of goodness. For a finishing flourish, sprinkle with sesame seeds or a handful of fresh herbs, and season with a little extra salt and pepper as desired.

How to Serve Buddha Bowl

Garnishes

Garnishing your Buddha Bowl is where you can really let your personality shine. Try a light scatter of toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch, fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for fragrance, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for subtle heat. These little extras elevate both appearance and overall taste.

Side Dishes

A Buddha Bowl is wonderfully hearty on its own, but pairing it with a warm cup of miso soup, a simple green salad, or some roasted sweet potatoes on the side can round out the meal beautifully. Think light, bright sides that won’t overpower the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Presentation is half the fun with Buddha Bowls! Consider serving in wide, shallow bowls to show off all those colorful sections, or even set out ingredients family-style so everyone can build their own dream bowl. Play around with arranging the veggies in patterns or gradients for extra wow factor at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buddha Bowl leftovers store like a dream when kept in sealed containers in the fridge—you’ll get up to three days of lunchtime magic this way. However, keep the dressing and avocado separate until just before eating to preserve the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

While the individual cooked grains and roasted chickpeas can be frozen for future meals, it’s best to keep the fresh veggies out of the freezer. The dressing also keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, so you can whip up a speedy Buddha Bowl on demand!

Reheating

If you prefer your grains or chickpeas warm, reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before assembling your next Buddha Bowl. Add your fresh veggies and dressing right before serving for the best contrast of textures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I swap out the quinoa or rice for another grain?

Absolutely! Buddha Bowls welcome just about any grain you love—try farro, barley, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. The key is choosing a base that can hold up to the generous toppings and dressing.

What protein can I add for extra staying power?

This bowl is endlessly flexible. Tofu, tempeh, grilled chicken, or even a fried egg make fantastic additions if you want a little more protein. Roasted edamame or baked falafel also work beautifully in a plant-based Buddha Bowl.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you use naturally gluten-free grains like quinoa or rice, the Buddha Bowl is both vegan and gluten-free as written. Always double-check labels on packaged ingredients to be sure.

Can I prep all the ingredients ahead of time?

Definitely! You can cook the grains and chickpeas, whip up your dressing, and chop most vegetables up to two days ahead. Just slice the avocado and assemble the bowls right before serving for the freshest taste.

How do I keep my avocado from browning?

To keep avocado looking and tasting its best in your Buddha Bowl, slice it right before serving and give it a quick spritz of lemon juice. This helps slow the browning process and keeps your bowl Instagram-ready!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful, this Buddha Bowl is the perfect place to start. With its bold flavors and playful colors, it’s a go-to for nourishing both body and soul. It’s impossible not to fall in love, so grab your favorite ingredients and start building your own bowl of goodness today!

Buddha Bowl Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

Description

A Buddha Bowl is a colorful, nutrient-packed meal featuring a variety of vegetables, grains, and a flavorful dressing. This vegan and gluten-free bowl is not only visually appealing but also satisfying and nourishing.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Bowl:

1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
1 cup roasted chickpeas
½ cup shredded carrots
½ cup sliced cucumber
½ cup steamed broccoli
½ avocado, sliced
¼ cup red cabbage, shredded

For the Tahini Dressing:

2 tablespoons tahini
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon water (to thin dressing)
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds or chopped fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Grain: Prepare your choice of quinoa or brown rice following package instructions, then let it cool slightly.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and water until smooth.
Assemble the Bowl: In a bowl, layer quinoa as the base. Arrange chickpeas, carrots, cucumber, broccoli, avocado, and red cabbage on top. Drizzle with tahini dressing and garnish with sesame seeds or herbs.
Serve immediately.

Notes

Customize your bowl with seasonal vegetables, pickled onions, or protein like tofu or grilled chicken.
Roasted sweet potatoes or edamame are great additions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Assembly
Cuisine: Fusion