Feast your eyes—and your taste buds—on this vibrant Buddha Bowl, a plant-powered dish that’s as gorgeous as it is nourishing. Packed with colorful veggies, hearty grains, and a creamy tahini drizzle, each bite is a celebration of flavor and texture. Whether you’re brand new to Buddha Bowls or already a superfan, this easy recipe invites you to eat the rainbow and feel fantastic while doing it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients for the Buddha Bowl and marvel at how each simple component brings unique flavor, crunch, or creaminess to the final dish. The magic is in the contrast: hearty grains, crisp veggies, and a silky dressing come together for a perfectly balanced bite each time.

Cooked quinoa or brown rice (1 cup): These wholesome grains form a cozy, satisfying base that soaks up all the wonderful dressing.
Roasted chickpeas (1 cup): Crispy, protein-packed, and just the right amount of nutty—these add substance and a delightful crunch.
Shredded carrots (½ cup): Bright and sweet, these ribbons deliver crunch and a pop of orange vibrance.
Sliced cucumber (½ cup): Cool, crisp cucumber balances out the earthier flavors in the bowl.
Steamed broccoli (½ cup): Tender, green goodness packed with nutrients and satisfying bite.
Avocado, sliced (½): Silky, rich, and full of healthy fats—avocado is the creamy crown jewel here!
Red cabbage, shredded (¼ cup): Adds a beautiful purple hue and a lovely crunch that wakes up every forkful.
Tahini (2 tablespoons): This sesame seed paste transforms into a dreamy dressing that ties everything together.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of zesty citrus brings freshness and zing to the sauce.
Maple syrup (1 teaspoon): A touch of sweetness mellows and rounds out the tahini dressing.
Water (1 teaspoon, to thin dressing): Just enough to get your sauce perfectly pourable—add more if needed!
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to make the flavors sing; sprinkle as you like.
Sesame seeds or chopped fresh herbs, for garnish (optional): Add extra pops of flavor or color with a shower of seeds or your favorite herbs.

How to Make Buddha Bowl

Step 1: Prepare Your Grain

Cook your choice of quinoa or brown rice according to the package directions. Fluff it with a fork, and be sure to let it cool slightly—you want it warm, not piping hot, so the veggies stay crisp and fresh when you assemble your Buddha Bowl.

Step 2: Make the Dreamy Tahini Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and water. Stir vigorously until smooth and creamy—you may need a little extra water for that perfectly pourable consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Taste test is encouraged, just to make sure it’s singing with citrus and nuttiness!

Step 3: Prep and Cook Your Vegetables

Shred the carrots and red cabbage, slice the cucumber and avocado, and steam the broccoli until it’s just tender but still bright green. The beauty of this Buddha Bowl is in the freshness and variety of each veggie—prepare them so each one shines!

Step 4: Roast the Chickpeas

Drain, rinse, and pat dry your chickpeas, then toss them with a little oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, or until golden and crisp. These are the crunchy gems on top of your bowl.

Step 5: Assemble the Buddha Bowl

Start with a generous scoop of quinoa or brown rice as the base. Then, arrange your chickpeas, carrots, cucumber, broccoli, avocado, and red cabbage in neat, colorful sections across the top. It’s like creating edible artwork! Drizzle the entire bowl generously with tahini dressing, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or herbs for garnish. Serve while the grains are still gently warm, and dig in.

How to Serve Buddha Bowl

Garnishes

Go wild with toppings! A final flourish of sesame seeds or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or mint not only looks gorgeous but adds extra flavor complexity. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a squeeze of fresh lime or a dusting of smoked paprika for something different.

Side Dishes

While the Buddha Bowl is a complete meal on its own, you can serve it alongside a cup of miso soup, a simple green salad, or a small plate of pickled vegetables. These light accompaniments enhance the fresh vibe and make the meal feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Layer everything into wide, shallow bowls for a classic look, or go for a modern twist by assembling mini Buddha Bowls in mason jars for meal prep or picnics. Let guests customize their own bowls at a DIY Buddha Bowl bar—perfect for dinner parties or family nights!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Buddha Bowl ingredients, store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the grains or veggies from getting soggy. The tahini dressing will keep for several days—just give it a quick stir before using again.

Freezing

While most of the Buddha Bowl ingredients are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked quinoa or brown rice and roasted chickpeas for convenience. Avoid freezing fresh veggies, avocado, or dressing, as their texture will change after thawing.

Reheating

To warm up leftovers, reheat the quinoa or chickpeas gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Leave the raw and steamed veggies and avocado chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor contrast when reassembling your bowl.

FAQs

Can I use different grains in my Buddha Bowl?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in farro, barley, wild rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The beauty of a Buddha Bowl is its flexibility—use whatever grain (or grain substitute) you love most.

How do I make my Buddha Bowl higher in protein?

You can add a scoop of cooked tofu, tempeh, or even grilled chicken if you’re not strictly plant-based. Edamame is another fantastic protein boost that fits seamlessly into the mix.

What are some veggie substitutions for Buddha Bowl?

There are endless options! Swap in roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed greens, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even thinly sliced radish. Customize with whatever is in season or looks freshest at the market.

Is the tahini dressing allergy-friendly?

Tahini is made from sesame seeds, so if you’re allergic, try a sunflower seed butter or almond butter version of the dressing. You can fine-tune the flavor with a little extra lemon juice or a splash of vinegar.

How long will the components of the Buddha Bowl last in the fridge?

Generally, cooked grains and roasted chickpeas will last up to four days in the fridge, while fresh veggies stay crisp for two to three days. Keep the dressing separate and only slice the avocado right before serving to prevent browning.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing more satisfying than plating up a colorful, nourishing Buddha Bowl—you’ll feel like you’re treating yourself to both a feast for the eyes and a real boost of plant-based goodness. Don’t be afraid to make it your own, experiment with toppings, and share your creations. Once you try this Buddha Bowl, it just might become a staple in your weekly meal lineup!

Buddha Bowl Recipe