Vegan Buddha Bowl

A Vegan Buddha Bowl is a vibrant, nutrient-dense meal featuring an abundant assortment of vegetables, grains, plant-based proteins, and a flavorful dressing. Beautifully balanced and naturally colorful, this wholesome bowl offers a satisfying, complete meal ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Buddha bowl is a celebration of fresh, nourishing ingredients. It is completely customizable, full of textures, rich in vitamins, and deeply satisfying. The combination of roasted vegetables, creamy avocado, protein-rich chickpeas or tofu, and hearty grains creates a well-rounded, delicious experience. The tahini or lemon-based dressing adds a final burst of flavor that ties everything together. Whether you follow a vegan diet or simply enjoy healthy eating, this recipe is both effortless and rewarding.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the bowl:

• cooked quinoa, rice, or couscous
• chickpeas (roasted or plain) or baked tofu
• sweet potatoes, cubed and roasted
• broccoli or cauliflower florets
• cherry tomatoes
• avocado slices
• shredded carrots or red cabbage
• baby spinach or mixed greens
• olive oil
• salt
• black pepper

For the dressing:

• tahini
• lemon juice
• garlic, minced
• maple syrup
• warm water
• salt and pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Roast vegetables for 20–25 minutes or until tender and slightly golden.
4. Prepare the grain of your choice and divide it among serving bowls.
5. Add roasted vegetables, fresh greens, tomatoes, shredded carrots, and sliced avocado.
6. Add chickpeas or tofu for protein.
7. For the dressing, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, maple syrup, and water until smooth.
8. Drizzle the dressing generously over the assembled bowl.
9. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 2
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: approximately 35–40 minutes

Variations

• Mediterranean Bowl: Add hummus, olives, cucumber, and falafel.
• Spicy Peanut Bowl: Swap dressing for spicy peanut sauce.
• Mexican-Inspired: Add black beans, corn, salsa, and lime.
• Grain-Free: Replace grains with extra greens or cauliflower rice.
• High-Protein: Add lentils, edamame, or grilled tempeh.

Storage/Reheating

Store ingredients separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Reheat grains and roasted vegetables in a skillet or microwave.
Add fresh greens, avocado, and dressing only when ready to serve.
Avoid freezing due to texture changes in vegetables and avocado.

FAQs

Can I use different grains?

Yes—quinoa, rice, farro, barley, or millet all work well.

Can I meal prep this?

Absolutely—prepare ingredients in advance and assemble when needed.

Can I use canned chickpeas?

Yes, drain and rinse them; roast if you prefer added texture.

What dressing alternatives are good?

Peanut dressing, lemon vinaigrette, or creamy avocado dressing.

Why is my dressing too thick?

Add more warm water until it becomes smooth and pourable.

Can I cook vegetables on the stovetop?

Yes—pan sauté or steam them if you prefer not to roast.

Can I add fruit?

Yes—mango, pomegranate, or apples add sweetness and brightness.

Is this bowl gluten-free?

Yes, if gluten-free grains are used.

Can I skip the avocado?

Yes, though it adds creaminess; substitute with hummus if desired.

How do I make tofu crispy?

Press tofu, toss with cornstarch, season, and bake or air-fry.

Conclusion

A Vegan Buddha Bowl is a wholesome, colorful, and flexible meal that celebrates fresh ingredients and nourishing flavors. With endless customization options and simple preparation steps, it is perfect for balanced weeknight meals or healthy meal prep. Whether enjoyed warm or cold, this bowl offers a delicious way to incorporate more plant-based foods into your routine.

Vegan Buddha Bowl

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A nutritious and colorful bowl filled with roasted vegetables, grains, fresh greens, and a creamy tahini dressing—balanced, wholesome, and fully vegan.

• Author: Emma Harper
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins
• Yield: 2 bowls 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
• 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 sweet potato, diced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded red cabbage
• 1 carrot, shredded or thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tahini Dressing:
• 3 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1–2 tbsp water (to thin)
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss sweet potatoes and broccoli with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender.
4. Warm the chickpeas slightly or leave them cold.
5. Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, water, and salt until smooth.
6. Assemble the bowl: start with quinoa or rice, then arrange roasted veggies, cabbage, carrots, chickpeas, and avocado on top.
7. Drizzle generously with tahini dressing and serve.

Notes

• Swap quinoa for farro, couscous, or wild rice.
• Add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
• Use any roasted or raw vegetables you prefer.
• Adjust dressing consistency by adding more water if too thick.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 0mg