Description

A Buddha Bowl is a colorful and nutrient-packed meal filled with a variety of vegetables, grains, legumes, and a flavorful dressing. It’s a customizable, wholesome meal that’s as satisfying as it is healthy. This bowl is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, and can be adapted to fit your tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa, brown rice, or couscous (your choice of grain)
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (or any beans of choice, such as black beans or lentils)
1/2 cup roasted sweet potatoes, cubed
1/2 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
1/2 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds (optional, for crunch)
2 tablespoons tahini or your favorite dressing (optional)

For the Dressing:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the Base: Start by cooking your grain (quinoa, rice, or couscous) according to the package directions. While the grain is cooking, you can prepare the rest of the ingredients.

Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly caramelized.

Assemble the Buddha Bowl: In a large bowl, layer the base of your choice of cooked grain. Then, arrange the chickpeas, roasted sweet potatoes, avocado slices, cucumber, shredded carrots, and red cabbage in sections over the grain. Add the pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added crunch.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, maple syrup (or honey), salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.

Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the bowl and toss everything together if desired, or serve it as a colorful layered bowl.

Notes

You can add grilled chicken, tofu, or a boiled egg for extra protein.
If you’re looking to keep it vegan, the tahini dressing or a simple vinaigrette works wonderfully.

Feel free to mix up the veggies based on what you have on hand—roasted cauliflower, broccoli, or spinach would be great alternatives.