Buddha Bowl

I discovered my love for a good buddha bowl one hectic weekday afternoon when I had just a handful of leftover veggies and a craving for something fresh and nourishing so I opened my fridge and grabbed some rice and roasted chickpeas that I had meal prepped earlier and paired them with avocado slices and a quick tahini drizzle. The result was vibrant comforting and unexpectedly satisfying and since then this simple bowl has become one of my favorite lunch routines.

Over time I’ve started customizing it based on what I have on hand so every bowl feels a little different yet always balanced and colorful and packed with flavors and textures. Whether I’m in the mood for something light or more filling I know this combination of rice veggies and protein never fails and it’s the kind of meal that makes me feel good from the inside out.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

• Cooked rice – A hearty and grounding base that ties the whole bowl together.
• Roasted chickpeas – Adds crunch protein and flavor depth to the bowl.
• Sliced cucumber – Brings a fresh and cooling element.
• Shredded carrots – For natural sweetness and bright color.
• Avocado – Creamy and rich with healthy fats.
• Fresh cilantro – A punch of herbal freshness.
• Tahini dressing – Creamy tangy and ties all the flavors together.
• Olive oil – Helps roast the chickpeas to crispy perfection.
• Garlic powder – Enhances the flavor of the chickpeas.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning.

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing Bowl – Perfect for tossing the chickpeas in oil and spices.
• Baking Sheet – I use this to roast the chickpeas until they’re crisp and golden.
• Sharp Knife – For slicing the vegetables and avocado cleanly.
• Cutting Board – Keeps everything neat and safe while prepping.
• Blender or Whisk – For blending the tahini dressing to a creamy consistency.
• Serving Bowls – Great for assembling and presenting your beautiful bowl.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I start by preheating my oven to 400°F so it’s ready for roasting the chickpeas.

Step 2: Prepare the Chickpeas

In a mixing bowl I toss drained and rinsed chickpeas with olive oil garlic powder salt and pepper. Then I spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.

Step 3: Roast Until Crispy

I roast the chickpeas for about 25-30 minutes shaking the pan halfway through to make sure they get evenly crisp.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

While the chickpeas are roasting I whisk together tahini lemon juice a bit of water salt and pepper until it’s smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick I just add a splash more water.

Step 5: Prep the Veggies

Next I slice the cucumbers and carrots and cut the avocado right before serving so it stays fresh and green.

Step 6: Assemble the Bowl

I scoop a serving of cooked rice into a bowl then I arrange the roasted chickpeas cucumber slices shredded carrots avocado and chopped cilantro on top.

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

I finish it off with a generous drizzle of tahini dressing and a sprinkle of black pepper. Sometimes I even add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Tips

If you want to switch things up I suggest using quinoa instead of rice or adding pickled red onions for tang. I also love sprinkling sesame seeds or crushed nuts on top for extra texture. And if you’re short on time store-bought hummus works great as a quick dressing alternative.

Ways to Serve

I often serve this buddha bowl for lunch or a light dinner but it also makes a beautiful meal prep option. You can store the ingredients separately and assemble them just before eating. It’s also perfect as a colorful centerpiece for a casual brunch or picnic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Buddha Bowl ahead of time?

Yes! Just store the components separately and combine them right before serving to keep everything fresh.

What kind of rice works best in a Buddha Bowl?

You can use jasmine rice brown rice or even wild rice. Choose whatever suits your texture and flavor preferences!

Is this Buddha Bowl vegan?

Yes this version is completely plant-based and vegan-friendly.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this buddha bowl a try! It’s colorful nourishing and packed with flavor and I’d love to hear how you make it your own. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your version with me or save this recipe to your go-to healthy meal board.

Happy Cooking!

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