Buddha Bowl Recipes Vegetarian Peanut Sauce Ideas

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Welcome to a vibrant and nourishing culinary adventure with our vegetarian Buddha bowl recipes featuring a creamy, flavorful peanut sauce! Buddha bowls are the perfect way to enjoy a balanced meal packed with colorful vegetables, wholesome grains, and plant-based proteins, all harmoniously drizzled with a luscious peanut sauce that brings everything together.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, these recipes are designed to satisfy your taste buds and fuel your body.

With endless possibilities to customize, Buddha bowls are as fun to make as they are to eat. The star of these recipes is undoubtedly the peanut sauce—rich, tangy, and slightly sweet, it adds a delightful kick to every bite.

Get ready to learn how to create multiple variations of vegetarian Buddha bowls paired with our signature peanut sauce, perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Our vegetarian Buddha bowl recipes with peanut sauce combine nutrition, flavor, and convenience in one bowl. These recipes are:

  • Nutritious and balanced: Packed with fresh vegetables, whole grains, and plant proteins.
  • Deliciously versatile: Easily customizable with seasonal veggies and your favorite grains.
  • Simple and quick to prepare: Minimal cooking required, ideal for busy weekdays or meal prep.
  • Vegan and vegetarian friendly: Perfect for those following plant-based diets.
  • Rich in flavor: The peanut sauce ties everything together with its creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy profile.

Ingredients

For the Buddha Bowls

  • 2 cups cooked quinoa (or brown rice, farro, or your favorite grain)
  • 1 cup roasted chickpeas (seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder)
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup edamame, shelled
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

For the Peanut Sauce

  • 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1-2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce as needed)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce for heat

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan or rice cooker (for cooking grains)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small bowl or jar (for peanut sauce mixing)
  • Whisk or fork (for mixing peanut sauce)
  • Baking sheet (for roasting chickpeas)
  • Steamer or pot with steamer basket (for broccoli and edamame)
  • Cutting board and sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa or grain of choice. Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water and cook according to package instructions, usually about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the roasted chickpeas. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Drain and rinse one can of chickpeas, pat dry with a towel. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until crispy, shaking the pan halfway through.
  3. Steam the broccoli and edamame. Bring water to a boil in a steamer pot. Steam broccoli florets and shelled edamame for about 5-7 minutes until tender but crisp. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the peanut sauce. In a small bowl or jar, combine creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, lime juice, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sriracha if using. Whisk or shake well, adding water one tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency.
  5. Assemble the Buddha bowls. Divide cooked quinoa among bowls. Arrange roasted chickpeas, steamed broccoli, shredded carrots, red cabbage, edamame, and sliced avocado in sections over the quinoa. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro.
  6. Drizzle peanut sauce generously over the bowls. Serve immediately or store components separately for meal prep.

Tips & Variations

“To keep your Buddha bowl fresh and vibrant, store the peanut sauce separately and add it just before serving.”

  • Swap quinoa for brown rice, bulgur, or farro for different textures.
  • Add tofu, tempeh, or edamame for extra protein.
  • Use seasonal vegetables like roasted sweet potatoes, sautéed kale, or grilled zucchini.
  • Make the peanut sauce spicier by adding more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • For a nut-free option, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
  • Try topping with crunchy elements like chopped peanuts, crispy onions, or roasted pumpkin seeds.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 bowl)
Calories 520 kcal
Protein 18 g
Carbohydrates 55 g
Fiber 12 g
Fat 22 g
Saturated Fat 3.5 g
Sodium 580 mg
Sugars 9 g

Serving Suggestions

Buddha bowls are incredibly flexible and pair well with a variety of sides and beverages. For a light meal, enjoy with a crisp cucumber salad or pickled vegetables like Maple Bourbon Pickles Recipe.

On colder days, a warm bowl of soup such as those in our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes is a perfect companion.

For dessert, try a refreshing treat like the Lemon Straws Recipe to cleanse the palate after the rich peanut sauce experience.

Conclusion

Creating vegetarian Buddha bowls with peanut sauce is a delightful way to embrace wholesome eating without sacrificing flavor. Each bowl offers a satisfying blend of textures and vibrant colors that make eating healthy exciting.

The peanut sauce is the magic touch that elevates simple ingredients to a gourmet experience.

With these recipes, you can enjoy a nourishing meal any day of the week, perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or a cozy dinner. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables and grains to keep your bowls fresh and exciting.

We hope this guide inspires you to create your own colorful Buddha bowls that your whole family will love!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce

Description: A colorful and nutritious vegetarian Buddha bowl topped with a creamy peanut sauce. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner packed with fresh veggies and plant-based protein.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons warm water

Instructions

  1. Rinse quinoa and cook with water until fluffy, about 15 minutes.
  2. Prepare peanut sauce by whisking peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice, ginger, maple syrup, and warm water until smooth.
  3. Steam broccoli florets until tender, about 5 minutes.
  4. Assemble bowls by dividing quinoa, chickpeas, carrots, broccoli, cabbage, and avocado evenly.
  5. Drizzle peanut sauce over each bowl.
  6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 18 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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