Vegan Buddha Bowl Recipe for a Healthy, Flavorful Meal

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Looking for a vibrant, nutritious, and effortlessly delicious meal? A vegan Buddha bowl is just what you need!

This colorful dish is a harmonious mix of wholesome grains, fresh veggies, protein-packed legumes, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep, Buddha bowls are incredibly versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Not only are they visually stunning, but they also offer a balanced combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats that leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals into your weekly rotation, this recipe is simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more whole foods into your diet.

Ready to dive into the world of nourishing, easy-to-make bowls? Let’s get started with this wholesome vegan Buddha bowl recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan Buddha bowl is a perfect blend of taste, texture, and nutrition. It combines crunchy fresh veggies, creamy avocado, hearty quinoa, and a tangy tahini dressing that elevates every bite.

What makes it truly special is its flexibility—you can swap ingredients based on seasonal availability or personal preference without losing the essence of the dish.

Not only is it simple to prepare, but it also makes an excellent meal prep option. Store the components separately and assemble your bowl when ready to eat, keeping ingredients fresh and flavors vibrant.

Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, packed with plant-based protein, and low in processed ingredients, making it a wholesome choice for a balanced diet.

For more wholesome vegan inspiration, check out these recipes: Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, and Soy Free Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth (for cooking quinoa)
  • 1 cup chickpeas, cooked or canned (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
  • For the dressing:
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 2 tablespoons water (to thin)
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan (for quinoa)
  • Baking sheet (for roasting sweet potatoes)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk or fork (for mixing dressing)
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving bowls

Instructions

  1. Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. Roast the sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add water gradually until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  4. Assemble the bowl: Start by placing a generous scoop of quinoa at the base of your serving bowl. Arrange the roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, spinach, shredded cabbage, carrot, and avocado slices artfully on top.
  5. Add seeds and drizzle dressing: Sprinkle pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds over the assembled veggies for a satisfying crunch. Finish by drizzling the tahini dressing evenly over the bowl.
  6. Serve and enjoy! This bowl is best enjoyed immediately, but you can store components separately for up to 3 days for easy meal prep.

Tips & Variations

“Mix and match your favorite veggies and grains! Buddha bowls are all about balance and creativity.”

  • Swap quinoa for brown rice, farro, or millet for a different grain base.
  • Try roasting other vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or zucchini instead of sweet potatoes.
  • Add a handful of fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or basil to brighten the bowl.
  • For extra protein, include baked tofu, tempeh, or edamame.
  • If you like your dressing spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha.
  • For a nutty twist, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts on top.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving
Calories 450 kcal
Protein 15 g
Carbohydrates 60 g
Fiber 12 g
Fat 18 g
Saturated Fat 2.5 g
Sodium 250 mg
Vitamin A 150% DV
Vitamin C 70% DV
Iron 20% DV

Serving Suggestions

This vegan Buddha bowl pairs beautifully with a side of warm, crusty bread or pita to scoop up every last bit of dressing. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or a light soup like the Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating.

For a refreshing beverage, try a chilled cucumber mint water or a fruity iced tea to complement the fresh flavors of the bowl. You can also enhance the bowl by adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami boost.

Conclusion

The vegan Buddha bowl is a celebration of wholesome, plant-based ingredients that nourish both body and soul. With its bright colors, varied textures, and rich flavors, it’s a meal that feels indulgent yet healthy.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a balanced, easy-to-make dish that fits into a busy lifestyle or a mindful eating plan.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, this bowl offers endless opportunities to experiment and customize. The combination of roasted sweet potatoes, protein-packed chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a creamy tahini dressing ensures you get a satisfying and energizing meal every time.

For more vegan delights, explore Buddhist Vegan Recipes for Mindful and Healthy Eating and keep your plant-based journey exciting and delicious!

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Buddha Bowl

Description: A colorful and nutritious bowl packed with fresh veggies, grains, and plant-based protein. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
  • 1 medium carrot, shredded
  • 1/2 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons tahini
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside.
  2. Steam broccoli until tender, about 5 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to make dressing.
  4. In serving bowls, layer quinoa, chickpeas, broccoli, carrot, red cabbage, and avocado.
  5. Drizzle dressing over the assembled bowls.
  6. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 55 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Buddha Bowl”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A colorful and nutritious bowl packed with fresh veggies, grains, and plant-based protein. Perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT40M”, “recipeYield”: “2 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup cooked quinoa”, “1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed”, “1 cup steamed broccoli florets”, “1 medium carrot, shredded”, “1/2 avocado, sliced”, “1/2 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced”, “2 tablespoons tahini”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “1 teaspoon olive oil”, “1 clove garlic, minced”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Steam broccoli until tender, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to make dressing.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In serving bowls, layer quinoa, chickpeas, broccoli, carrot, red cabbage, and avocado.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drizzle dressing over the assembled bowls.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “450 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “15 g”, “fatContent”: “18 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X