Nutritious Healthy Vegan Buddha Bowl
Perfect Vegan Buddha Bowl that’s nutritious, delicious, and easy to prep.

The term “Buddha Bowl” is thought to come from the way Buddha collected alms—filling a large bowl with small portions of food from villagers, according to a 2017 Epicurious article. I first knew these vibrant, plant-based meals as “macro bowls,” inspired by my visits to Casa de Luz in Austin, a macrobiotic restaurant serving a daily rotating meal of grains, legumes, vegetables, and a delicious sauce. Now living in Chicago, I’ve recreated my own Buddha Bowl recipe based on their simple yet flavorful template.
What Is a Buddha Bowl?
A Buddha Bowl is a balanced one-dish meal that typically includes:
- A base (like brown rice or quinoa)
- Protein (such as chickpeas, tofu, or lentils)
- Veggies (raw, roasted, or steamed)
- Healthy fats (avocado, tahini, seeds)
- A flavorful dressing
- It’s often served cold or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or work lunches.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Vegan Buddha Bowl (Serves 2)
Base:
1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice [ quinoa ]
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Protein:
1 cup canned chickpeas (rinsed & drained) [ Eden Organic Chickpeas ]
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Vegetables:
- 1 small sweet potato (cubed)
- 1/2 cup red cabbage (shredded)
- 1/2 cucumber (sliced)
- 1 carrot (spiralized or grated)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
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Healthy Fats:
- 1/2 avocado (sliced)
- 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds
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Dressing (Tahini-Lemon):
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp maple syrup or agave
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 2–3 tbsp warm water to thin

Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F)
- Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- Spread on baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes or until tender
IND: Baking Tray Set | US: Silicone Baking Mats | Non Toxic Baking Pan
Step 2: Prepare the Base
- Cook quinoa or brown rice as per package instructions
- Fluff and season lightly with salt and lemon
IND: Rice Cooker | US: Rice Cooker | Instant Pot Duo
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Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic, and water
- Adjust consistency and seasoning to taste
IND: Stainless Steel Whisk | Glass Mixing Bowls | US: Stainless Steel Whisk | Glass Mixing Bowls
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Step 4: Assemble Your Bowl
In a large bowl or meal prep container:
- Start with the quinoa or rice base
- Arrange roasted sweet potato, chickpeas, shredded cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, and tomatoes
- Add sliced avocado and sprinkle seeds on top
- Drizzle with tahini dressing
IND: Meal Prep Containers | US: Bento Boxes
Optional Add-ons:
- Roasted tofu cubes
- Kimchi or pickled veggies
- Sriracha for a spicy kick
- A squeeze of fresh lime

Vitamins: A, C, E, B6, Folate
This bowl is rich in:
- Plant-based protein from chickpeas
- Antioxidants from colorful veggies
- Heart-healthy fats from avocado and tahini
Check our Veggie Sushi Recipe here 🍣✨
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
Nutrition Facts
1 servings per container
- Amount Per ServingCalories520
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
18g
24%
- Total Carbohydrate
60g
22%
- Dietary Fiber 12g 43%
- Protein 16g 32%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Meal Prep Tips
- Store Separately: Keep dressing in a small container to avoid sogginess
- Keep Fresh: Store bowls in airtight containers for up to 3 days
- Batch Cook: Make a large batch of grains and roasted veggies in advance
- Double the Dressing: It also works as a salad dressing or sandwich spread!
Also Try: Potato Salad | Shaved Asparagus Salad | Mexican Salad
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