After ordering nearly every Buddha bowl (which you might also hear called a grain bowl, macro bowl, or hippie bowl) on the menu at local restaurants, I felt I was highly qualified to make it at home. They are packed with flavor and tons of plant-based nutrients, both Live Eat Learn staples! Buddha bowls can take some time, but this one is ready in just 15 minutes and makes the perfect lunch meal prep. I’m here to show you the basic blueprint of a stellar bowl. If you don’t like one topping, simply swap it with another. The bowl you create is only limited by your imagination!
Buddha Bowl Basics
At its core, the Buddha bowl is just a big bowl of healthy food, mostly plants, served over a bed of greens or grains and topped with a dressing. Buddha bowls usually contain:
here’s what you do
Step 1: Pick A Leafy GreenFirst up, pick a leafy green for your Buddha bowls! I love using spinach, which is packed with nutrients while still being light and tender. Step 2: Add Plant-based ProteinNext, add some healthy plant-based protein! You can use protein-packed chickpeas, healthy legumes, crispy tofu, chickpea “tuna” salad, or even boiled eggs. Step 3: Healthy Grains NextAdding a healthy grain or starch will make these Buddha bowls all the more filling while packing in even more healthy nutrients and fiber. You can use fiber-rich quinoa, brown rice, bulgur, farro, or couscous. Step 4: Add Healthy CarbsFruit on a salad? Yes friends! And once you try it, there’s no going back. A handful of fresh berries, a few slices of mandarin oranges, sliced apples, or halved grapes are all delicious in your healthy homemade Buddha bowls. Step 5: Add Healthy FatsRound out the macronutrient profile of your veggie Buddha bowls by adding some healthy fats, like avocado, nuts, or seeds. I love using sesame seeds, peanuts, or almonds, depending on the bowl’s vibes. Step 6: Extras and SauceFinally, throw on the extras! These can be flavorful additions like red onion, nutritional yeast, fresh herbs like basil, spice blends (I love sprinkling on the Trader Joe’s Umami Blend), or more veggies, like baked onions or other roasted vegetables for a warm version! We’re drizzling these particular Buddha bowls with a sweet and savory yogurt sauce, but you can also top your bowls with yumm sauce, romesco sauce, blueberry vinaigrette, a peanut sauce, or your favorite salad dressing.
