Build Your Own Buddha Bowl {Vegan}

Build Your Own Buddha Bowl with delicious fresh veggies that are roasted on a sheet pan. You’ll love the homemade tahini dressing!

Ingredients and substitutions

• Olive oil – or another neutral cooking oil like avocado or canola oil.

Protein options

• Chickpeas – use another kind of bean such as kidney beans.
• Extra-firm tofu – if you want to avoid processed tofu, try some tempeh.
• Falafels – store-bought versions are easiest but you can try making your own falafels if you’re feeling fancy.
• Edamame – make sure to use shelled edamame, not pods.

Vegetable options

• Sweet potatoes – butternut squash would also be good.
• Mushrooms – swap out for some sliced zucchini instead.
• Broccoli florets – cauliflower florets are a good substitute.
• Cauliflower florets – use broccoli instead or another veggie of your choice.
• Red onion – white onion would also be good here.

Quinoa

• Quinoa – switch out the quinoa for rice, millet or barley instead.
• Olive oil – see substitution notes above.

Tahini dressing

• Tahini – smooth peanut butter or sunflower seed butter would also work.
• Lemon juice – freshly squeezed lemon juice is best but bottled lemon or even lime juice will work in a pinch.
• Garlic – freshly minced or jarred minced garlic can both be used.
• Salt & pepper – to taste.

Tofu marinade

• Soy sauce – tamari or coconut aminos are the best substitutes for soy sauce.
• Apple cider vinegar – you can try using white wine vinegar but it’ll have a different flavour.
• Olive oil – see substitution notes above.

How to make a buddha bowl

1. Roast the veggies.
2. Make the tahini dressing.
3. Prep your toppings.
4. Cook the quinoa.
5. Assemble your bowls.
6. Drizzle the dressing over top and enjoy!

What is a buddha bowl?

A buddha bowl contains a plant-based combination of grains, proteins and vegetables. The goal is to have small amounts of many ingredients and to find balance between them.

Eating your meal this way helps to ensure it's nutritious and has varied vitamins and minerals. Being able to change it up prevents boredom and makes it easier to eat healthy. Plus, it helps that a buddha bowl is beautiful to look at!

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing and reheating

These buddha bowls work great for your weekly meal prep! Divide the portions among individual glass bowls and store the dressing in separate containers. The bowls will stay fresh in the fridge for 4 to 5 days, and the dressing will last in the fridge for up to a week.

You can eat the bowls cold or reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes – it’s totally up to you.

Freezing the quinoa

While you can’t freeze these buddha bowls, you can make a big batch of the quinoa and freeze some for later. After the quinoa has cooked, let it cool completely then pack it into freezer-safe Ziploc bags or glass containers. It will last in the freezer for up to 6 months.

When you’re ready to use your quinoa, let it defrost in the fridge overnight. From there, you can eat it cold or reheat it in the microwave for a couple minutes until warmed through. Use it to make fresh buddha bowls and a variety of other recipes!

More healthy vegetarian bowls

• Quinoa Salad Recipes 5 Ways
• Sweet Potato, Squash and Kale Buddha Bowls
• Chana Masala

Meal prep tools for this recipe

• Grab some glass meal prep bowls if you plan on turning these bowls into your weekly lunches.
• A rice cooker is invaluable for saving time, and it cooks other grains like quinoa, too!
• Order some tahini here.