This Healthy Buddha Bowl is the ultimate grain bowl! I love how versatile a grain bowl is – choose your grain/carb, protein, veggies, a vibrant sauce, and toppings to create the perfect, nourishing meal! They can be made to fit any dietary need – vegan, paleo, keto, etc.!
Grain bowl / glow bowl
We’re big grain bowl fans in my house – which is mostly the lazy girl in me talking. Throw everything in a bowl, top with a delicious sauce, and call it good? Say less. Bowls like these are so versatile, so fresh, and so nourishing – they also make the best easy weeknight meal or meal prep lunch!
I am all about making quick, easy dinners throughout the week and when i’m meal prepping/meal planning, i’ll decide to prep a few components depending on the vibe of the bowls I want to make. Think carbohydrate sources like squash, sweet potato, etc., a grain (quinoa, rice, etc.), and a protein (pulled chicken, salmon, tuna, chickpeas, tofu, etc.). Preparing carbohydrates and proteins for the week makes meal times easier and requires less hands-on time when you just want to eat! You can also transform the prepped ingredients into different types of bowls throughout the weeks you never get bored!
If you love mediteranean, try my Copycat Cava Bowls! You may also love my salmon nourish bowl, Crispy Rice Bowl or my Cava Harissa Avocado Bowl!
recipe video – watch me make a buddha bowl!
What is a buddha bowl?
A Buddha Bowl (also known as a nourish bowl or grain bowl) is a one-bowl meal typically made up of a variety of healthy, whole foods. It’s usually vegetarian or vegan, but it doesn’t have to be – steak grain bowls, salmon grain bowls, chicken grain bowls – the possibilities are endless!
A typical Buddha Bowl formula:
- Whole grains – like quinoa, brown rice, farro, or bulgur
- Protein – such as chickpeas, steak, lentils, tofu, tempeh, or edamame for plant-based options or salmon, chicken, turkey, etc. for animal-based proteins.
- Vegetables – both cooked (like roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli) and raw (like shredded carrots, greens, cucumber)
- Healthy fats – like avocado, nuts, seeds, or tahini
- A flavorful dressing or sauce – such as tahini dressing, peanut sauce, or a lemon vinaigrette
- Toppings – like herbs, sprouts, fermented veggies (like kimchi), or seeds
Why are Buddha Bowls popular?
- They’re nutrient-dense and balanced – protein, fat, and fiber!
- Easy to customize to dietary needs (gluten-free, vegan, etc.)
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Visually appealing and satisfying – we love a pretty meal!
They’re called “Buddha bowls” because they’re meant to be wholesome, nourishing, and filling—like a peaceful, well-rounded meal. Today were making a version. of a Buddha Bowl that I like to call my Glow Bowl because it’s packed with nourishing ingredients that will help you glow from the inside out!
How to make a grain bowl/buddha bowl
Full recipe is in the recipe card at the bottom of the post!
Ingredients
- Greens & shredded cabbage
- Sweet potatoes
- Brussels sprouts
- Olive oil (for roasting veggies and for the tahini sauce)
- Protein: I used Abbot’s plant-based chorizo but use whatever you like, cooked in your preferred method!
- Sauce: tahini, lime, garlic, sea salt & pepper, cilantro, parsley
- Toppings: pickled red onion, avocado, pickled veggies or jalapeños, hummus, etc.
Steps
For this bowl, we’re doing a base of greens and roasted sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts. However, if you’d rather do a rice or quinoa base, feel free to swap that in and add your favorite roasted vegetables!
- Prep the veggies & potatoes – preheat oven to 400F. Peel your sweet potato and chop into 1-2 inch pieces. Add to the a bowl. Trim your Brussels by cutting off the end. Cut any large ones in half. Add to the bowl. Toss in olive oil and seasoning, then spread on a greased baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes. The veggies are done when they are brown and a fork slides into them easily!
- Cook your protein – I used Abbot’s chorizo, so I just simply heated it on a pan until slightly crispy and heated through. If you’re using another protein that needs to be cooked, cook it using your preferred method! If using beans or lentils, just drain, rinse, and they’re ready to use!
- Prep the sauce – simply blend everything in a blender until smooth. Taste & adjust as needed. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge.
- Assemble the bowls – The best part about a buddha bowl is eating it out of a massive bowl! Just add a bunch of greens to the bottom of your bowl. If you want to add a grain, add that in too. Top with the roasted sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts. Add the protein and any other add-ons (pickled onions, avocado, etc.). You can also add a dollop of hummus. Then drizzle over the dressing and enjoy!
Grain Bowl Variations
- A grain: Use quinoa, farro, white or brown rice, cauliflower rice, etc.
- Protein: Think lentils, beans, chickpeas, steak, baked tofu, tempeh, salmon, a poached or fried egg, chicken, etc.
- A yummy sauce: Peanut sauce, Japanese carrot ginger dressing, chipotle sauce, green goddess dressing, cilantro lime dressing, basil pesto, or tahini sauce are all delicious. Here are 4 of my favorite healthy dressings!
- Fresh vegetables: Any roasted or raw veggie is at home in a grain bowl! Mix and match veggies according to the flavor profile you’re going for. Experiment with grilled corn, sweet potato, bell pepper, cabbage, cherry tomatoes, and more.
- Pickle it!: Pickled onions, jalapeños, and veggies add great crunch and tang!
- Toppings: Nuts and seeds for crunch, hummus or feta, microgreens for antioxidants, and fresh herbs are yummy additions!
Glow bowls
This glow bowl is vibrant, fresh, and nourishing, making you feel like you’re glowing from the inside out! It’s packed with fresh seasonal produce, lean protein and healthy fats. Enjoy this as a healthy lunch or dinner option!
More healthy grain bowls and salads to try
- Thai nourish bowl
- Cava Harissa Avocado Bowls
- Vegan roasted broccoli salad
- Copycat Sweetgreen crispy rice bowl
- Roasted greek potatoes with whipped feta (vegan)
- French onion spaghetti squash boats
- Healthy chicken pot pie soup (vegan options)
Healthy Grain Bowl/Buddha Bowl
Ingredients
Green herby tahini sauce
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tbsp avocado oil or olive oil
- juice from 2 small limes
- 1 bunch parsley, stems removed
- 1/3 cup cilantro, washed & stems removed
- 1 small garlic cloves
- 2 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 cup cold water *more, as needed*
Roasted potatoes & veggies
- 1 large sweet potato, japanese sweet potato, etc.
- 1 cup halved brussel sprouts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt, sprinkle of pepper (any other seasonings you'd like)
To assemble the bowls
- greens
- toppings: pickled veggies, pickled onions, hummus, avocado, etc.
- Protein of choice (prepared/cooked)
Instructions
Green herby tahini sauce
- Simply blend everything in a blender until smooth. Taste & adjust as needed. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge.
Prep the veggies & potatoes
- Preheat oven to 400F. Peel your sweet potato and chop into 1-2 inch pieces. Add to a bowl. Trim your Brussels by cutting off the ends, then half them. Add to the bowl. Toss in olive oil and seasonings, then spread on a greased baking sheet. Roast for 40-45 minutes. The veggies are done when they are brown and a fork slides into them easily!
Cook your protein
- I used Abbot's chorizo, so I just simply heated it on a pan until slightly crispy and heated through. If you're using another protein that needs to be cooked, cook it using your preferred method! If using beans or lentils, just drain, rinse, and they're ready to use!
Assemble the bowls
- The best part about a buddha bowl is eating it out of a massive bowl! Just add a bunch of greens to the bottom of your bowl.
- If you want to add a grain, add that in too. Top with the roasted sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts (or your roasted veggies of choice).
- Add the protein and any other add-ons (pickled onions, avocado, etc.). You can also add a dollop of hummus. Then drizzle over the dressing and enjoy!
