Classic Buddha Bowl

Classic Buddha Bowl

A vibrant, nourishing bowl packed with roasted vegetables, fluffy grains, crispy chickpeas, fresh greens, and a creamy tahini dressing. This well-balanced meal is endlessly customizable, meal-prep friendly, and comes together in about 45 minutes. Every component is simple on its own — together they create something truly satisfying.

4 servings · Prep 15 min · Cook 30 min · Total 45 min

Main Course

Main

  • 1 cup quinoa rinsed
  • 2 cup water
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1 avocado sliced
  • 1 cucumber thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro roughly chopped

Roasted Vegetables

  • 1 sweet potato peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 zucchini cut into half-moons
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Crispy Chickpeas

  • 1 can chickpeas drained, rinsed, and patted very dry
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 0.5 tsp cumin ground
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Tahini Dressing

  • 0.25 cup tahini well-stirred
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 clove garlic minced or grated
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 3 tbsp warm water plus more to thin
  • 0.25 tsp salt

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Stovetop
  • Saucepan
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Paper Towel
  • Fork
  • Measuring Cups
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Pan
  • Jelly Roll (10x15)
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Saucepan (1 Quart)
  • Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)
  • Dipping Fork
  • Colander

Instructions

  1. Preheat your #[Oven] to ![425°F]. While it heats, combine the rinsed @[Quinoa], @[Water], and @[Salt] in a #[Saucepan]. Bring to a boil over ^[high heat], then reduce the heat to ^[low], cover, and simmer for ~[15 minutes]. Remove from heat and let it steam, covered, for ~[5 more minutes]. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  2. Line a large #[Baking Sheet] (or two if needed) with #[Parchment Paper]. Add the @[Sweet Potato] cubes, @[Red Bell Pepper], and @[Zucchini]. Drizzle with @[Olive Oil] and sprinkle with @[Garlic Powder], @[Paprika], @[Salt], and @[Black Pepper]. Toss well to coat, then spread into a single layer — don't overcrowd or they'll steam instead of roast.
  3. Roast at ![425°F] for ~[25–30 minutes], flipping halfway through, until the @[Sweet Potato] are fork-tender and the edges are caramelized and slightly crispy.
  4. Pat the drained @[Chickpeas] completely dry with paper towels — the drier they are, the crispier they'll get. Spread them on a small section of the #[Baking Sheet] (or a separate sheet) alongside the vegetables. Drizzle with @[Olive Oil] and toss with @[Cumin], @[Cayenne Pepper] (if using), and @[Salt].
  5. Roast the @[Chickpeas] at ![425°F] for ~[20–25 minutes], shaking the pan once halfway through, until they are golden, firm, and crispy. They will continue to crisp up slightly as they cool.
  6. In a small #[Mixing Bowl], whisk together the @[Tahini], @[Lemon Juice], minced @[Garlic], @[Maple Syrup], @[Warm Water], and @[Salt] until smooth and creamy. The dressing will seize up at first — keep whisking and it will come together. Add more @[Warm Water], one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a pourable, drizzleable consistency. Taste and adjust @[Salt] or @[Lemon Juice] as needed.
  7. Divide the baby spinach or mixed greens among four wide bowls as the base. Add a generous scoop of @[Quinoa] to each bowl.
  8. Arrange the roasted vegetables, crispy @[Chickpeas], sliced @[Avocado], and @[Cucumber] in separate sections around the bowl — the classic Buddha bowl presentation keeps each component distinct so you can see every colorful element.
  9. Drizzle generously with the tahini dressing, then sprinkle with @[Sesame Seeds] and fresh herbs if using. Serve immediately.