Description
This Healthy Buddha Bowl is a vibrant and nourishing meal featuring roasted sweet potatoes, protein-rich quinoa and chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tahini dressing. Perfect for a balanced lunch or dinner, it combines textures and flavors to create a satisfying, wholesome dish packed with nutrients and plant-based goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Sweet Potato
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Base and Vegetables
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup diced cucumber
Tahini Dressing
- 1 tablespoon tahini
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- Water to thin dressing as needed
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Roast Sweet Potato: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the diced sweet potato evenly on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the sweet potato is tender and slightly caramelized, enhancing its natural sweetness.
- Cook Quinoa: Prepare the quinoa according to the package instructions. Once cooked, set it aside and allow it to cool slightly to prevent wilting other bowl components.
- Make Tahini Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, and a bit of water until the dressing reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Adjust the thickness by adding more water as needed for easy drizzling.
- Assemble Bowl Base: Place a generous mound of the cooked quinoa in the center of each serving bowl, creating the base of your Buddha bowl.
- Arrange Vegetables: Artistically arrange the roasted sweet potato, fresh spinach leaves, drained chickpeas, sliced avocado, red cabbage, and diced cucumber around the quinoa in sections or in any presentation you prefer for a colorful layout.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the tahini dressing generously over all the bowl ingredients to add flavor and creaminess.
- Top with Seeds: Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds over the bowl to incorporate a delightful crunch and boost the nutritional value with healthy fats and minerals.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the bowl immediately while fresh, or cover and refrigerate if preparing ahead of time. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Notes
- For added protein, consider adding grilled tofu or tempeh.
- The tahini dressing can be substituted with hummus or your favorite vinaigrette if preferred.
- Make sure to rinse canned chickpeas to reduce sodium content.
- This bowl is perfect for meal prep; ingredients can be prepped in advance and assembled when ready to eat.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
