Quick Quinoa Buddha Bowl
A colorful, nutritious buddha bowl that comes together in 20 minutes. Packed with protein, veggies, and a simple tahini dressing.
Buddha bowls have saved my lunch game! They’re basically a mix-and-match situation where you throw together grains, protein, veggies, and a good sauce. This version is my weekly staple because it’s quick, filling, and uses ingredients I always have on hand.
This isn’t one of those recipes where you need exact measurements. Got different veggies? Use them. Prefer brown rice? Go for it. The beauty of buddha bowls is their flexibility.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: If you haven’t already, cook quinoa according to package directions. I usually make extra on Sunday and keep it in the fridge all week.
- Prep the veggies: While quinoa cooks (or warms up if using pre-cooked), chop all your vegetables.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and garlic. Add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. It should be pourable but not watery.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide quinoa between two bowls. Arrange chickpeas and all the vegetables on top in sections - this makes it look pretty, but you can totally just toss everything together if you prefer.
- Drizzle and serve: Drizzle the tahini dressing over everything. Season with salt and pepper. Dig in!
Nutrition Information
Per serving
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Emma’s Tips
Meal prep version: Make 4 bowls at once. Store the dressing separately and add it right before eating. These keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge.
Add more protein: Top with grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or baked tofu.
Use what you have: Literally any vegetables work here. Roasted sweet potato, steamed broccoli, raw cabbage - go wild!
Make it kid-friendly: Let your kids build their own bowls. They’re more likely to eat it if they picked what goes in it.
Batch cook grains: Cook a big batch of quinoa or brown rice on Sunday. It makes weekday lunches SO much easier.