Eating a healthy diet that supports your health and well-being is one thing, but finding meals that satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body with essential nutrients and proteins is another.

One of my favorite go-to meals is the Buddha bowl. Buddha bowls provide a wholesome combination of flavors and textures, and they’re packed with nutrients that support your health. Buddha bowls are high in fiber and protein, filling, and blood sugar-friendly. Plus, they’re great because they’re incredibly versatile and can be tailored to any taste, preferences, or dietary restrictions. 

I can’t wait to share this list of 12 dietitian-approved Buddha bowl recipes that are both healthy and delicious.

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How to Build a Nourishing Buddha Bowl

There are no rules when it comes to making Buddha bowls. You can get super creative with a healthy bowl recipe. All you need is a baking sheet for roasting (vegetables, crispy tofu, chickpeas), a saucepan for cooking grains, and a big bowl for mixing all your chosen ingredients.

To build your healthy Buddha bowl, start with a base of whole grains, greens, or a mix of both. It’s important to include a source of carbohydrates for energy. Some grain options include brown rice, black rice, wild rice, farro, and quinoa. You can use any type of greens, including kale, spinach, arugula, mixed greens, and red cabbage. 

Don’t forget to add a source of protein. It can be a plant-based protein like legumes (beans, lentils) or tofu, or you can choose an animal protein like chicken, steak, or shrimp.

You can get creative with limitless options for toppings, sauces, and dressings. Toppings to consider include roasted veggies, bell pepper, sesame seeds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, or edamame. Ideas for dressings and sauces include lemon juice, lime juice, hummus, or tahini sauce. 

Still not sure where to begin? Here are 12 healthy Buddha bowl recipes to inspire you. Many of them have minimal prep time, so they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. 

<p class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn more: </strong> <a href="/blog/are-acai-bowls-healthy">Are Acai Bowls Really Healthy or Hyped? A Dietitian's Take</a>.</p>

The 12 Best Buddha Bowl Recipes to Enrich Your Meals

1. Quinoa Bowl With Kale Pesto Dressing

This Vibrant Buddha Bowl has all the fiber and protein you need in a meal. It features nutrition-packed kale and a flavorful kick of zesty pesto dressing. Packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins from butternut squash, beets, kale, quinoa, and other veggies, this bowl is a delicious and filling way to satisfy your craving for pesto.

2. Protein-Packed Buddha Bowl

Think a Vegan Buddha Bowl can’t be packed with protein? Think again! This bowl is a powerhouse of lean proteins, combining complementary proteins with a mix of roasted chickpeas, quinoa, and tofu. It's a satisfying option that keeps you fueled and ready to tackle your day.

3. Cilantro-Lime Chicken and Rice Bowl

If you're a fan of Chipotle and their Cilantro Lime Rice, you’ll surely want to add this recipe to your weeknight lineup. The combination of cilantro-lime chicken with the spicy green goddess dressing and white rice gives your taste buds a party they won't soon forget. Add black beans for even more fiber and plant-based protein. 

4. Bali Bowls With Peanut Tofu

These vegan Bali Bowls With Peanut Tofu are packed with veggies, black rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and a delicious peanut sauce. Another vegan Buddha bowl recipe that covers all the bases with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This colorful bowl is not only unbelievably tasty, it’s also beautiful. 

5. Baked Falafel Bowls

If Mediterranean food is your thing, these Baked Falafel Bowls are a crunchy and flavorful option for lunch or dinner. Made with quinoa, roasted vegetables, leafy greens, and baked falafel, this vegan and gluten-free recipe provides a complete meal in one bowl. 

6. Miso Mushroom Bowl

This Asian-inspired Buddha Bowl Recipe is packed with umami flavor. The brown rice adds fiber and minerals, while the mushrooms and leafy greens have a ton of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that offer a range of health benefits. 

7. Green Goddess Grain Bowl

The Green Goddess Bowl features a medley of nutrient-dense greens, grains, avocado, and a zingy dressing. Use whatever herbs you prefer for the dressing, but I’d recommend tarragon as a classic addition that gives green goddess dressing its herbaceous kick. It's a refreshing option that will leave you feeling bright and revitalized.

8. Orange Tofu Chickpea Bowl

These Orange Tofu Chickpea Bowls are vegan and gluten-free. They are perfect for a healthy and delicious meal prep lunch. It’s also a great option for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.  This sweet and savory combination adds a burst of flavor while delivering a healthy dose of fiber and antioxidants.

9. Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowls

Craving the flavors of a burrito but looking for an alternative for meal prep? These Chicken Quinoa Burrito Bowls are the answer. This flavorful burrito bowl features grilled chicken coated in a spicy chipotle glaze. Adding vegetables and using quinoa in place of rice adds nutrition for a healthier dinner.

10. Brown Rice Power Bowl

This Brown Rice Power Bowl is packed with nutritious and flavorful power foods like broccoli, brown rice, chickpeas, and loads of fresh herbs. It has a unique tahini dressing that pulls all the flavors together. It's incredibly good for you and incredibly delicious. This nourishing bowl is perfect for a light dinner or hearty lunch!

11. Keto Buddha Bowl

This keto Buddha Bowl is a balanced mix of healthy fats, proteins, and vegetables making it a great option for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Its cauliflower rice base makes this healthy bowl low-carb and keto-friendly. The roasted Brussels sprouts add extra fiber and volume to this delicious bowl. Top it off with a homemade vinaigrette using olive oil, red wine or balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic, salt and pepper. 

12. Meal Prep Buddha Bowl

This Buddha Bowl recipe will have you set on meals for a whole week. It’s packed with fresh veggies, protein-filled quinoa, and a yummy tahini sauce. It’s easy to grab and go on your way to the office or heat up for dinner when you don’t feel like cooking. 
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