10 Minute Vegan Buddha Bowl
Filled with flavor, vitamins and nutrients, this easy Buddha Bowl recipe comes together in just 10 minutes! Discover all the health benefits and why we love Buddha Bowls.
Buddha bowls, also known as nourish bowls, grain bowls or macro bowls, are a delicious and simple way to put together a healthy and satisfying meal. These nutrient-dense dishes can be whipped up with minimal effort and in no time at all. Not only are Buddha bowls tasty and convenient, but they can also be tailored to your own dietary needs and taste buds. And better yet, you can make them with whatever ingredients you have on hand!
Where Did Buddha Bowls Come From?
Buddha bowls are colorful, nutritious, and often vegan or vegetarian-friendly meals. But where did these trendy health food meals come from?
The term “Buddha bowl” first became popular in 2014 when home cooks began sharing their creations on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest. The name was inspired by the round shape of the traditional Buddhist begging bowl, which is symbolic of abundance and nourishment. Buddha bowls have since become even more popular as people have embraced plant-based diets for health reasons and sustainable eating habits.
These one-bowl meals typically consist of a base like grains or greens, proteins such as tofu or beans, vegetables, healthy fats such as avocado or nuts, a sauce for added flavor and crunchy toppings for texture.
Are Buddha Bowls Vegan?
Buddha bowls typically consist of a base of grains such as quinoa or brown rice and contain a variety of produce. They can also include legumes like chickpeas and lentils, as well as nuts and seeds for crunch. Depending on personal preference, additional toppings like avocado slices, hummus or tahini dressing can be added. The answer to the question ‘Are Buddha bowls Vegan’ is yes, they CAN be! In fact, ours is! All the ingredients used in making these delicious meals can be made with plant-based sources so it’s an ideal choice for vegans and vegetarians looking for an easy meal option packed full of nutrition.
However, if you want to add chicken or some other meat, you can also do that as well, it just wouldn’t be vegan or vegetarian anymore 😉
Are Buddha Bowls Healthy?
Yes – as long as you watch the ingredients and portions you include in your bowl. The beauty of Buddha Bowls is that they can be tailored to individual tastes and nutritional needs. To ensure that your Buddha bowl is healthy, it should contain nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables from all the colors of the rainbow, whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice for fiber and plant-based proteins like beans or tofu for added protein.
What is the Best Buddha Bowl Dressing?
One of the most popular dressing for Buddha bowls is tahini, which has a nutty taste that adds richness to the dish. If you like your dressing on the sweet side, then honey mustard is a great choice as it blends nicely with many ingredients. For those who like their dressing more acidic, try an Asian-style vinaigrette made with rice vinegar and sesame oil.
For the one featured here, I just used lime juice. Between the citrus of the mandarins and the burst of flavor from the blueberries, I really didn’t need any additional dressing.
What Do You Put in a Buddha Bowl?
Creating a Buddha bowl is an easy way to get creative with meal prep. It can also be a great way to ensure you have healthy, nutrient-packed meals ready for the week ahead. If you’re new to creating these bowls, head here to get a free printable on how to build the perfect Buddha bowl.
What Are the Health Benefits of the Vegan Buddha Bowl Recipe We Made?
Health Benefits of Mandarins
Highly nutritious, mandarins contain a variety of essential vitamins and minerals that can help protect against disease and bolster the immune system. With their bright orange color and mild flavor, they make an ideal snack for people of all ages.
A single serving contains more than 100 percent of your daily vitamin C requirements as well as other essential nutrients like folate, potassium and dietary fiber. Additionally, the vitamin C content helps to boost your immune system so you can stay healthy throughout the year.
Health Benefits of Avocado
Avocado is a nutrient-dense fruit packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It has been linked to numerous health benefits, such as improved heart health, better digestion, and reduced inflammation.
Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fats which can help protect against heart disease by improving blood pressure levels and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Avocados are also an excellent source of B vitamins which play an important role in energy production as well as promoting healthy skin, hair, nails, and bones.
Health Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the most popular and versatile fruits, beloved for their sweet-tart flavor, vibrant color and ease of use in a variety of dishes.
Full of antioxidants and other nutrients, blueberries have been linked to lower blood pressure, improved brain function and reduced cancer risk. They contain high levels of vitamin C as well as manganese, which can help regulate blood sugar levels while promoting healthy bone growth.
Health Benefits of Chickpeas
Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, have been a staple of diets around the world for centuries. This legume is high in protein and complex carbohydrates, and offers an array of impressive health benefits.
Rich in nutrients such as iron, phosphorus, vitamin K and B vitamins like folate and thiamin, chickpeas are a great source of dietary fiber that helps keep your digestive system healthy.
Health Benefits of Carrots
Carrots are one of the most popular vegetables, and for good reason. Not only do they taste great in salads, soups, and Buddha bowls, but they also come with a variety of health benefits. From helping to improve eyesight to lowering cholesterol levels carrots can be an important part of a healthy diet.
Plus, we added red onion, a quinoa and brown rice blend and greens!
Holy healthy amazingly delicious vegan Buddha Bowl!
Ok, let’s build that Buddha Bowl shall we?
10 Minute Buddha Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 large handful leafy greens
- ¼ cup cooked grains quinoa, couscous, or brown rice
- 5 oz chickpeas drained and rinsed – about 1/3 of a can
- ¼ cup blueberries
- 1 mandarin peeled and sliced
- ¼ avocado sliced
- ¼ red onion sliced
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- Dressing of choice, I used fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Place the greens in the bottom of your bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Top with dressing or lime juice if desired.