How To Build Buddha Bowls (15 Minute Recipe)

This 15 Minute Buddha Bowls recipe, with healthy grains, chickpeas, fruit, and avocado, is a balanced, healthy meal that comes together in no time!

At this point we can all agree that Buddha Bowls aren’t going away anytime soon right? I mean, how can a bowl full of healthy goodness ever go out of fashion?

So today I’m showing you how to make a basic Buddha Bowl (which you might also hear called a grain bowl, macro bowl or hippie bowl)! The general concept is that they’re a completely balanced, usually plant-based meal…in a bowl!

What is in a Buddha Bowl?

At it’s core, the Budda Bowl is just a big bowl or healthy food, mostly plants, served over a bed of greens or grains and topped with a dressing. Buddha Bowls usually contain:

1. Greens: like spinach or kale
2. Protein: like chickpeas or other beans
3. Grains: like bulgur, quinoa, or brown rice
4. Healthy carbs: helloooo fruit!
5. Healthy fats: avocado or nuts
6. Extras: flavorful additions like onions, nutritional yeast, or spices

1. Pick a leafy green

First up, pick a leafy green for your Buddha Bowls! I love using spinach, which is packed with nutrients while still being light and tender, but you could also use kale, romaine, arugula, or iceberg lettuce.

2. Plant-based protein

Next, add some healthy plant-based protein! This will transform these vegetarian Buddha Bowls from “side salad” to “filling meal”. You can use protein-packed chickpeas, healthy legumes, crispy tofu, chickpea “tuna” salad, or even boiled eggs.

3. Healthy Grains

Adding a healthy grain or starch will make these Buddha Bowls all the more filling while packing in even more healthy nutrients and fiber. You can use fiber-rich quinoa, brown rice, bulgur, farro, or couscous.

4. Healthy Carbs

Fruit on a salad? Yes, friends! And once you try it there’s no going back. A handful of fresh berries, a few slices of mandarin oranges, sliced apples, or halved grapes are all delicious in your healthy homemade Buddha Bowls. As a rule of thumb, more colors = more diverse nutrients (so make it a rainbow masterpiece!)

5. Healthy Fats

Round out the macronutrient profile of your veggie Buddha Bowls by adding some healthy fats, like avocado, nuts, or seeds.

6. Extras

Finally, throw on the extras! These can be flavorful additions like red onion, nutritional yeast, spice blends (I love sprinkling on the Trader Joe’s Umami Blend), or more veggies!

What sauce is best for buddha bowls?

We’re drizzling these particular Buddha Bowls with a sweet and savory yogurt sauce, but you can also top your bowls with: Yumm Sauce, Romesco Sauce, Blueberry Vinaigrette, or your favorite salad dressing.

Buddha Bowl FAQs

Why is it called a Buddha Bowl? Buddha Bowls are named for their big, round shape, like a Buddha belly! But being full of delicious food is about the only thing required to qualify something as a Buddha Bowl, and many people have a different take on what they consider a Buddha Bowl!

Is a Buddha Bowl hot or cold? Both! While this version is mostly cold, there are some that are served hot (like this Roasted Veggie Buddha Bowl).