How To Build A Filling Vegan Buddha Bowl

We’ve seen these all over the place;  Power bowls, buddha bowls, even burrito bowls. Buddha bowls are a staple in our routine because they are simple, customizable, and delicious. I love buddha bowls – and you should too! And while there are no RULES for making one of these but I know it can often be confusing.

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Common questions you might ask yourself when considering a buddha bowl:

• Did you add enough veggies?
• Is there a protein?
• Do I need a dressing?
• Will I feel full?
• Where do I even start?!

Buddha bowls are a SUPER easy way to get in awesome plant-based protein, tons of healthy and energy packed foods, PLUS hide your greens.

You can bulk them up as much as you’d like or keep it simple. Buddha bowls are my favorite way to use up random produce and ingredients I have around the house between grocery shopping trips.

Let’s break down how I like to make the PERFECT buddha bowl.

How to make a filling buddha bowl with plant-based ingredients in 5 easy steps.

step 1: Choose a base

A base of green is so important because it’s your opportunity to sneak in some nutrient dense foods that you may not otherwise eat unless you’re a big salad person.

My favorite to use is a small amount of romaine with a few handfuls of spinach. YUM!

If you don’t want any greens you can go ahead and skip to the second step. (Although I ALWAYS recommend sneaking in at least SOME greens. Your body will thank you)

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Step 2: Add grains or starches

In this step you will decide how filling you want your bowl to be. I like to add some sort of bean and grain so it will satisfy and satiate me until my next meal.

Some of my favorite grains or starches to add are:

• Chickpeas (straight from the can or air fried as “croutons”)
• Quinoa
• Brown rice
• Sweet potatoes
• Potatoes

My favorites, chickpeas and quinoa, are my favorite because they both are high in protein which is an added bonus!

READ: 19 Plant-Based Proteins To Try

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Step 3: add Fruits or vegetables of choice

Here you can add whatever vegetables you love and have on hand.

Some fruit or vegetable ideas include:

• Asparagus
• Broccoli
• Zucchini
• Tomatoes
• Grapes
• Peas
• Green beans
• Cucumbers
• Peppers
• … And so many other options!

TIP: Eat what’s in season for added nutrients (and cheaper cost!)

RELATED: Produce Staples for a Plant-Based Diet

Psst: be sure to download your FREE Buddha Bowl Guide at the bottom of this page!

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Step 4: top with nuts/seeds/something with crunch

If you know anything about me you’ll know that I LOVE hemp hearts. My favorite are from Manitoba Harvest. Costco even carries them. I add them to everything!

Other things I would add to a buddha bowl are pine nuts, almond slivers, or even homemade chickpea croutons.

RELATED: Caesar Salad with Crispy Chickpea Croutons

They even make some fun salad toppings you can find at grocery stores. Amazon also carries options like this guys from naturSource. Yum!

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Step 5: dress with sauce and spices

Do you need to use a dressing? No. I actually rarely do.

Here are some ideas for what you can top your buddha bowl with:

• Salad dressing
• Tahini
• Hummus (any flavor works great)
• Avocado/Guac
• Salsa
• Drizzle of olive oil and vinegar
• Balsamic glaze

My favorite option is hummus or avocado because they both have healthy fats and add a beautiful creamy texture to your bowl.

So….

Are you ready to give this buddha bowl thing a try? Yes? Awesome! Download your free guide here!

Interested in going plant-based or trying more plant focused recipes? You might like checking out these other posts!

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MORE FROM REALISTIC PLANT-BASED MAMA:

20 Vegan Soup Recipes

5 Must-Try Tofu Recipes

Plant-Based Protein Powders Review (Shakeology vs. Store Alternatives)