Buddha bowls are a food lover's dream meal. A bowl packed so full of colorful veggies and grains that it has a rounded "belly" (hence the Buddha name). Buddha bowls are sure to fill you up with wholesome energy and get bonus points for being dorm-friendly and more exciting than your typical salad.
Looking for some bowl inspiration? Look no further because these 11 Buddha bowl recipes have a max of five main ingredients (plus a few fun spices and dressings for extra flavor), making them perfect clean eats that are easy on your budget and your busy schedule. Each recipe cooks in under 30 minutes, and is 100% Instagram-worthy.
So, with that, here are 11 Buddha bowls you can make with five ingredients or less... Enjoy.
1. Sweet Potato Chickpea Bowl
This hearty and fiber-rich power bowl starts with a kale base and roasted sweet potatoes. The zesty turmeric chickpeas not only provide protein to keep you energized, but boast anti-inflammatory benefits, which is just an added bonus to this already delicious Buddha bowl.
To top it off, this bowl is finished with a simple Mediterranean dressing made with tahini, lemon juice, and maple syrup that is so good you'll find yourself wanting to put it on absolutely everything.
2. Dorm-Friendly Zen Bowl
Pressed on time? Go ahead and schedule an evening yoga class because microwavable rice cuts down on dishes and cook time for this perfectly crafted, dorm-friendly Buddha bowl. Kale, black beans, broccoli, and mushrooms can all be eaten raw when washed, eliminating any unnecessary effort.
Add some hummus or avocado to complement the fresh veggie crunch of this bowl, and you have yourself the perfect dinner on the go.
3. Avocado, Egg, and Kale Bowl
A nourishing bowl of high-protein quinoa turns into a super breakfast when topped with half an avocado, sautéed greens, and a perfectly poached egg. This fast meal will set you up for an energized day and also makes an easy dinner option when you are low on groceries.
4. Vegan Sushi Bowl
Make the goodness of your favorite roll easily at home with this deconstructed sushi bowl. Feel free to get creative with your veggies, but avocado, tempeh, and protein-packed edamame are a must. A side of salty, nutrient-dense nori makes this bowl a sushi-lovers favorite.
5. Hawaiian BBQ Tofu Bowl
Barbecue-marinated tofu is the star of this quinoa and roasted zucchini bowl. Grilled pineapple provides a tropical-sweet punch of flavor to balance out the smokiness. Eat your way to vacation with this festive, tropical-themed Buddha bowl.
6. Taco Buddha Bowl
This healthier Chipotle-inspired bowl is quinoa-based with stir-fried black beans, jalapeños, and bell peppers. With a scoop of this perfect guacamole and a cilantro garnish, your bowl will be bursting with fresh flavors. Add some extra Meatless Monday-approved protein to keep you full until Taco Tuesday.
7. Curry-Coconut Kale and Quinoa Bowl
Superstar superfood kale and quinoa are the nutritious power couple of this bowl. The best part of the dish is the Thai-inspired creamy, vegan curry-coconut dressing. This quick and easy salad incorporates Thai food's most loved flavors of curry and sweet coconut into a nutritious, veggie packed dinner
8. Sesame Eggplant and Asian Tofu Bowl
Tofu is anything but boring when stir fried in an Asian-inspired nut butter sauce. Top this basmati rice bowl with sautéed eggplant slices and sesame seeds for healthy comfort food done right—no need to order takeout when you have Buddha bowls like this
9. Turmeric Yellow Rice Bowl
Nutritious eats don't get easier than this grain bowl. Cooking your brown rice with turmeric adds an Instagram-worthy vibrant color and extra health benefits. The combination of kale, chickpeas, broccoli, and carrots pack in your daily serving of vegetables.
Add a drizzle of this quick and easy tahini dressing, which tastes delicious on anything and is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
10. Cheaper-Chipotle Sofrita Bowl
This is one of the go-to meals from Spoon's "Week’s Worth of Vegan Meals for Under $30 From Trader Joe’s." For tofu worthy of Chipotle-style cravings, stir-fry your own version of sofritas in salsa and taco-seasoning. Vegan and gluten-free doesn't require giving up spice and satisfaction in this super-powered Buddha bowl.
11. Mediterranean Power Bowl
Get all the benefits of the Mediterranean diet in one simple, easy-to-make Buddha Bowl. Top off a bowl full of hearty quinoa with your favorite olives, feta crumbles, avocado, and chopped cucumbers. For some extra protein, add a dollop of one of these upgraded hummus options, and you've got yourself a Mediterranean treat.
It's easy to find your zen with these energizing and clean eats. Homemade bowls of nutrient-dense and vegetable-based meals are healthy for your mind, your body, and our environment. There are infinite reasons why Buddha bowls are better than plates, so make the swap and try one of these simple Buddha bowl recipes today.