If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to explore different cultures and cuisines, why not try making a different Buddha bowl recipe each day of the week? These bowls are a perfect way to incorporate healthy and diverse ingredients into your diet, while also allowing you to experiment with different flavors and textures. From the fresh Mexican Inspired bowl to the hearty and comforting Italian inspired bowl, there’s a Buddha bowl recipe to suit every taste and mood. So pack your bags (and your taste buds!) and get ready for a culinary adventure around the world with these 7 Buddha bowls.
What are Buddha Bowls?
Buddha bowls, also known as nourish bowls, are a type of meal that typically consists of a combination of grains, vegetables, and protein, all served in a bowl. They can be hot or cold, and there are countless variations and combinations to suit every taste preference.
The origins of Buddha bowls are unclear, but they are believed to have originated in ancient Buddhist monasteries in Japan. Monks would use bowls to collect small amounts of food from villagers and combine them to create a balanced, healthy meal. Today, Buddha bowls have become a popular trend among health-conscious foodies and have taken on a life of their own.
Why are Buddha Bowls so Popular?
There are several reasons why Buddha bowls have become so popular in recent years.
First and foremost, Buddha bowls are incredibly healthy. They are typically made up of whole, unprocessed foods that are packed with nutrients. They are also highly customizable, so you can tailor your bowl to your specific dietary needs and preferences. For example, if you’re vegan, you can make a Buddha bowl with plant-based proteins like beans or tofu, while if you’re a meat-eater, you can add chicken or fish.
Second, Buddha bowls are incredibly convenient. They can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for several days, making them perfect for meal prepping. They’re also a great way to use up leftover ingredients, as you can throw together whatever you have on hand to create a delicious, healthy meal.
Finally, Buddha bowls are incredibly Instagram-worthy. They’re typically colourful and beautifully presented, which makes them perfect for social media. As a result, they’ve become a popular trend among food bloggers and Instagram influencers, which has only added to their popularity.
tips for making a perfectly Balanced Healthy bowl
There are a few rules that I try to follow when assembling a Healthy Bowl. I like to divide up the bowl into 4-Parts. Each section will be for a variety of healthy food and when it’s sectioned off you know that you are getting a balanced portion. The whole idea is BRILLIANT!
1. Veggies: ROASTED, AIR FRIED, STEAMED OR RAW
2. PROTEIN: CHICKEN, PANEER, SALMON, TOFU, Fish, Seafood, Halloumi, lean Beef, lentils, beans - to name a few!
3. Grains: Brown rice, basmati rice, Farro, Quinoa, bulgur, Israeli couscous, Soba noodle
4. Greens: Spring mix, romaine, head lettuce, kale, micro-greens, Spinach, arugula
How to Make a buddha bowl
Making a Buddha bowl is easy and doesn’t require any special equipment. Here are the basic steps:
Choose your base: The base of your Buddha bowl should be a grain, such as rice, quinoa, bulgur, farro, and Israeli couscous. You can cook your grain ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your bowl.
Add your protein: The next step is to add your protein. This can be chicken, fish, beef, paneer, tofu or any other protein of your choice. You can cook your protein ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble your bowl.
Add your vegetables: Next, add a variety of colourful vegetables to your bowl. This can include leafy greens, carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, and more. Try my recipe for Air Fryer Broccoli, or Roast cubed Sweet Potatoes for a great way to get your veggies. The more colourful your bowl, the more nutrients it will contain.
Add your toppings: Finally, add toppings to your bowl to give it extra flavour and texture. This can include nuts, seeds, avocado, salsa, guacamole, hummus, or any other toppings of your choice. Try making an edible taco bowl using pita bread! It’s easy.
Dress your bowl: You can dress your Buddha bowl with any dressing of your choice. Popular options include tahini dressing, peanut sauce, a simple vinaigrette or a delicious homemade ranch dressing.
7-Bowls That Take you Around the world in a week
How about this fun weekly meal-planning idea? Here are 7-Bowl ideas that take you around the world in a week! We use the basic concepts of assembling a buddha bowl and putting a slightly different spin depending on the cuisine!
Greek-Inspired bowl recipe
Here’s a recipe for a Greek-themed Buddha Bowl that’s healthy, flavourful, and easy to make!
For the bowl:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Greek-style dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. sugar, or honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the quinoa according to the package instructions and let it cool.
Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, add cooked quinoa, chopped lettuce, sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
Drizzle the Greek-style dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.
Divide the salad mixture into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Greek-themed Buddha Bowl!
Optional add-ins:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp for additional protein
- Roasted red peppers for extra flavour and nutrition
- Chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian option
italian-inspired Bowl Recipe
Here’s a recipe for an Italian-themed Buddha Bowl that’s flavorful, healthy, and easy to make!
For the bowl:
- 1 cup cooked Farro
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Roasted Red Peppers
- 1-2 pepperoncini
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1 cup romaine, or spring mix
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 dollop of fresh ricotta cheese (optional)
For the Italian-style dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp salt
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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Cook the Farro grain according to package instructions and let it cool.
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Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
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In a large mixing bowl, add cooked farro, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, pepperoncini, romaine, sliced red onion, canned chickpeas, and chopped fresh basil.
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Drizzle the Italian-style dressing over the salad and toss everything together until well combined.
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Add a dollop of ricotta cheese over the top, if desired.
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Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Italian-themed Buddha Bowl!
Optional add-ins:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp for additional protein
- Roasted eggplant for extra flavour and nutrition
- Kalamata olives or capers for a salty kick
Mexican-inspired bowl recipe
Here’s a recipe for a Mexican-themed Buddha Bowl that’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor!
Ingredients:
For the bowl:
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup grilled corn kernels
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced avocado
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the chipotle-lime dressing:
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
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Cook the brown rice according to package instructions and let it cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, add cooked brown rice, black beans, grilled corn kernels, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, and diced red onion.
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In a small mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, honey, chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced garlic, and salt.
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Drizzle the chipotle-lime dressing over the bowl and toss everything together until well combined.
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Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top and serve with lime wedges.
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Enjoy your delicious Mexican-themed Buddha Bowl!
Optional add-ins:
- Grilled chicken or shrimp for additional protein
- Roasted Sweet Potato cubes
- Roasted red peppers or poblano peppers for extra flavor and nutrition
- Sliced jalapeno peppers for a spicy kick
thai-inspired bowl recipe
Here’s a recipe for a Thai-themed Buddha Bowl that’s packed with fresh, vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients.
For the bowl:
- 1 cup cooked soba noodles
- 1/2 cup sliced bell pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/2 cup sliced red cabbage
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- Lime wedges for serving
For the peanut sauce:
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp grated ginger
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Water, as needed
Instructions:
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Cook the soba noodles according to package instructions and let it cool.
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In a large mixing bowl, add cooked soba noodles, sliced bell pepper, shredded carrots, chopped cucumber, and sliced red cabbage.
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In a small mixing bowl, whisk together natural peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes.
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Thin the peanut sauce with water until it reaches a pourable consistency.
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Drizzle the peanut sauce over the bowl and toss everything together until well combined.
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Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro and chopped peanuts over the top and serve with lime wedges.
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Enjoy your delicious Thai-themed Buddha Bowl!
Optional add-ins:
- Grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for additional protein
- Sliced avocado for extra creaminess
- Sliced scallions or red onions for extra flavour and nutrition.
Indian-inspired Bowl Recipe
Here’s a recipe for an Indian-themed Buddha Bowl that’s packed with flavor and nutrition!
For the bowl:
- 1 cup cooked basmati rice
- 1 cup of tandoori chicken, diced
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced sweet potato, roasted in cubes
- 1 cup romaine chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
For the mint raita dressing:
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, shredded and squeezed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 lemon squeezed
- 1/2 tsp mint
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 tbsp. mint sauce
- 1 tsp. Salt, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the basmati rice according to package instructions and let it cool.
In a large bowl, section off the basmati rice, roasted sweet potato, romaine salad, and tandoori chicken into 4 quadrants.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together plain yogurt, garlic, mint, lemon juice, oregano, maple syrup, mint sauce and salt.
Drizzle the mint raita dressing over the bowl enjoy!
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the top and serve with lime wedges.
Enjoy your delicious Indian-themed Buddha Bowl!
Optional add-ins:
- Grilled tandoori chicken, tofu, or teriyaki paneer for additional protein
- Sliced red onion or scallions for extra flavour and nutrition
- Roasted cauliflower or eggplant for added vegetables and flavour.
middle-eastern inspired bowl recipe
Here’s a recipe for a Middle Eastern-themed Buddha Bowl that’s packed with delicious flavors and healthy ingredients!
For the bowl:
- 1 cup cooked Israeli couscous
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the tahini dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Israeli couscous according to package instructions and let it cool.
In a large mixing bowl, add cooked Israeli couscous, chickpeas, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, water, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
Drizzle the tahini dressing over the bowl and toss everything together until well combined.
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds over the top and serve with lemon wedges.
Enjoy your delicious Middle Eastern-themed Buddha Bowl!
Optional add-ins:
- Grilled chicken, tofu, or falafel for additional protein
- Roasted red peppers or eggplant for added vegetables and flavour
- Pita bread or hummus for a complete Middle Eastern meal experience.
french-inspired buddha bowl
Here’s a recipe for a French-themed Buddha Bowl that’s packed with delicious flavors and healthy ingredients!
For the bowl:
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup canned white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup steamed green beans
- 1/2 cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the dijon vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the quinoa according to package instructions and let it cool.
In a large mixing bowl, add cooked quinoa, white beans, steamed green beans, sliced cherry tomatoes, and sliced black olives.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Drizzle the dijon vinaigrette over the bowl and toss everything together until well combined.
Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and chopped fresh basil over the top and serve with lemon wedges.
Enjoy your delicious French-themed Buddha Bowl!
Optional add-ins:
- Grilled chicken or tofu for additional protein
- Sliced avocado or roasted red peppers for added vegetables and flavor.
here's to your health!
In conclusion, Buddha bowls are a perfect way to enjoy a healthy and balanced meal that is both satisfying and visually appealing. With endless ingredient combinations, there’s no limit to the creativity and flavor you can achieve. So next time you’re looking for a nutritious and tasty meal, give one of these Buddha bowl recipes a try!