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Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Sesame Miso Dressing

January 23, 2019 3 Comments

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Brighten up with this Rainbow Buddha Bowl. Made with a base of quinoa, filled with vibrantly colored vegetables, and tossed in a Sesame Miso Dressing, this Buddha Bowl makes the perfect light and refreshing meal. 

Rainbow Buddha Bowl overhead in a white bowl

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It’s day 23 of the 30 Day Cleanse. How’s everyone doing? I’ll be honest – I’ve caved a few times over the past 3 weeks but for the most part, I have been enjoying vegetable-packed, whole food meals and I’m feeling great!

I made this recipe during the first week of our January cleanse and I’m pretty excited to share it. This Rainbow Buddha Bowl is

a) Delicious
b) Nourishing
c) So so colorful

This beautiful nourish bowl is filled with Asian inspired flavors for a meal that is full of color, texture, and taste. Since I first made it, I’ve been eating it at least 2-3 times a week and I think you’re going to love it!

Ready to dig in? Let’s go!

Vegetables for buddha bowl on a cutting board

What is a Buddha Bowl?

But let’s back up a minute. First of all, some of you may be asking, “What is a Buddha Bowl?”.

A Buddha Bowl, or Nourish Bowl, is a one-bowl meal filled to the brim with vibrant colors, wholesome vegetables, and plant-based proteins.

The idea behind the Buddha Bowl is one of balance. The meal combines healthful foods that vary in flavor, texture, and health benefits to reflects the balance sought after in Buddhism. The term has been adopted and adapted so that it now strays from its origins. You can now find Buddha Bowl recipes that contain animal proteins such as lean meats or boiled eggs. Sadly, we can no longer assume that all Buddha Bowls offer a one-bowl vegan meal.

Of course, this beautiful bowl filled with rainbow vegetables is 100% vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free!

Rainbow Buddha Bowl in a white plate

How to make a Buddha Bowl

While the term might be a bit vague now as it’s been liberally adapted, there are still guidelines to perfecting the Buddha Bowl. Let’s take a look at the several key components to the Buddha Bowl.

Ingredients for Buddha Bowls

Grain – Although this isn’t wholly necessary, most buddha bowls start with a base of healthy grains. The grains can be brown rice, quinoa, couscous, rice noodles, etc. Grains provide protein, fiber, and healthy carbs while bulking up the bowl with hearty and wholesome calories.

Protein – A second component of the perfect Buddha Bowl is a plant-based protein. Proteins can often be in the form of tofu or tempeh. However, if you are looking for soy-free options, consider adding beans, lentils, or protein-rich vegetables into your dish.

Vegetables and herbs – A variety of vegetables make up the bulk of a good Buddha Bowl. You will often find sautéed or roasted vegetables alongside crunchy vegetables (like cabbage or slaw) and dark leafy greens. A mixture of vegetables offers a ton of flavor and a variety of major health benefits.

Dressings and sauces – Any good Buddha Bowl recipe is topped with a delicious homemade dressing. This can be anything from vegan ranch to tahini dressing to this simple Lemon Turmeric dressing pictures above. The dressing is a key component to the flavor direction you’re going with, so choose wisely!

Nuts and seeds – For added taste and texture, nuts, seeds, hemp hearts, and herbs are tossed on top to give your Buddha Bowl recipe just a little more flavor and flair while pumping up the superfoods inside your one-bowl meal.

Ingredients for Sesame Miso Dressing on a cutting boardDressing poured onto a buddha bowl

Buddha Bowl Recipe Variations:

Because it comes down to combining different components, there are endless combinations of vegetables, grains, and sauces. This means you can make a different Buddha Bowl every time! Get your inspiration from a variety of cuisines, featuring different seasonal vegetables, or make it all about the sauce.

Here are a few Buddha Bowl recipes worth checking out:

  • Green Goddess Buddha Bowl
  • Vegan Satay with Red Curry Sauce Buddha Bowl
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts Buddha Bowl
  • Roasted Cauliflower Quinoa Bowl
  • 11 more Buddha Bowl Recipes from YOUR favorite bloggers

Why Buddha Bowls are the best

Not only are Buddha Bowls tasty, versatile, and colorful, they also contain some of the best food to put in your body. Buddha bowls are filled with whole foods that pack in the fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, and superfoods you can handle. Buddha Bowls are also typically gluten free and vegan for a quick weeknight meal that everyone can enjoy.

That’s hard to beat!

I think you’re going to love this Rainbow Buddha Bowl for all it’s fresh and bold flavors, delightfully crunchy textures, and wholesomely beneficial ingredients. Ready to give it a try yourself? Let’s take a look at the recipe below.

Close up of rainbow Buddha Bowl in a white bowl

Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Sesame Miso Dressing

Brighten up with this Rainbow Buddha Bowl. Made with a base of quinoa, filled with vibrantly colored vegetables, and tossed in a Sesame Miso Dressing, this Buddha Bowl makes the perfect light and refreshing vegan and gluten-free meal. 

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 
5 from 1 vote
Print
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegan
Keyword: Buddha Bowl
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 357 kcal
Author: Sarah McMinn
Ingredients
Rainbow Buddha Bowl
  • 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
  • 4 radishes, thinly sliced
  • 1 small avocado, sliced or cubed
  • 1 large carrot, peeled
  • 1/2 cup edamame, shelled and thawed
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup loosely packed microgreens
  • 1 cup loosely packed red cabbage, chopped
Sesame Miso Dressing
  • 3 tbsp. toasted sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp. white miso
  • 2 tbsp. water
  • 1 tbsp. soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp. sesame seeds
  • 1" fresh ginger, grated
  • juice of one lime
US Customary - Metric
Instructions
  1. Make the quinoa according to package instructions. While the quinoa cooks, prepare the Sesame Miso dressing

  2. In a small bowl or salad dressing shaker combine all the ingredients for the dressing and shake vigorously until well combined. Place in the refrigerator until ready to use. 

  3. Chop and prepare your vegetables. 

  4. When quinoa is ready, divide between 4 bowls. Equally divide the vegetables between the bowls. Top with Sesame Miso dressing and serve immediately.  

Recipe Notes
  • Buddha Bowls should be eaten immediately
  • Variation is the name of the game. Swap vegetables in and out as you please!

 

Nutrition Facts
Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Sesame Miso Dressing
Amount Per Serving
Calories 357 Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Sodium 508mg22%
Potassium 574mg16%
Carbohydrates 41g14%
Fiber 6g25%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 11g22%
Vitamin A 3325IU67%
Vitamin C 44.7mg54%
Calcium 102mg10%
Iron 3.7mg21%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a 14-year (and counting) vegan, professionally trained photographer, former pastry chef, founder of My Darling Vegan, and author of the 4-Week Vegan Meal Plan.

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Comments

  1. Lillith says

    April 23, 2019 at 8:32 PM

    This was really good, I’ve made it several times and the family quite enjoys it. I usually add some thinly sliced tofu (Hawaiian style if I can find it) marinated in Bragg Amino Acids as well.

    Reply
  2. Vee says

    January 23, 2019 at 6:16 PM

    5 stars
    Hi what exactly are micro greens?

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      January 24, 2019 at 11:16 AM

      They are a type of green that is harvested shortly after they sprout (which is why they are small and nutrient-packed). You could also do any kind of greens, sprouts, or watercress if you can’t find microgreens.

      Reply

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