It turns out we have a lot of Buddha Bowl recipes on the blog! Full of nutrients, Buddha bowls are easy, delicious, and perfect for meal-prepping ahead- a simple way to eat more plant-based foods during the busy week. (Updated January 2024.)

31 + Fresh, healthy Buddha Bowl recipes for 2024!

But First, What is a Buddha Bowl?

While visiting a small town in Laos, a few years ago, I learned the true meaning of a Buddha Bowl. Young Buddhist monks walked in a single file through the town center carrying empty bowls each morning. Local villagers would line the streets, filling each bowl with rice, veggies, and leftover bits and pieces of food, sharing what little they had. This would become the monk’s main meal for the day. It was such a beautiful ritual to watch, truly moving and rich with tradition, trust, and community; I’ll never forget it. 

In essence, a Buddha bowl is a one-bowl meal, typically vegan, consisting of rice (or whole grains), fresh or cooked vegetables, plant proteins like beans, legumes, or tofu, leafy greens or herbs, seeds or nuts, and a flavorful sauce. Buddha bowls are typically served cold, but some versions are served with a warm base.

What you’ll need (Buddha Bowl ingredients)

  1. One Whole grain: rice, quinoa, farro,  barley, millet, teff, bulgur, buckwheat
  2. One Protein: Tofu, Tempeh, Seitan, beans or legumes or other plant-based protein
  3. An assortment of vegetables: Opt for seasonal, organic if possible. Fresh or roasted vegetables both work!
  4. Greens: leafy greens, microgreens or sprouts, and fresh herbs.
  5. A Sauce or DressingOur favorite peanut sauce, tahini dressing, Creamy Cashew Basil Dressing, miso dressing, ponzu sauce, etc.
  6. Nuts or seeds- pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, pecans, almonds, walnuts, etc.
  7. Here is more useful info on meal prep!

And Now… Our BEST Buddha Bowl Recipes!

Oaxacan Buddha Bowl

This  Oaxacan Buddha Bowl Recipe is grain and gluten-free, made with roasted chipotle sweet potatoes and roasted peppers over a bed of warm, seasoned black beans. It’s topped with crunchy cabbage slaw, avocado and my favorite thing ever, toasted Chipotle Maple Pecans. One of my personal favorites!

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!| Mexican Oaxacan Bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, avocado, and cabbage slaw.

Bali Bowl with Peanut Tofu

Bali Bowl with Peanut Tofu, black rice, roasted sweet potatoes, shredded cabbage, radish, snow peas and Peanut Sauce.  A delicious vegan buddha bowl recipe the whole family will love!

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!| Bali Bowl with Peanut Tofu, black rice, roasted sweet potatoes, shredded cabbage, radish and snow peas. #peanutsauce #peanuttofu #healthybowl #veganbowls #buddhabowls #vegan #plantbased #cleaneating #eatclean #detoxrecipes #balifood #balinese

Lentil Bowls

These Lentil Bowls are simple and tasty! Loaded up with fresh seasonal veggies, greens, microgreens, nuts, avocado, fresh herbs and our everyday tahini sauce!  Vegan and GF

These grain-free Lentil Bowls are so nourishing and delicious! Made with seasoned lentils, fresh seasonal veggies, dark leafy greens, fresh herbs or microgreens, nuts or seeds, avocado, and our favorite tahini sauce!  Vegan, gluten-free and grain-free!These grain-free Lentil Bowls are so nourishing and delicious! Made with seasoned lentils, fresh seasonal veggies, dark leafy greens, fresh herbs or microgreens, nuts or seeds, avocado, and our favorite tahini sauce!  Vegan, gluten-free and grain-free!

 

Indian Cauliflower Buddha Bowl

Savory oven-roasted Indian Cauliflower, Chickpea, and Tofu Bowls served over fluffy basmati rice with Cilantro Mint Chutney, seasoned with a simple Madras Curry dressing. A simple dish rich with fragrant spice and amazing flavor.  Healthy,  flavorful, and vegan!

Savory oven-roasted Indian Cauliflower, Chickpea, and Tofu Bowls served over fluffy basmati rice with Cilantro Mint Chutney, seasoned with a simple Madras Curry dressing. A simple dish rich with fragrant spice and amazing flavor.  Healthy,  flavorful, and vegan! (Updated 4/22)

Crispy Sesame Tempeh Bowl

This Crispy Sesame Tempeh bowl is easy, flavorful, and has the best texture! Create a healthy vegan bowl with brown rice and veggies and dinner is good to go!

This Crispy Sesame Tempeh recipe is easy, flavorful, and has the best texture! Create a healthy vegan bowl with brown rice and veggies and dinner is good to go!

The winter Buddha

This winter Buddha Bowl recipe is made up of roasted Jerusalem artichokes (sunchokes), parsnips, mushrooms, onions and lacinato kale over barley (or other whole grain) drizzled with a Zaatar-spiced Tahini Sauce – a vegan plant-based Buddha bowl, perfect for fall!

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!| Roasted Sunchoke and Barley Bowl with mushrooms, parsnips and kale, drizzled with a  Zaatar Tahini Sauce -  a healthy vegan plant-based bowl, perfect for fall! #barley #sunchokes #sunchoke #bowl #buddhabowl #veganbowl

Bulgogi Bowl

This Korean Buddha Bowl recipe is so flavorful! Made with bulgogi jackfruit in the most flavorful sauce with rice, kimchi and veggies!

A Korean recipe for Vegan Bulgogi using jackfruit and the most flavorful sauce. Create a A vegan Bulgogi Bowl with rice, veggies and kimchi! #bulgogi #vegan bulgogi #jackfruit A Korean recipe for Vegan Bulgogi using jackfruit and the most flavorful sauce. Create a A vegan Bulgogi Bowl with rice, veggies and kimchi! #bulgogi #vegan bulgogi #jackfruit A Korean recipe for Vegan Bulgogi using jackfruit and the most flavorful sauce. Create a A vegan Bulgogi Bowl with rice, veggies and kimchi! #bulgogi #vegan bulgogi #jackfruit

Baked Falafel Bowl

Meal-prep these tasty falafels and freeze for the busy workweek.  Serve with seasonal veggies,  greens, warm grains and a drizzle of Every Day Tahini Sauce. So yummy! Perfect in vegan buddha bowls!

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!| Like this...Baked Falafel Bowl! Meal-prep these authentic falafels and freeze for the busy workweek. Serve with warm grains or grains, fresh or roasted veggies and tahini sauce! Vegan and Gluten-free! #buddhabowl #veganbowl #veganbowls #buddhabowls #falafelbowl #easyfalafel #bakedfalafels #bakedfalafel #falafelsalad #cleaneating #eatclean #plantbased #detox

The Vietnamese Buddha (Bahn mi Bowl)

Made with Crispy Tofu, rice noodles, pickled carrots and radishes, crunchy cucumber and cabbage and spicy, vegan Bahn Mi dressing! This Buddha bowl recipe is bursting with Vietnamese flavor! Feel free to use zucchini noodles, sweet potato noodles or kelp noodles!

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!|Fresh and delicious Vegan Bahn Mi Noodle Bowl with Sriracha Tofu, rice noodles, pickled carrots and radishes, crunchy cucumber and cabbage and a creamy vegan spicy Bahn Mi dressing! #bahnmi #healthybowl #noodlebowl #vegan #veganbowl #bahnmibowl #noodles

Roasted Cauliflower Chimichurri Bowls!

These filling vegan buddha bowls are full of flavor and loaded up with healthy veggies. Served over seasoned black beans (and optional rice) with Mexican Slaw, radishes, avocado, cilantro and pickled onions.

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!| Smokey Cauliflower Chimichurri Bowls!  These filling vegan bowls are full of flavor and loaded up with healthy veggies. Served over seasoned black beans (and optional rice) with Mexican Slaw, radishes, avocado, cilantro and pickled onions. #roastedcauliflower #bowls #veganbowls #veganrecipes #buddhabowls #chimichurri #eatclean #cleaneating #plantbased #healthybowls

Miso Mushroom Buddha Bowl! 

A flavorful Miso Mushroom Bowl with brown rice, avocado, cabbage, carrots, daikon, edamame and a delicious Miso Ginger Dressing. Vegan!

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!| A flavorful Miso Mushroom Bowl with brown rice, avocado, cabbage, carrots, daikon, edamame and a Miso Ginger Dressing. Vegan and Gluten free. #bowl #veganbowl #vegandinner #mushroombowl

Green Goddess Bowl

Loaded up with steamed and fresh seasonal veggies and a vegan, this low-calorie Buddha Bowl recipe is drizzled with a Green Goddess Dressing that you will want to drink. Serve over grains or greens or both. A very clean-eating, plant-based, vegan buddha bowl.

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!|Green Goddess Bowl loaded up with healthy veggies and a vegan green goddess dressing. #greengoddess #eatclean #cleaneating #detox #plantbased #vegan #veganbowls #buddhabowls #buddhabowl #healthybowl

Kabocha, Millet & Chickpea Bowl

Made with Berbere-Spiced Kabocha Squash, roasted chickpeas, shallots, and spinach over a bed of healing millet,  drizzled with coconut lime mint sauce—a vegan, plant-based Buddha bowl recipe, full of vibrant flavor and spice.

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!| Coconut Millet Bowl with Berbere-Spiced Kabocha Squash, chickpeas, shallots, and spinach drizzled with coconut lime mint sauce.  A vegan, plant-based meal, full of vibrant flavor and spice.

The Zen Buddha!

This Japanese-inspired Zen Buddha Bowl recipe is made with fresh seasonal veggies and a light, citrusy Ponzu Dressing, which can be made with sesame ginger tofu (or seared ahi tuna). Vegan and Grain-free adaptable! (Try it with zucchini noodles or kelp noodles!)

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!|Zen Noodle Bowl- loaded up with fresh seasonal veggies and a delicious Ponzu Dressing, this healthy bowl can be made with seared ahi tuna or sesame ginger tofu. Vegan and Grain-free adaptable! (Try it with zucchini noodles!) #noodles #ahi #bowls #healthy #ponzu #tofu #vegan #buddhabowl #plantbased #eatclean #cleaneating

Winter Bliss Bowl

Brighten up your day with this Winter Bliss Bowl! A simple vegan bowl made with beets, quinoa, avocado, and chickpeas that can be made in under 30 minutes! Great for meal-prepping and guaranteed to lift your spirits!

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!| Brighten up your day with this Winter Bliss Bowl! A simple vegan bowl made with beets, quinoa, avocado and chickpeas-that can be made in under 30 minutes! Great for meal-prepping and guaranteed to lift your spirits! #bowl #buddhabowl #veganbowl #

 The Seoul Bowl!

This Korean-inspired buddha bowl recipe ( aka bibimbap) is made with Gochujang baked Tempeh, steamed spinach and shiitake mushrooms, kimchi, and pickled cucumbers- a tasty vegan version of Bibimbap. 

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!| This Korean -inspired bowl is made with Gochujang baked Tempeh, steamed veggies, kimchi and pickled cucumbers- a healthy vegan version of Bibimbap! #veganbowl #buddhabowls #vegan #plantbased #eatclean #cleaneating #detoxrecipes #detox #plantbased #healthybowls #bibimbap #veganbibimbap

Coconut Rice Bowl

Delicious Coconut Rice Bowl is healthy and adaptable!  Curried jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk and topped with tofu or your choice of protein and seasonal vegetables.  All tossed with a simple, flavorful sauce, fresh cilantro, mint and toasted coconut flakes.

Delicious Coconut Rice Bowl is healthy and adaptable!  Curried jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk and topped with tofu or your choice of protein and seasonal vegetables.  All tossed with a simple, flavorful sauce, fresh cilantro, mint and toasted coconut flakes.

Nourish Bowls

Warming flavors, perfect for fall or winter. This bowl is made with roasted cauliflower, lentils, brown rice, and kale, topped with a refreshing carrot slaw and a turmeric vinaigrette.

Nourish bowl: Curried cauliflower, lentils, brown rice, kale and a refreshing Carrot Slaw topped with Turmeric vinaigrette.

Fajita Bowls

Made with roasted portobello mushrooms and peppers served over Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice– a fast and flavorful bowl that can be made on a sheet pan –  perfect for busy weeknights! Vegan and Grain-free.

Our 20 BEST Buddha Bowls!|Vegan Fajita Bowls with Roasted Portobello Mushrooms and peppers served over Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice- a fast sheet-pan dinner that is perfect for weeknights! #fajitabowl #veganfajita #fajitas #sheetpandinner #veganbowls #buddhabowls #plantbased #cleaneating #eatclean #vegan

Miso Tofu Bowl

This simple, tasty Miso Tofu Bowl with Rice and Veggies is easy and flavorful! It’s baked in the oven for an easy sheet pan dinner!

Miso Tofu with Rice and Veggies- ina flavoful miso marinade. A simple vegan meal that can be baked in the oven on a sheet pan.

VEGAN Poke Bowls

Made with seasoned tofu, served over warm brown rice, surrounded with healthy veggies and a delicious citrus ponzu sauce! A healthy, delicious vegan Buddha bowl!

Our 20 BEST Buddha Bowls!| Like this...Vegan Poke Bowl made with seasoned Tofu served over brown rice or kelp noodles, with avocado, cucumber, radish and Citrus Ponzu Sauce! | www.feastingathome.com #veganpoke #pokebowl #pokerecipes #veganbowl #cleaneating #eatclean #plantbased #vegan #tofu #tofupoke #tofurecipes #veganbuddha bowl

 Moroccan Mujadara Bowl

A comforting, healthy vegetarian meal of lentils and rice, with fragrant Moroccan spices, served with caramelized shallots, fresh veggies, ( or roasted veggies) pine nuts and optional yogurt. Gluten-free and Vegan adaptable.

Instant Pot Mujadara - a comforting, healthy vegetarian meal of lentils and rice, with fragrant Moroccan spices, served with caramelized shallots, fresh veggies, pine nuts and optional yogurt. Gluten-free and Vegan adaptable. #mujadara #healthy #lentils #rice #instantpot #instapot #mujadararecipe

 

Cauliflower Rice Bowl

These Cauliflower Rice Bowls are topped with tofu, avocado, mushrooms and scallions in a flavorful miso sauce.

Miso Sesame Cauliflower Rice Bowl - vegan and gluten free!

Sunshine Buddha Bowl

Made with fresh crunchy raw veggies- like grated beets, carrots, kohlrabi, sunchokes, radish & jicama over nutty brown rice and a delicious, sunflower seed “tahini” sauce.  Vegan and GF!

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!|Vegan Sunshine bowl with raw veggies and Creamy SunflowerSeed Tahini Sauce | www.feastingathome.com

 The GlowIng Buddha 

A healthy, hearty vegan Buddha bowl loaded up with fruits and vegetables that make the most impact on your skin, giving you a healthy glow! Vegan and delicious! (Plus a true story about my dad who went vegan at age 65- and what it did to his skin! )

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!| Summer Glow Bowl- a healthy, hearty salad loaded with fruits and vegetables that make the most impact on your skin, giving you a healthy glow! Vegan and delicious! | www.feastingathome.com

Moroccan Cauliflower Chickpea Bowl

Made with Roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, onions, and flavorful Moroccan spices, over basmati rice all roasted one one sheet-pan in 30 mins flat!

Our 25 BEST Vegan Buddha Bowls!|Tandoori Glory Bowl with Roasted cauliflower, chickpeas, (or optional chicken.) Cook it all on one sheet-pan in 30 mins flat! Vegan, GF | #veganbowl #healthybuddhabowl #buddhabowl #vegan #cleaneating #eatingclean #eatclean #detox #cauliflower #healthybowl | www.feastingathome.com

Morning Grain Bowls

Vegan-adaptable Morning Grain Bowls-are full of nutritious, healthy plant-based ingredients. Energizing and healthy these will keep you fueled all day long!

Morning Grain Bowls- vegan adaptable and full of nutritious healthy plant based ingredients. Energizing and healthy! #grainbowls #breakfastbowls #morningbowls #veganbowls #plantbased #cleaneating #vegangrainbowls #vegan #veganbreakfast #buddhabowls

Caribbean Blackbean and Mango Bowls

Made with roasted purple cabbage, sweet potatoes and tofu (or chicken) baked in the most flavorful Caribbean Marinade, served over a bed of seasoned black beans with fresh mango and lime! A delicious vegan bowl with bright, sunny Caribbean flavors!

Caribbean-Style Bowl- Roasted cabbage, sweet potatoes and tofu, over a bed of seasoned blackbeans with fresh mango and lime! | #veganbowl #cleaneating #eatclean #vegan #plantbased #buddhabowl #healthybowl #sheetpandinner www.feastingathome.com

Easy Burrito Bowls

Loaded up with healthy veggies, rice and beans and a flavorful Creamy Vegan Cilantro Sauce! So easy and healthy!

Our 20 BEST Buddha Bowls!| Burrito Bowl...with cilantro sauce ....vegan and gluten free | wwww.feastingathome.com

Shawarma Bowls

These vegan-adaptable  Tofu Shawarma Bowls are loaded up with healthy veggies, and can be made on a sheet pan. Easy and delicious, this vegan buddha bowl is one of my favorites!  ( Make sure to scroll to the recipe to see vegan option!)

Our 20 BEST Buddha Bowls!|Tofu Shawarma Bowls loaded up with healthy veggies, can be made on a sheet-pan. Easy and delicious! #buddhabowl #vegan

 

More Favorite Bowls

Here’s a selection of bowls that contain fish, meat or dairy. A gentle way to incorporate more plants into the omnivore diet.

 

How to Build A Buddha Bowl

  1. Start with a base of rice or any whole grain which can be served cold or warm.
  2. Top with your favorite plant-based protein (tofu, seitan, edamame, beans or legumes) also warm or chilled.
  3. Top with leafy greens and/or fresh seasonal veggies or roasted veggies.
  4. Drizzle with flavorful dressing or sauce.
  5. Sprinkle with seeds or nuts.
  6. Top with fresh herbs and/or  microgreens.

Hope you enjoy these Buddha Bowls! Pick out a few to try out in the next coming weeks. Make the components ahead for mid-week lunches!

I will be continually updating this list, so make sure to check back!

Happy healthy New Year!

xoxo

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31 best buddha bowl recipes for 2024!

31+ Best Buddha Bowls Recipes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 24 reviews

Description

31+ Best Buddha Bowl Recipes for 2024!  All are plant-based, vegan-adaptable, and loaded up with healthy veggies, whole grains and plant-based protein. Globally inspired, these nourishing bowls are packed full of flavor! Scroll down to the recipe card to learn how to build the BEST bowl!


Ingredients

Buddha Bowl Ingredients:

  • cooked whole grains- brown rice, quinoa, farro, brown rice, etc.
  • plant-based protein- tofu, seitan, tempeh, beans or legumes
  • fresh vegetables- cabbage, kale, arugula, spinach, cucumbers, carrots, beets, bell peppers, etc.
  • microgreens
  • seeds or nuts
  • dressing or a sauce


Instructions

  1. Start with a base of brown rice or whole grains which can be served cold or warm.
  2. Top with plant-based protein ( tofu, seitan, edamame, or beans).
  3. Then add greens or fresh veggies.
  4. Sprinkle with seeds or nuts.
  5. Top with a mound of fresh sprouts.
  6. Drizzle with a dressing or sauce

Notes

These can be made ahead and are packable! Wait to add the dressing until serving.


Nutrition

  • Calories: 395

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Comments

  1. These recipes are AMAZING and delicious! I’ve made 3 so far and my entire family is loving them. Thanks for the fresh ideas!






  2. Thank you so much for these recipes! <3 They were exactly what I was looking for: nutritious (following the half of what you eat should be vegetables and fruit guideline) and delicious! I have also been broadening my whole grain horizons so it's great to have recipes with less common kinds of grains like millet and barley. You also introduced me to sunchokes. 🙂






  3. Fantastic fabulous love these recipes thank you for you gift sharing soooo wonderful and spoiled am i ❤️💗😋🥰






  4. I’m having a few friends for NYE and thought it would be fun to do a Budah bowl bar! Some of us are vegetarian but I thought I’d include a fish or even some sushi rolls!

  5. What a celebration of life!

    Finally, someone has come up with a variety of plant-based dishes with such a variety of ingredients having complementing tastes, AND an incredible variety of sauces and flavors cooked into or/and drizzling them! Seriously, your dishes look SO delicious. Many plant-based dishes to choose from.

    I’m a foodie who values good quality food. Though I don’t prefer to cook, I can hardly wait to try these! Thanks so much for sharing your gift as an inspired chef.






  6. I just made the Coconut Millet bowl for the third time this evening but substituted Farro for Millet and sweet potato for squash. Delish as always! I am so grateful for your recipes which never fail to delight us. We are vegan again after a couple of decades eating eggs, cheese, fish and chicken. So glad to have found your site.






  7. These are excellent! I am excited to see them today. Please do add to this list. Much love and Thanks!






  8. Thank you for these beautiful healthy recipes. I have shared with my daughters in the US please send moor please.Xx.

  9. These are fantastic! Than kyou so much – what great variety and ideas! Soooo colorful! With a few tweaks, they can even be made super quickso I have posted these on my FB site “Super Quick Plant-Based Recipes” – I think the gang will LOVE these AND your site! Thanks a million!






  10. Love these bowls! We have been working our way through them. Really appreciate how many can be adapted ( my husband and kids eat meat, but I don’t) so it makes things easier in our household. They are starting to warm up to tofu- especially your recipes. Keep them coming!






  11. I can’t wait to start having these bowls for lunch – especially the vegan glow bowl. Such good veggie/protein pairings with the additions of flavorful dressings and unique (to me!) toppings like chili threads. Great ideas for helping me to eat more healthfully without losing the bold flavors I love. I’ve already checked my local Trader Joe’s to see if they carry the sriracha baked tofu and I’ll definitely try making the gochujang marinated tofu at home. Thanks, Sylvia, for the helpful mealtime ideas!

  12. Hi Sylvia, I found your website and I am very impressed . I have cooked a few recipes and found that they are well though out and easy to make. I am however having a problem when I go to print there is a annoying side bar of social media icons that obscure the text. Can you help please? Thank you
    Regards,
    Paul

  13. These look incredible! One of my favorite parts of being vegan is looking around the world for inspirations and creative flavors. You’ve assembled a lovely variety in this list. Will update you on the first one I make 🙂

  14. Hi Sylvia!
    I must say your buddha bowls caught my attention as soon as I read that first sentence in the description.
    Don’t we all need a break from all the festive mindless hogging?
    All the recipes sound amazing and healthy but I think the Vegan Bahn mi noodles are going to my new favorite as I absolutely love Vietnamese food. Can’t wait to try that!
    Happy New Year to you and your family 😀

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