Vegan Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing
Cristian
Home Cook & Father | 5+ Years Experience
Published: January 8, 2026 | Updated: January 8, 2026
✓ Family-Tested Recipe: This Buddha bowl has become our go-to healthy meal prep recipe. My kids actually request the roasted chickpeas as a snack!
Colorful, nutrient-packed vegan Buddha bowl with roasted chickpeas, quinoa, fresh vegetables, and creamy tahini dressing. A complete meal in one bowl, ready in 35 minutes.
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
- •1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- •2 cups vegetable broth
- •1 can (15oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- •2 tablespoons olive oil
- •1 teaspoon paprika
- •1 teaspoon garlic powder
- •1/2 teaspoon cumin
- •4 cups mixed greens (spinach, kale, or arugula)
- •1 large avocado, sliced
- •1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- •1 cucumber, diced
- •1/2 cup shredded red cabbage
- •1/4 cup tahini
- •2 tablespoons lemon juice
- •2 tablespoons water
- •1 clove garlic, minced
- •Salt and pepper to taste
- •Optional toppings: hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, fresh herbs
Instructions
- 1
Cook the quinoa
In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
- 2
Roast the chickpeas
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat chickpeas very dry with paper towels. Toss with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking pan halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- 3
Make tahini dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Add more water 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach desired consistency. The dressing should be pourable but still creamy.
- 4
Prepare fresh vegetables
While quinoa cooks and chickpeas roast, wash and chop all fresh vegetables. Prepare mixed greens, slice avocado, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, and shred red cabbage.
- 5
Assemble the bowls
Divide mixed greens among 4 bowls. Add a scoop of quinoa to each bowl. Arrange roasted chickpeas, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red cabbage in sections around the bowl. Drizzle generously with tahini dressing. Top with optional seeds and fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Calories
445 calories
Protein
16g
Fat
20g
Carbs
52g
Fiber
14g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I meal prep Buddha bowls in advance?
Yes! Buddha bowls are perfect for meal prep. Cook quinoa and roast chickpeas up to 4 days ahead. Store in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Prep vegetables 2-3 days ahead, keeping avocado separate to prevent browning. Make tahini dressing fresh or store up to 5 days. Assemble bowls just before serving for best texture and freshness.
How do I make chickpeas extra crispy?
The key to crispy chickpeas is removing as much moisture as possible. After draining and rinsing, dry chickpeas thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Some people remove the skins for even crispier results, though it's not necessary. Make sure chickpeas are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet without crowding. A hot oven (425°F) and shaking the pan halfway through ensures even crisping.
What can I substitute for quinoa in this Buddha bowl?
Many grains work well in Buddha bowls. Brown rice, farro, bulgur, or couscous are excellent alternatives. For a lower-carb option, use cauliflower rice. For extra protein, try farro or barley. Each grain will slightly change the texture and flavor profile but will still create a delicious, satisfying bowl.
Is tahini dressing the same as tahini sauce?
Yes, tahini dressing and tahini sauce refer to the same thing - a creamy sauce made from tahini (sesame seed paste), lemon juice, garlic, and water. The consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less water. For a dressing, make it thinner and pourable. For a dip or sauce, keep it thicker. The flavor is savory, nutty, and slightly tangy.
Can I add protein to this Buddha bowl?
Absolutely! While the chickpeas provide 16g of protein per serving, you can add more plant-based proteins. Try baked tofu or tempeh cubes, edamame, hemp seeds, or a soft-boiled egg if you're not strictly vegan. For a heartier meal, add marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms or your favorite plant-based protein like Beyond Meat crumbles.
What makes a bowl a 'Buddha bowl'?
Buddha bowls are grain-based bowls filled with a variety of vegetables, proteins, and a flavorful dressing or sauce. The name may come from the rounded, "belly" shape of the bowl resembling Buddha's belly. They're designed to be nutritionally complete meals with a balance of complex carbs, protein, healthy fats, and fiber. The key is variety in color, texture, and nutrients, all served in one convenient bowl.