Recipe: Balanced Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing

Looking for a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal that’s perfect for meal prep or a balanced lunch? This vibrant Buddha bowl with a creamy tahini dressing is packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a great option for anyone looking to fuel their body with plant-based goodness. Not only is it customizable to fit various dietary preferences, but it’s also full of fiber, healthy fats, and plant-based protein, helping you stay satisfied throughout the day. Whether you’re trying to eat more vegetables, improve digestion, or simply enjoy a colorful, satisfying dish, this Buddha bowl has something for everyone. Keep reading for the recipe and tips on how to make this meal work for your lifestyle!

For the Buddha Bowl:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice for a gluten-free option)
• 1 cup chickpeas (roasted or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1/2 cup roasted sweet potato (cubed)
• 1 cup spinach or mixed greens
• 1/4 avocado (sliced)
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (or sunflower seeds)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Tahini Dressing:

• 3 tbsp tahini
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
• 2 tbsp warm water (to thin out the dressing)
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast them on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
   • If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them. If roasting, season with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for about 15 minutes until crispy.
   • Cook quinoa according to package instructions and set aside to cool slightly.

2. Assemble the bowl:

   • In a large bowl or individual bowls, start by adding a base of cooked quinoa.
   • Arrange the roasted sweet potato, chickpeas, spinach, avocado, shredded carrots, and pumpkin seeds around the quinoa.

3. Make the tahini dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, and warm water until smooth and creamy.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you want a thinner dressing, add more water until it reaches your desired consistency.

4. Serve:

   • Drizzle the tahini dressing over the assembled Buddha bowl.
   • Toss everything together or leave it layered for a more visually appealing presentation.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~400-450
• Protein: ~12g
• Fiber: ~10g
• Healthy fats: ~20g
• Carbs: ~45g