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–+ servings
Top view of a buddha bowl with chickpeas and sweet potatoes
Prep: 10 minutes
Total: 10 minutes

Grain Bowl Formula (How to Build a Perfect Buddha Bowl)

Grain bowls (also known as Buddha Bowls) are my favorite way to make sure I'm getting a good amount of veggies and fiber in my diet. They're full of nutrients, ridiculously satisfying, perfect for prepping ahead of time, and endlessly customizable!
Yield: 1 bowl

Ingredients

1/2 cup grain base (choose one)

  • rice white or brown
  • farro
  • quinoa not a grain but a seed that acts like a grain
  • bulgur
  • couscous a pasta, but behaves like a grain
  • buckwheat

3/4 cup protein (choose one)

  • tofu baked tofu, pan-fried tofu, or air-fryer tofu
  • edamame
  • chickpeas
  • black beans
  • white beans like navy beans or cannellini beans
  • cooked lentils
  • peas
  • chopped hard-boiled eggs

1 cup veggies (1/2 cup roasted or fresh veg + 1/2 cup greens)

  • roasted sweet potatoes
  • roasted butternut squash
  • roasted cauliflower
  • roasted broccoli
  • roasted carrots
  • sliced cucumbers
  • shredded raw carrots
  • cherry tomatoes
  • sliced bell peppers
  • baby arugula
  • baby spinach
  • shredded kale
  • shredded cabbage
  • shredded romaine lettuce
  • mixed spring greens

1/4 cup garnish/toppings (choose one or more)

  • avocado
  • pickled red onions
  • fresh herbs
  • cheese if dairy is ok
  • micro-greens
  • pumpkin seeds
  • sunflower seeds
  • sesame seeds
  • hemp seeds
  • chopped nuts
  • olives

3 tablespoons sauce/dressing (choose one)

  • lemon tahini sauce
  • green goddess dressing
  • cilantro lime sauce
  • pesto
  • peanut sauce
  • vinaigrette

Instructions

  • Place the grains in a medium-size serving bowl. Arrange the protein, veggies, greens, and garnish/toppings over the grains. Drizzle with dressing and serve.

Notes

Cooking time is basically just for assembly, not for cooking individual components.