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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    How to Make a Buddha Bowl (35+ Delicious Bowls)

    Published: Jan 2, 2020 · Modified: Jul 12, 2021 · by Renée B. · This post may contain affiliate links.

    How to Make a Buddha Bowl - The perfect Buddha Bowl {aka Bliss Bowl} made easy, plus 37 great ideas to get your creative juices flowing. | The Good Hearted Woman

    The perfect Buddha Bowl {aka Bliss Bowl} made easy; plus 35+ great ideas to get your creative juices flowing. 

    Buddha Bowls are known by many names: Bliss Bowl, Glow Bowl, Hippie Bowl, Power Bowl, Glory Bowl, Nourish Bowl. You get the idea.

    By any name, a Buddha Bowl is basically a colorful, delicious meal served up in a big bowl of Awesome. Traditionally vegan or vegetarian, Buddha Bowls are comprised of healthy, plant-based ingredients like grains, roasted vegetables, nuts, sometimes fruits, a handful of leafy greens, and a flourish of sweet, savory, or tangy sauce, Buddha Bowls offer infinite combinations of flavor and texture. 

    From my first bowl, eaten aside a downtown Portland food cart, I have been in love with both the idea and the practice of Buddha Bowls.

    In the warmer months, some variation on a Buddha Bowl comprises the majority of our weekly menu. However, as you may know, making your first bowl can be a little like opening up a brand new 64-color box of crayons - there are so many choices! However, once I was hooked, I set about making the task of creating new bowls a little easier.

    Post Updated January 2, 2020 (Originally published June 27. 2016)
    How to Make a Buddha Bowl {+37 Great Bowls} | The Good Hearted Woman
    Buddha Bowl = Bliss Bowl = Glow Bowl = Hippie Bowl = Power Bowl = Glory Bowl = Nourish Bowl
    This post may contain affiliate links, but don't worry - they won't bite.

    How to Make a Buddha Bowl

    • Step 1: Beginning with a Base, layer at least one item from each list in the infographic below into your favorite bowl to create your own Buddha Bowl bliss. 
      1. Base: Anything green [Examples: Lettuces, Leafy greens, spinach] 
      2. Veggies: Chopped, grated, cooked or raw, anything goes here. 
      3. Protein: Traditional Buddha Bowls, by definition, are plant-based; however, you can use whatever protein you want. 
      4. Complex Carbs: This category includes such tasty additions as corn, sweet potatoes, and wheat berries. 
      5. Sweet: Add some fresh fruit to your bowl for a sweet component. 
      6. Crunch: Texture is as important in a Buddha Bowl as taste. Be sure to include a crunchy option to keep things interesting. 
      7. Flourish: This is your finishing touch - your sauce, your sprinkling of fresh herbs, etc. 
    • Step 2: Enjoy!

    Free Printable Buddha Bowl Graphic: I created the infographic below as a road-map to make the task of creating new combinations a bit easier. If you would like a copy of your own  to magnet to your fridge, click here for a free printable PDF.]

    How to Make a Buddha Bowl {+37 Great Bowls} | The Good Hearted Woman

    This infographic is provided as a jumping-off point, and is by no means an exhaustive list.

    You may notice this list includes a number of animal-based choices in the Proteins category. By definition, traditional Buddha Bowls are plant-based; however, that is the beauty of the Bowl! You can make your bowl anything you want it to be. 

    Need more inspiration? Check out this list, then grab your favorite bowl and have some fun!

    Vegetarian & Vegan Buddha Bowls

    Traditional Buddha Bowls, by definition, are plant-based.

    1

    Cuban Quinoa Bowl with Spicy Lemon Cashew Dressing

    Photo Credit: heatherchristo.com
    2

    Sweet Potato Quinoa Bowl w/ Cashew Curry Sauce

    Photo Credit: www.veggieinspired.com
    3

    Crispy Tofu Bowls {& Garlicky Lemon Yogurt Sauce}

    Photo Credit: girlheartfood.com
    4

    Brown Rice Veggie Bowl - Eat Thrive Glow

    Photo Credit: www.eatthriveglow.com

    5

    Buddha Bowl Recipe with Peanut Butter Coconut Dressing

    Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com
    6

    Asian-Style Farro Buddha Bowl with Crispy Baked Tofu

    Photo Credit: jessicalevinson.com
    7

    Masala Chana Chaat - a classic Indian street food recipe for vegetarians

    Photo Credit: www.greedygourmet.com
    8

    Sweet Potato Buddha Bowls in 30 Minutes

    Photo Credit: umamigirl.com
    9

    Sweet Potato Vegan Buddha Bowl

    Photo Credit: littlesunnykitchen.com
    10

    Vegan Buddha Bowl with Tempeh and Quinoa

    Photo Credit: www.bucketlisttummy.com
    11

    Turmeric Chickpea Buddha Bowl: Eat ALL the Superfoods!

    Photo Credit: thekitchengirl.com
    12

    Vegan Buddha Bowl With Sweet Potatoes, Chickpeas, Spinach and Brown Rice

    Photo Credit: www.melaniecooks.com
    13

    Buddha Bowl - A Balanced And Easy Meal

    Photo Credit: claudiacanu.com
    14

    Chili Lime Chickpea Buddha Bowl - This Healthy Kitchen

    Photo Credit: thishealthykitchen.com
    15

    Teriyaki Tofu Bowl with Cauliflower Rice

    Photo Credit: www.jessicagavin.com
    16

    Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quinoa Salad

    Photo Credit: www.simplyquinoa.com
    17

    Grain Free Cauliflower Rice Buddha Bowl

    Photo Credit: www.tastingpage.com
    18

    Hippie Macro Glow Bowl

    Photo Credit: www.theglowingfridge.com
    19

    The Vegan Buddha Bowl | Well and Full

    Photo Credit: wellandfull.com
    20

    Healthy Thai Coconut Quinoa Bowl

    Photo Credit: gethealthyu.com
    21

    Harvest Black Rice Salad Recipe

    Photo Credit: www.foodfaithfitness.com
    22

    Grain Bowls with Smoky Tofu and Creamy Pumpkin Seed Sauce Recipe

    Photo Credit: yummybeet.com
    23

    Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

    Photo Credit: pinchofyum.com
    24

    Thai Buddha Bowl with Peanut Sauce VIDEO » LeelaLicious

    Photo Credit: leelalicious.com
    25

    Dragon Bowls with Easy Vegan Option - Black Food Bloggers Club by The Blenderist

    Photo Credit: theblenderist.com
    26

    Spring Harvest Bowls with a Dill Shallot Vinaigrette

    Photo Credit: withfoodandlove.com
    27

    Moroccan Quinoa Salad

    Photo Credit: greenkitchenstories.com
    28

    The Ultimate Winter Bliss Bowls

    Photo Credit: pinchofyum.com
    29

    Shaved Purple Asparagus & Asian Vegetable Soba Noodles

    Photo Credit: strengthandsunshine.com
    30

    Goddess Bowl

    Photo Credit: sewfrenchembroidery.blogspot.com
    31

    Soba Noodle Bowl Recipe with Vegetables & Peanut Sauce

    Photo Credit: www.cookincanuck.com
    32

    Bangkok Coconut Curry Noodle Bowls

    Photo Credit: pinchofyum.com

    Seafood, Chicken & Other Meaty-type Power Bowls

    The following bowls are not vegan or vegetarian, and therefore not technically ”Buddha” bowls. Nevertheless, these bowls provide some delicious  inspiration, not to mention some amazing sauce options!

    1

    California Chicken, Veggie, Avocado & Rice Bowls

    Photo Credit: www.halfbakedharvest.com
    2

    Sesame Crusted Tuna Buddha Bowls

    Photo Credit: www.coupleinthekitchen.com
    3

    Japanese Farm Style Teriyaki Bowl

    Photo Credit: www.feastingathome.com
    4

    Crab Cake Buddha Bowl

    Photo Credit: www.karenskitchenstories.com
    5

    Summer Detox Chicken Buddha Bowl

    Photo Credit: gypsyplate.com
    6

    Grilled BBQ Chicken Quinoa Bowls

    Photo Credit: thecompletesavorist.com
    7

    Southwestern Buddha Bowls

    Photo Credit: www.simplysissom.com
    8

    Fiesta Chicken + Cilantro Lime Rice Fajita Bowl with Avocado Chipotle Crema.

    Photo Credit: www.halfbakedharvest.com

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    How to Make a Buddha Bowl - The perfect Buddha Bowl {aka Bliss Bowl} made easy, plus 37 great ideas to get your creative juices flowing. | The Good Hearted Woman   How to Make a Buddha Bowl - The perfect Buddha Bowl {aka Bliss Bowl} made easy, plus 37 great ideas to get your creative juices flowing. | The Good Hearted Woman

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won't cost you any extra money, they do help keep this site up and running. As always, all opinions and images are my own. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

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    About Renée B.

    Renée is self-taught home chef with a penchant for creating healthy(ish) comfort food recipes, and adapting vintage recipes for the 21st century cook. In her spare time, she writes unfinished novels and songs about cowboys.

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    1. Colleen Healy says

      September 15, 2020 at 2:12 am

      Thank-you. They all look wonderful !! The graphic is going to be very helpful..

      Reply
    2. Scarlet says

      January 02, 2020 at 6:40 pm

      Thanks for the how to instructions and what a fabulous collection of buddha bowls for inspiration!

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        January 02, 2020 at 6:41 pm

        Thank you for stopping by, Scarlet!

        Reply
    3. Sharon says

      January 02, 2020 at 4:41 pm

      So many buddha bowls you will never get tired of them! Perfect for lunch or light dinners.

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        January 02, 2020 at 6:34 pm

        With Buddha Bowls, there are nearly infinite possibilities!

        Reply
    4. Jayne says

      January 02, 2020 at 4:22 pm

      These bowls are a great way to kick off the healthier eating season for 2020. Thank you for sharing.

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        January 02, 2020 at 4:51 pm

        Thanks for stopping by, Jayne! ?

        Reply
    5. Irina says

      January 02, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      I have never heard about Buddha bowl, but I am ready to learn:) All the recipes sound inviting and appetizing. I do not know what to start from...:) What is the easiest one?

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        January 02, 2020 at 6:33 pm

        Great question! Just choose one thing from each category in the graphic, and you can create your own. (I usually start with the leftovers in my fridge!)

        Reply
    6. Tisha says

      January 02, 2020 at 2:58 pm

      All of these bowls look amazing! The hardest part will be to pick which one to do first!

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        January 02, 2020 at 3:55 pm

        I usually pick based on what's leftover in my fridge! ?

        Reply
    7. Chris Collins says

      January 02, 2020 at 1:49 pm

      I absolutely LOVE buddha bowls so this post is heaven for me! Thanks so much for sharing all these beautiful creations 🙂

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        January 02, 2020 at 1:57 pm

        Thanks for stopping by, Chris!

        Reply
    8. Marloney says

      March 26, 2019 at 12:07 am

      5 stars
      Great content. Thanks for sharing this buddha bowl dish.

      Reply
    9. Marlynn @ UrbanBlissLife says

      June 28, 2016 at 10:16 am

      What a great collection, and I love that you created an infographic for this! My brain needs visual organization and the categories of ingredients is so helpful. Now I want a Buddha Bowl... or three! 🙂

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        June 28, 2016 at 11:50 am

        Thanks so much, Marlynn! I have that same need for visual order. I also have a very strong visual memory, so once it's there, it's usually solid (which is kind of a helpful super power). In other words, charts with color and visual flow are my friends.

        Reply
    10. Catherine @ Ten Thousand Hour Mama says

      June 27, 2016 at 5:27 pm

      Mm, I love bowls, too. And your comparison to a giant box of crayons is hilarious!

      I am doing more meal planning, so I should make bowls a regular on the week's plan. Thanks for the inspiration and ideas!

      Reply
    11. Kristen Chidsey says

      June 27, 2016 at 4:55 pm

      What a great collection. I love budda bowls but you have inspired so many more ideas for me!

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        June 27, 2016 at 4:58 pm

        We are actually having variation of #14 tonight!

        Reply
    12. Shannon says

      June 27, 2016 at 4:41 pm

      I love meals like this that are just combined into one bowl. Never even knew there was a name for them! These all look like great options. Thanks for sharing!

      Shannon
      Clothes & Quotes

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        June 27, 2016 at 4:42 pm

        You are so welcome, Shannon. Thanks for visiting today!

        Reply
    13. Erin @ Platings and Pairings says

      June 27, 2016 at 4:02 pm

      I love bowls - Often, I'll pick up a jar of Yum sauce and eat the bowls for back to back nights. I love the infographic you created - So many options!!!

      Reply
    14. Lindsay Ingalls says

      June 27, 2016 at 3:24 pm

      We have Buddha Bowls at least 3x per week- such a great meal!

      Reply
    15. Heather Kinnaird says

      June 27, 2016 at 9:47 am

      wow, so many great choices!!

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        June 27, 2016 at 9:47 am

        Thanks, Heather!

        Reply
    16. Michelle @ The Complete Savorist says

      June 27, 2016 at 9:27 am

      What a wonderful round up. I discovered some seriously delicious bowls here. Thank you for including me in your round-up.

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        June 27, 2016 at 9:40 am

        You are so welcome, Michelle. I *love* your blog!

        Reply
    17. Meredith{MarthaChartreuse} says

      June 27, 2016 at 9:19 am

      Well now I really, really want a buddha bowl! The blog post comes with delivery, right??

      Reply
      • Renée ♥ says

        June 27, 2016 at 9:41 am

        Ha, Meredith - if only! 🙂

        Reply

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