At the start of this year, my boyfriend and I began meal prepping weekly on Sundays. We prepare 2-3 different dinners to eat throughout the week, so when we get home at 5 p.m. from our job, we can go straight to the gym and not have to worry about cooking dinner afterwards. Meal prepping has changed the game for us, and one of my favorite go-to meals for dinner is a Buddha bowl.
What is a Buddha bowl? A Buddha bowl is a typically a vegetarian meal consisting of small portions of different foods, usually served cold. The bowl is supposed to resemble Buddha’s belly, but the bowl itself really has nothing to do with Buddhism.
What’s in a Buddha bowl?
Each bowl is made up of five key components:
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The Base
This can consist of greens, rice, noodles, potatoes, quinoa, or squash, and is the foundation of the bowl.
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The Heart
This is going to be a protein or a fat, something that is filling. I know I said they are typically vegetarian, but you can add meat if you’d like. Tofu, salmon, beans, avocado, lentils and chickpeas are my go-tos.
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Texture
Any and all vegetables can make up this portion of the bowl. Cucumbers, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, edamame, carrots, broccoli, etc. All of these are great options.
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Dressing
Any kind of sauce or dressing you want to flavor your Buddha bowl with, have at it. Hummus, soy sauce, guacamole, sriracha, teriyaki, hot sauce and balsamic are some of my favs.
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Toppings
I personally like to add something that will add some crunch or added protein. Nuts, seeds, herbs, seasonings, green onions, chia seeds, flax seeds and hemp hearts are yummy options, but the possibilities here really are endless.
SOME OF MY FAVORITE RECIPES:
MEDITERRANEAN BOWL:
1. BASE
Half and Half – Quinoa and kale or spinach
2. THE HEART
Chickpeas
3. TEXTURES
Cucumber and tomatoes
4. DRESSING
Lemon juice, hummus and maple syrup or agave
5. TOPPINGS
Sliced almonds and cilantro
TERIYAKI SALMON BOWL:
1. BASE
Sushi Rice
2. THE HEART
Cooked salmon chunks and avocado
3. TEXTURES
Edamame, cucumber, steamed peas & broccoli
4. DRESSING
Teriyaki sauce
5. TOPPINGS
Spring onions and furikake seasoning
MISO NOURISH BOWL:
1. BASE
Quinoa and steamed kale
2. THE HEART
Sweet Potatoes
3. TEXTURES
Carrots, red onion and broccoli
4. DRESSING
Tahini, miso paste, rice vinegar, maple syrup or agave, & garlic
5. TOPPINGS
Sesame seeds and cilantro
The bowl I used is from Urban Outfitters. If you decide to try any of these, or make your own, make sure to tag me!
My personal Instagram – @amber.mirrelle
Soulstice Instagram – @soulsticedreams
ENJOY!
Love, Amber