Vegan Green Goddess Buddha Bowl
Looking for a fresh and vibrant meal that's packed with flavors and nutrients? This Vegan Green Goddess Buddha Bowl is your answer. It's like a garden in a bowl, bursting with colors and textures, making it a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this bowl combines fluffy quinoa, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, herbaceous dressing that will leave you feeling nourished and energized.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2-3 tablespoons water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
Instructions
- 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 or until quinoa is fluffy.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a blender, combine tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Assemble the Bowl: In a serving bowl, layer cooked quinoa, chopped kale, avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and shredded carrots.
- Dress and Serve: Drizzle the green goddess dressing over the assembled bowl. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for a meal later.
Cook’s tips
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove any bitter saponin coating.
- Massage the chopped kale with a little dressing for 1-2 minutes to soften it and enhance its flavor.
- Make extra dressing and store it in the fridge for up to a week – it's great on salads or as a dip.
- For meal prep, keep the dressing separate and add just before serving to keep the vegetables crisp.
- Add roasted chickpeas or tofu for extra protein and texture.
Substitutions
- Use spinach or mixed greens instead of kale.
- Swap quinoa for brown rice, farro, or couscous.
- Replace tahini with sunflower seed butter or cashew butter for a similar creamy consistency.
- Use any combination of fresh herbs you have on hand, such as parsley, cilantro, basil, or mint.
- Substitute lemon juice with apple cider vinegar or lime juice for a different tang.
Storage & reheating
Store the assembled bowl (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing in a separate container and drizzle over just before serving to maintain freshness.
FAQ
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! Brown rice, farro, or even couscous work well. Just adjust cooking times according to the grain's package instructions.
How long does this Buddha bowl keep in the fridge?
If stored without dressing, the bowl will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The dressing can be kept separately for up to a week.
Can I add protein to make it more filling?
Yes, try adding roasted chickpeas, baked tofu, or tempeh. Simply season and cook them before adding to the bowl.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your vegetable broth is certified gluten-free if you have a sensitivity.
