Mediterranean Buddha Bowl Recipe

Mediterranean Buddha Bowls are like edible rainbows that dance on your plate. Picture this: vibrant colors of fresh veggies, fluffy grains that feel like a warm hug, and a zesty dressing that sings with every bite. This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds while making your heart do a happy little jig.

I remember the first time I tried a Mediterranean Buddha Bowl at a cozy café. I was so captivated by its beauty that I almost forgot to eat! The explosion of flavors made me feel like I was on a mini-vacation in Greece. Now, I whip up this delightful dish whenever I want to impress friends or simply enjoy a culinary escape at home. Trust me; you’ll want to keep this recipe on speed dial.

I once served this bowl at a family gathering, and everyone was fighting over the last scoop—talk about winning hearts through food!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Quinoa: A fantastic base packed with protein; rinse it well before cooking for the best texture.
• Cucumber: Choose firm cucumbers for crunch; they add freshness and hydration to your bowl.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Use ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness; they burst with flavor when bitten into.
• Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers bring sweetness and vibrant hues; slice them thinly for even distribution.
• Kale or Spinach: Leafy greens provide essential nutrients; massage them gently with lemon juice for tenderness.
• Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness; opt for ripe ones that yield slightly when pressed.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens flavors; don’t skimp on it!
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances richness; drizzle generously over your bowl.
• Feta Cheese (optional): Crumbled feta adds a salty tang; choose high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
• Chickpeas (optional): Roasted chickpeas add crunch and protein; season them well before roasting.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare yourself for an adventure in flavor as we journey through creating our stunning Mediterranean Buddha Bowl.

Cook the Quinoa: Start by rinsing 1 cup of quinoa under cold water until the water runs clear. In a saucepan, combine it with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer covered for about 15 minutes until fluffy.

Prep Your Veggies: While the quinoa cooks, chop up your cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, kale or spinach, and avocado into bite-sized pieces. Let those colors shine!

Create the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil and juice from one lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste—this dressing will elevate everything!

Toss It All Together: Once your quinoa is ready and cooled slightly, toss it into a large mixing bowl with all chopped vegetables. Drizzle over your zesty dressing and mix well until everything is evenly coated.

Add Finishing Touches: If you’re including feta cheese and roasted chickpeas, sprinkle them generously on top of your beautiful creation! It’s all about balance here.

Enjoy diving into this colorful masterpiece! Serve immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—if you have any left!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by roasting your veggies for maximum flavor, then prepare your grains while they cool. This way, everything comes together beautifully without stress.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to substitute quinoa with farro or bulgur for a different texture. You can also add your favorite nuts for crunch!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave to maintain texture.

Making this bowl is always a hit at my family gatherings—everyone leaves happy and full, even my picky cousin who usually only eats mac and cheese!

FAQ

What can I use instead of quinoa in my Mediterranean Buddha Bowl?

You can easily swap quinoa for couscous, farro, or brown rice based on preference.

How do I make my Buddha Bowl more filling?

Add chickpeas or grilled chicken to boost protein levels and keep you satisfied longer.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep ingredients a day before for quick assembly when ready to eat.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Mediterranean Buddha Bowl

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A colorful, nourishing dish filled with fresh vegetables and grains, drizzled with a zesty dressing—perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner in just 30 minutes!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cups kale or spinach, chopped
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Optional: 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Optional: 1 cup roasted chickpeas

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water. In a saucepan, combine quinoa and 2 cups water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until fluffy.
2. While the quinoa cooks, chop cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, kale or spinach, and avocado into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Once the quinoa is cooked and slightly cooled, combine it with the chopped vegetables in a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss until well mixed.
5. If desired, top with feta cheese and roasted chickpeas before serving.

Notes

• For added texture, consider roasting the veggies before adding them to the bowl.
•  Substitute quinoa with farro or brown rice for different flavors.
•  Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can enhance flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 400g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 220mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 64g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 10mg