Have you ever wanted a meal that’s quick, colorful, and packed with nutrition? We’re about to make a Vegan Buddha Bowl featuring avocado, quinoa, tomato, spinach, and chickpeas.

This bowl is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes. Each bite delivers a balance of creamy, crunchy, and fresh textures, and the colors make it as fun to look at as it is to eat.

This Buddha bowl is not only nutritious—it’s also versatile. Once you understand the base structure, you can swap or add ingredients to match your taste and what’s in your fridge. Let’s walk through how we make it, step by step.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bowl (serves 2):

- 1 cup quinoa (any color)

- 2 cups water

- 1 can (400 g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

- 1 can (400 g) chickpeas, rinsed and drained

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- 1 tsp paprika

- 1/4 tsp salt

- 1 medium avocado, sliced

- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

- 2 cups baby spinach

- Optional: 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds

For the Dressing:

- 2 tbsp olive oil

- 1 tbsp lemon juice

- 1 tsp tahini (optional for creaminess)

- Pinch of salt

- Pinch of black pepper

Step 1: Cook the Quinoa

1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness.

2. Combine quinoa with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until the water is absorbed and the grains are tender.

4. Turn off heat, leave the lid on, and let the quinoa steam for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Quinoa is light, fluffy, and full of protein, making it the perfect base to hold all our toppings and soak up the dressing.

Step 2: Roast the Chickpeas

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).

2. Toss the rinsed chickpeas with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp salt in a mixing bowl.

3. Spread the chickpeas evenly on a baking sheet.

4. Roast for 10–12 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and slightly crispy.

Roasted chickpeas add protein, fiber, and a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy avocado and soft quinoa.

Step 3: Prep the Vegetables

1. Slice 1 medium avocado into thin wedges.

2. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes.

3. Wash and dry 2 cups baby spinach.

4. Optional: thinly slice 1/2 red bell pepper for extra color and sweetness.

We love using fresh vegetables for texture, color, and nutrition. Spinach adds leafy green freshness, tomatoes bring juicy acidity, and avocado contributes creaminess.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp tahini (optional), and a pinch of salt and black pepper.

2. Taste and adjust the flavors if needed.

A simple, fresh dressing elevates the bowl by tying all the ingredients together. Lemon juice gives tanginess, olive oil brings smooth richness, and tahini adds a hint of nuttiness.

Step 5: Assemble Your Buddha Bowl

1. Start with a scoop of cooked quinoa at the bottom of your bowl.

2. Layer baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and roasted chickpeas on top.

3. Optional: add red bell pepper slices for extra crunch and color.

4. Drizzle with the dressing and sprinkle 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds or sunflower seeds over the top.

Mixing textures is key—soft quinoa, creamy avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy chickpeas create a satisfying bite every time.

Optional Extras and Variations

We often like to experiment with toppings:

- Add roasted sweet potatoes for warmth and sweetness.

- Swap chickpeas for edamame or lentils for variety in protein.

- Sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil for an extra flavor boost.

- Add a few slices of cucumber or shredded carrots for crunch.

These tweaks allow you to make a unique Buddha bowl every time while keeping it healthy and satisfying.

Enjoy Your Vibrant Meal!

Lykkers, there you have it! A delicious, healthy, and easy 30-minute vegan Buddha bowl that’s colorful, protein-rich, and full of fresh flavors. Perfect for meal prep or a quick weekday meal, this bowl can also be customized endlessly.

Grab your bowl, assemble your ingredients, drizzle the dressing, and enjoy a meal that’s as vibrant as it is nourishing. Let’s make eating healthy fun, colorful, and satisfying every day!