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Protein-Packed Buddha Bowl Recipe with Creamy Tahini Dressing

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A quick and easy protein-packed Buddha bowl featuring quinoa, chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a creamy tahini dressing. Perfect for meal prep and a healthy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup quinoa (uncooked)
  • 1 can (15 oz/425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup cooked edamame (shelled)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 3–4 tablespoons warm water
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. Combine with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  2. Drain and rinse chickpeas well. Optionally, toss chickpeas with 1 teaspoon olive oil, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes until slightly crispy. Thaw edamame if using frozen, and set aside.
  3. While quinoa cooks, shred red cabbage, peel and julienne the carrot, slice the avocado just before serving to avoid browning, and wash baby spinach or mixed greens thoroughly.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk 1/4 cup tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, and minced garlic. Slowly add 3-4 tablespoons warm water, whisking until creamy and pourable. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Assemble the bowl by starting with a generous handful of greens at the base. Add fluffy quinoa, roasted chickpeas, edamame, carrot, cabbage, and avocado slices. Sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds on top.
  6. Pour creamy tahini dressing over the bowl just before eating. Toss lightly if desired or enjoy layered. Keep extra dressing on the side for dipping or drizzling later.

Notes

Rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to remove bitterness. Roast chickpeas with spices for extra texture and flavor. Add warm water slowly to tahini dressing to avoid lumps. Slice avocado last to prevent browning. Keep dressing separate if meal prepping to avoid soggy greens.

Nutrition

Keywords: Buddha bowl, protein-packed, tahini dressing, quinoa, chickpeas, healthy meal, vegan, vegetarian, meal prep

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/protein-packed-buddha-bowl-recipe-with-creamy-tahini-dressing-easy-and-healthy-meal/