Rainbow Veggie Buddha Bowl (Printable)

Colorful bowl combining fresh veggies, hearty grains, and a zesty sesame ginger dressing for a nourishing meal.

# What Goes In:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup brown rice or quinoa, uncooked
02 - 2 cups water

→ Fresh Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
05 - 1 cup shredded carrots
06 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
07 - 1 cup broccoli florets, lightly steamed or raw
08 - 1 avocado, sliced

→ Protein

09 - 1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed

→ Toppings

10 - 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
11 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
12 - 2 green onions, sliced

→ Sesame Ginger Dressing

13 - 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
14 - 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
15 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
16 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
17 - 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
18 - 1 clove garlic, minced
19 - Juice of 1 lime

# How to Make It:

01 - Rinse brown rice or quinoa, add to a medium saucepan with 2 cups water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15–20 minutes until tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
02 - While the grains cook, wash and chop all vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, shred red cabbage and carrots, thinly slice bell pepper, chop broccoli florets, and slice avocado.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk together toasted sesame oil, tamari or soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, and lime juice until well combined and emulsified.
04 - Lightly steam broccoli florets if desired for 2–3 minutes, or leave raw for extra crunch and texture.
05 - Divide cooked grains evenly among four bowls. Arrange cherry tomatoes, red cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, broccoli, avocado, and chickpeas on top in sections to create a rainbow effect.
06 - Drizzle bowls generously with sesame ginger dressing. Top with sesame seeds, fresh cilantro or parsley, and sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It's endlessly adaptable—swap vegetables based on what's in your crisper without guilt.
  • The sesame ginger dressing is so addictive you'll find yourself pouring it over everything from roasted vegetables to simple grain bowls.
  • Meal prep magic: assemble the components ahead and dress just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp.
  • Naturally vegan and gluten-free without sacrificing a shred of flavor or satisfaction.
02 -
  • The avocado is your last-minute addition—slice it right before serving or it will oxidize and look sad within an hour.
  • Make the dressing ahead and store it in a jar; it keeps for nearly a week and tastes even better as flavors marry together.
  • Don't skip rinsing the grains; it genuinely changes the texture from gluey to light and separated.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for one minute before adding them—the aroma is intoxicating and the flavor deepens significantly.
  • Ginger is spicy when fresh, so start with the amount called for and taste the dressing before adding more; it's easier to add than to take away.
  • Keep your vegetables in separate containers if meal prepping; mixed together they'll start releasing water and turning the grains soggy by day three.
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