Chickpea Quinoa Buddha Bowl

Cooked quinoa is combined with sautéed chickpeas, zucchini, and topped with lemon dressing.

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Introduction

This Chickpea Quinoa Buddha Bowl is a wholesome, well-rounded dish that brings together grains, legumes, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing for a balanced meal. At the heart of the recipe is a quinoa salad, prepared with a simple mix of lemon juice, olive oil, and vibrant bell peppers. This creates a light, zesty base that pairs beautifully with the other components, making it both flavorful and satisfying.

The chickpeas are sautéed with smoked paprika and garlic powder, giving them a smoky, savory profile that complements the mild quinoa salad. Their warm, hearty texture adds depth to the bowl, making it more filling and nutritious. This simple yet flavorful preparation ensures the chickpeas stand out without overpowering the dish, allowing them to harmonize with the vegetables and dressing.

For the vegetable component, zucchini and bok choy are sautéed with garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. This combination brings together the mild sweetness of zucchini with the leafy crunch of bok choy, enhanced by the umami-rich soy sauce and a touch of tangy rice vinegar. These vegetables not only provide variety in texture and taste but also boost the bowl's nutritional value, making it a well-rounded option for any meal.

The tahini-lemon dressing ties everything together with its creamy, nutty richness and a hint of citrus. It acts as a unifying element that enhances the flavors of the bowl without overwhelming them. The dressing is easily adjustable to your taste, whether you prefer it thicker for a more robust flavor or thinner for a lighter drizzle. Its versatility makes it a standout component in the dish.

This Buddha Bowl can be served warm or at room temperature, making it suitable for different occasions and preferences. Each component can be prepared in advance, making it a practical choice for meal prep. Whether enjoyed as a standalone dish or as part of a larger spread, this bowl offers a vibrant, nutrient-packed meal that’s easy to customize and enjoy. Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor and presentation.

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Prep Time

Cook Time

Servings

Calorie/Serving

Ingredients

To prepare Quinoa Salad,

 

To prepare Chickpeas,

 

To prepare Zucchini & Bok Choy,

 

To prepare Tahini-Lemon Dressing,

Instructions

Step A: Prepare Quinoa Salad

  1. Rinse Quinoa: Rinse 1/2 cup quinoa a couple of times. Transfer to a saucepan. Add 1 cup of water. Cover the pan and let it cook for 15-18 minutes, or until the quinoa is done.
  2. Mix Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Mix well. Then add the cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup red bell pepper, and 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper. Mix again and set aside.

 

Step B: Prepare Chickpeas

  1. Heat Pan: Set a sauté pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  2. Sauté Chickpeas: Once hot, add 2 cups cooked chickpeas, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook Chickpeas: Stir-sauté for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat. Transfer the chickpeas to a separate bowl and set aside.

 

Step C: Prepare Vegetables

  1. Heat Oil: Set the same pan over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  2. Cook Garlic: Once hot, add 2 chopped garlic cloves and stir-sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until golden.
  3. Cook Zucchini: Add 1 cup sliced zucchini and stir-sauté for 4-5 minutes, or until its skin turns light brown.
  4. Add Greens: Add 2 cups bok choy, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar (if using). Stir-cook for 2 minutes.
  5. Cool Vegetables: Turn off the heat and set aside.

 

Step D: Prepare Dressing

  1. Mix Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons tahini, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 2 tablespoons water. Mix well until smooth. Set aside.

 

Step E: Assemble Bowl

  1. Final Assembly: Layer the quinoa salad, sautéed chickpeas, and zucchini-bok choy mixture in a serving bowl.
  2. Add Dressing: Drizzle the tahini-lemon dressing on top. Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

  • Use gluten-free soy sauce if needed for a gluten-free version.
  • Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove its natural bitter coating (saponin).
  • Canned chickpeas can be used for convenience, but rinse and drain them well.
  • Adjust the amount of smoked paprika in the chickpeas to your spice tolerance.
  • Substitute bok choy with spinach or kale if unavailable.
  • Replace sugar in the zucchini-bok choy mix with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or skip entirely.
  • Add more water to the tahini-lemon dressing if it feels too thick.
  • Serve the dish warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
  • Store components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for meal prep.
  • Avoid freezing, as zucchini and bok choy may lose texture when thawed.
  • Add protein by including tofu, tempeh, or a boiled egg (if not strictly vegan).
  • Garnish with sesame seeds or fresh herbs for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, try rice, couscous, or farro.

Almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even plain hummus can work.

Store each component in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Yes, substitute with other vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

Use a splash of vegetable broth for sautéing and skip the olive oil in the quinoa salad and dressing.

Yes, but adjust seasonings like smoked paprika and soy sauce to their taste.

Yes, prepare the components a day in advance and assemble before serving.

Add water or lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar works well.

Absolutely, add roasted sweet potatoes, carrots, or mushrooms.

Tofu, tempeh, seitan, or edamame are great additions.

Not particularly, but you can increase the spice level with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Nutritional Info (per Serving)

  • Calories: 533 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 62 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Sodium: 691 mg
  • Potassium: 881 mg
  • Fiber: 11 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Vitamin A: 3487 IU
  • Vitamin C: 113 mg
  • Calcium: 143 mg
  • Iron: 5 mg

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