Name: Rainbow Buddha Bowl
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 15 oz can chickpeas, 1 can (about 425 g), drained, rinsed and patted dry; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp ground cumin; ½ tsp fine salt; ⅓ cup tahini, well stirred; 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 small garlic clove, grated; 1 tsp maple syrup; ½ tsp fine salt; 4 tbsp water, plus more as needed; 1 cup quinoa, rinsed; 2 cups water; 1 cup shelled edamame, thawed if frozen; 2 cups finely shredded red cabbage; 2 medium carrots, grated or cut into matchsticks; 1 English cucumber, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; ¼ small red onion, thinly sliced; 2 tbsp toasted sesame or pumpkin seeds

Rainbow Buddha Bowl

A colorful vegan bowl of fluffy quinoa, crispy roasted chickpeas, edamame, crunchy red cabbage, carrots and cucumber, drizzled with a creamy lemon tahini dressing.

By amine Published October 29, 2026

A Buddha bowl is a generous bowl of grains, vegetables and plant protein, arranged so it looks as good as it tastes. This one is a true rainbow: fluffy quinoa, crispy spiced chickpeas, bright green edamame and cucumber, purple cabbage and orange carrots, all brought together with a creamy lemon tahini dressing. It is filling, full of fiber and protein, and perfect for packed lunches.

The formula for a great Buddha bowl

A grain: quinoa, brown rice, farro or soba noodles
A protein: roasted chickpeas, edamame, tofu, tempeh or lentils
Raw crunch: red cabbage, carrots, cucumber, radishes, bell peppers
Something creamy: avocado, a spoonful of hummus or a tahini dressing
Something extra: toasted seeds, pickled onions, fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon

Crispy roasted chickpeas

Drying the chickpeas well is the key to crunch. Pat them dry with a clean towel, rub off any loose skins, toss with oil and spices and roast in a hot oven, shaking the pan halfway through. They are crispiest straight from the oven but stay pleasantly crunchy for a few hours.

Meal prep tips

Cook the quinoa and roast the chickpeas on the weekend, chop the vegetables and keep the dressing in a jar. Assemble bowls in containers with the dressing on the side; they keep for up to 4 days.

FAQ

Why is it called a Buddha bowl?

The name is said to come from the idea of a bowl so full that its rounded top looks like the belly of a laughing Buddha. Today it simply means a nourishing, plant-based bowl.

My tahini dressing is too thick. What should I do?

Tahini thickens when it first meets lemon juice. Keep whisking in water a tablespoon at a time and it will loosen into a smooth, pourable dressing.