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7 plant-based buddha bowls to try now

So long, salads! These bowls are a simple and delicious way to pack nutrients and flavor into a single meal.


LearnPlant-based diet7 plant-based buddha bowls to try now
Fiesta sweet potato bowl
Roasted rainbow bowl
Asian-inspired tofu bowl
Mediterranean quinoa bowl
Green goddess bowl
Stuffed sweet potato bowl
Autumn harvest bowl

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Chances are you’ve seen images of beautiful, veggie-packed Buddha bowls while scrolling through your Instagram feed. And unlike some other food trends, these colorful meals are actually good for you. They're way more filling than your typical lunchtime salad, too.

The formula is simple: Lay down your complex carbohydrate (such as quinoa or lentils), add a serving of protein (like tofu), and load in a bunch of fresh vegetables. These bowls are a great way to use leftover veggies, too; the more variety, the better.

"Buddha bowls are colorful, vibrant meals that are just as beautiful to eat as they are delicious," says Christine Patorniti, RD, MBA, registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, and owner of Nutrition Center of Colorado in Centennial, Colorado.

Here’s how to build the perfect bowls with seasonal ingredients like sweet potatoes, mushrooms, green beans, and crisp, juicy apples.

Written by Taylor Lupo.
Medically reviewed by Gaby Vaca-Flores, RD.April, 2025
Updated onOctober, 2026
Written by Taylor Lupo.
Medically reviewed by Gaby Vaca-Flores, RD.April, 2025
Updated onOctober, 2026
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