Roasted Chickpea Buddha Bowl

Short Description

A vibrant and nourishing Roasted Chickpea Buddha Bowl featuring crispy chickpeas, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful dressing served over grains—a wholesome, vegetarian meal perfect for any day of the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Buddha bowl is packed with protein from chickpeas, fiber from fresh veggies, and complex carbohydrates from the grain base—making it satisfying and energizing. The roasted chickpeas are delightfully crispy, adding a satisfying crunch, while the dressing balances tanginess and richness. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chickpeas

• Olive oil

• Ground cumin

• Smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper

• Cooked grain (quinoa, brown rice, or farro)

• Mixed greens (spinach, kale, or lettuce)

• Cherry tomatoes

• Cucumber

• Avocado

• Red bell pepper

• Carrot, shredded

• Tahini

• Lemon juice

• Garlic, minced

• Water (for thinning dressing)

• Optional toppings: chopped fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro), pumpkin seeds, feta cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).

2. Drain and rinse chickpeas, then pat dry with paper towels.

3. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

4. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy.

5. Prepare dressing by whisking tahini, lemon juice, garlic, water, salt, and pepper until smooth. Thin to desired consistency.

6. Cook your chosen grain according to package instructions.

7. Chop and prep vegetables: halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper, shred carrot, slice avocado.

8. Assemble bowls: place grain as the base, layer mixed greens, roasted chickpeas, and vegetables.

9. Drizzle dressing over the bowl, then top with optional herbs, seeds, or cheese. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 2 to 3 servings.

• Prep time: approximately 15 minutes

• Cook time: approximately 30 minutes

• Total time: approximately 45 minutes

Variations

• Grain-free option: Substitute warm cauliflower rice for grains.

• Spicy variation: Add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne to the chickpeas.

• Mediterranean twist: Include olives, cucumber, and crumbled feta.

• Vegan protein boost: Add tofu cubes or tempeh.

• Nutty dressing: Substitute tahini with almond or cashew butter.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store components separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Dress the bowl just before serving to preserve freshness.

• Reheating: Gently reheat grains and chickpeas in the oven (350 °F/175 °C for 8–10 minutes) or in the microwave until warmed. Add fresh veggies and dressing afterward.

FAQs

What type of grain works best?

Quinoa, brown rice, and farro all work well—you can also use barley, bulgur, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Can I use canned chickpeas?

Yes. Drain, rinse, and pat dry thoroughly before roasting to ensure they crisp properly.

How do I make the chickpeas extra crispy?

Make sure they are completely dry before roasting, spread them in a single layer without overcrowding, and roast at a high temperature, shaking halfway through.

Is the dressing adjustable?

Absolutely. You can thin it with water or lemon juice for a lighter texture or adjust garlic and salt to taste.

Can I prep this bowl ahead of time?

Yes. Roast chickpeas and cook grains up to 3 days in advance. Store vegetables separately and assemble when ready.

Can I make this vegan?

Yes. The recipe is vegan in its base form. Skip feta or any dairy toppings to keep it fully plant-based.

What other proteins can I add?

Grilled chicken, tofu, tempeh, or boiled eggs are all excellent additions for extra protein.

Can I freeze leftover chickpeas?

It’s not recommended. Roasted chickpeas may become soggy upon thawing. Store them refrigerated for best results.

What can I use instead of tahini?

You can substitute almond or cashew butter or use a Greek yogurt-based dressing if you’re not vegan.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes—provided you choose a gluten-free grain such as quinoa or rice. Ensure toppings like soy sauce (if used) are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

The Roasted Chickpea Buddha Bowl is a nourishing, customizable meal perfect for lunch or dinner. With its rainbow of vegetables, crispy chickpeas, wholesome grains, and creamy dressing, it’s both delicious and balanced. Easy to prepare and suitable for meal prep, it’s sure to become a staple in your weekly rotation.