Buddha Bowl Dressing (+ How to Make A Bowl)

This Buddha bowl dressing is an absolute favorite that comes together in 5 minutes and unlike other tahini dressings, it is not too earthy. The addition of balsamic vinegar gives a sweetness and tartness that is just so delicious and pairs well with a large variety of toppings!

Make sure to check out my other creamy dressings if you're looking for more Buddha bowl sauces: this bright and zingy turmeric ginger tahini dressing, this herby green goddess dressing, or this super easy hummus dressing would all be amazing.

What makes a good Buddha bowl dressing?

• It’s versatile and pairs well with a large variety of grains and toppings.
• It’s easy to make: you can use ingredients you already have at home.
• It’s well-balanced: slightly tart, with a touch of sweetness, and lots of flavor.
• It’s incredibly creamy to make your Buddha bowl even more satisfying.

Key ingredients and substitutions

• Tahini: This creamy paste is made from sesame seeds and has a rich nutty flavor. It provides a smooth texture and acts as a base for the other flavors to meld together. I recommend using white/light tahini versus raw/brown tahini which has a much stronger and earthier flavor.
• Balsamic vinegar (or raspberry vinegar): It adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste that complements the nuttiness of tahini. Alternatively, I love using raspberry vinegar to introduce a sweeter fruit flavor. Trust me, people will beg for the recipe if you use it.
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness to balance the acidity of the vinegar. Don't forget to taste your dressing and adjust the level of sweetness and amount of maple syrup to your liking. You can also use agave syrup (or honey if not vegan).
• Mustard: It helps emulsify the ingredients and adds complexity to the overall taste. I usually go for sweet yellow mustard. However, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, or even spicy mustard varieties can work well.
• Garlic powder: This brings out the dressing with a savory element and adds depth.

How to make this Buddha bowl dressing

STEP 1: Add all the ingredients to a small bowl/glass jar. I like to make it directly in a Weck jar or Mason jar. These are great for storing in the fridge.

STEP 2: Combine. I use a small whisk to make sure the tahini is well incorporated. So easy!

What is a Buddha bowl actually?

A Buddha bowl,also known as a grain bowl or nourish bowl,is a colorful one-bowl meal that typically consists of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.

I love a good Buddha bowl for its flexibility and ability to be customized based on personal preferences and dietary restrictions. Plus, you can vary the ingredients according to the seasons and have different vegan bowls all year long.

My favorite part is that you can prep all components ahead of time and assemble them shortly before serving.

How to make a GREAT Buddha bowl

Here’s how I personally like to build my Buddha bowls:

• Base: Use gluten-free whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, wild rice, millet, or buckwheat. If not gluten-free, bulgur wheat, farro, or couscous are great options, too. For a light-on-the-stomach version, you could also use cauliflower rice as the base.
• Fresh vegetables: Roasted, steamed, or raw vegetables add color, flavor, and a variety of nutrients to the bowl. Common veggies include leafy greens, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, avocado, purple cabbage, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, or any other seasonal fresh veggies.
• Protein: Try plant-based protein sources, such as crispy tofu, roasted tempeh, grilled falafel, crispy chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans, or lentils. You can use drained and rinsed canned beans for a quick and easy Buddha bowl.
• Crunchy toppings: Ingredients with healthy fats like nuts and seeds (e.g., almonds, cashews, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds) are a must.
• Herbs: Try adding fresh herbs like mint, basil (Thai basil is lovely too), cilantro or chives.
• Extras: My favorite toppings are quick pickled vegetables, which add some crunch and tartness. Try these pickled carrots, fennel, or onions.
• Dressings or sauces: A flavorful dressing or sauce is often made from ingredients like tahini, yogurt, apple cider vinegar, or even soy sauce. Check out all my plant-based dressings for inspiration.

Serving tips for this Buddha bowl dressing

• Add this creamy tahini dressing to this millet falafel bowl for a millet-based recipe.
• Another delicious grain base bowl to have with this flavorful sauce is this sushi rice bowl.
• You can also serve it alongside warm roasted veggies like this whole grilled cauliflower.
• I really like it as a dip for spring rolls, as an alternative to the classic peanut butter sauce.
• It also tastes great over a loaded burrito bowl. 

Storage tips

• Preferably store the base, veggies, and dressing separately in different airtight containers if you're prepping them ahead of time. I love these vacuum-seal containers that keep your food fresh for up to 5 times longer (read my full Zwilling Fresh & Save review).
• Assemble your bowl shortly before serving or in the morning if you're taking it as a lunch on the go.
• You can pour the Buddha bowl dressing directly to onto the other ingredients or store it in small stainless steel dressing containers.
• If you have leftovers from your assembled Buddha bowl, I recommend storing them in the refrigerator and eating them within 24 hours.