Buddha bowls have broken rank and ascended the ladder of fame over the last several years. The bowls, loved by yogis and foodies alike, take on so many different forms, making it difficult to pin down or define. However, that’s the beauty of the bowl!

Perfect for meal prepping and brimming with nutritional value, the endless options of buddha bowls combine several different staples into one for a satisfying and savory meal. Below are the essentials that put the “Buddha” into the “bowl.”

Try mixing and matching the following ingredients and enjoy your healthy harvest!

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Buddha Bowl Essentials

Whole Grains

The grains make up the base of the bowl. They will help fill you up and keep you full for longer. Also, if you plan on substituting any meat for legumes for a vegetarian or vegan option, the whole grains will bind with the legumes to create a complete protein. Level out one cup of the following whole grains.

Choose from:

- Brown rice

- Quinoa

- Farro

- Barley

- Corn

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Lean Protein

Next, add your favorite meat or legume. You want something lean, but high in protein and low in caloric value. Traditional buddha bowls contain only plant-based proteins, but you are welcome to add whatever plant or animal protein you desire. You can also choose several of the options at once.

Choose from:

- Chicken breast

- Turkey, ground or grilled

- Grilled salmon

- Shrimp

- Black beans

- Garbanzo beans

- Tofu

- Tempeh

- Lentils

- Avocado

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Vegetables

The vegetables will provide color, little calories, and high nutritional value. You have an endless possibility of combinations here. If you plan on adding kale, pull it aside and massage it for a few minutes with a small amount of olive oil before adding it into your bowl. This will soften the kale so that it is not as crunchy or sharp tasting.

If you want to add sweet potatoes, cut them into small chunks and roast them in the oven for about half an hour. Make a big batch beforehand and then you can throw them into your buddha bowls with ease. You can also roast any of your veggies with the sweet potatoes. Cut up your brussels, onions, garlic, peppers, and broccoli for a more tame, sweet version of the healthy greens.

Choose from:

- Kale

- Spinach

- Broccoli

- Onions, red or green

- Bell peppers

- Tomatoes

- Butternut squash

- Brussels sprouts

- Sweet potatoes

- Carrots, raw or sautéed

- Beets

- Garlic

- Any other veggie you want!

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Nuts/Seeds

Nuts or seeds will give your buddha bowl a little extra crunch and a nice boost of fiber and healthy fat. Grab a handful or your choosing and sprinkle them over your bowl.

Choose from:

- Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

- Sunflower seeds

- Hemp seeds

- Cashews

- Almonds

- Pecans

- Walnuts

- Pistachos

Dressing

And now, for the best part of the buddha bowl! The sauce, drizzle, or dressing will tie the bowl together and give you the satisfying taste of YUM. If you are not one to make your own dressing, just toss in a spoonful of hummus and some lime juice into your bowl. Mix it together and you are good to go!

If you want to take on a daring drizzle, check out these delicious options.

Choose from:

- Hummus

- Lime juice

- Homemade or store bought dressing

Toppings

You can finish off your masterpiece with a small, fragrant garnish. Finely chop one or more of the following options and sprinkle on top of your bowl.