Vegan Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Avocado Lime Dressing
A nutrient-packed bowl featuring roasted vegetables, quinoa, and a creamy avocado dressing, bursting with fresh colors and flavors. This mediterranean-inspired vegan (vegan, gluten-free) ready in about 50 minutes blends quinoa, water, peeled and diced sweet potato into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1, peeled and diced sweet potato
- 1, sliced red bell pepper
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, sliced red onion
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed black beans
- 1, pitted and sliced avocado
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp, mashed avocado
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1 cup diced sweet potato, 1/2 cup sliced red bell pepper, 1 cup broccoli florets, and 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup rinsed quinoa and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and let cool.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mash 2 tbsp avocado with 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp cumin until smooth and creamy; set aside.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, roasted vegetables, 1 can drained and rinsed black beans, 1/4 cup sliced red onion, 1 avocado, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Drizzle with avocado lime dressing and toss gently.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Vegan Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Avocado Lime Dressing take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (25 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Vegan Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Avocado Lime Dressing?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Vegan Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Avocado Lime Dressing?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Vegan Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Avocado Lime Dressing for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Vegan Rainbow Buddha Bowl with Avocado Lime Dressing vegan?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Added this to my weekly meal rotation. So satisfying.
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★★
Perfect vegan recipe for a weeknight dinner.