How to Make the Perfect Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl
American · Easy · 35 min · 2 servings
This nourishing and colorful Buddha bowl features roasted sweet potatoes alongside quinoa, fresh greens, and a creamy tahini dressing for a complete and balanced meal. It is endlessly customizable and works perfectly for meal prep throughout the week.
Why this recipe works
This Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 490 calories with 15g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 cup quinoa rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and caramelized.
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
While sweet potatoes roast, combine quinoa with 2 cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until all water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
Step 3: Make the Tahini Dressing
Whisk together tahini, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of warm water, a pinch of salt, and a small clove of minced garlic in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Add more water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide cooked quinoa between two bowls. Arrange roasted sweet potatoes and fresh spinach or kale alongside the quinoa. Drizzle generously with tahini dressing and add any desired toppings such as chickpeas, cucumber, or sesame seeds.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- quinoa → brown rice or farro for a different grain base
- tahini → almond butter thinned with lemon juice for a nutty alternative
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not rinsing the quinoa before cooking which leaves a bitter coating on the finished grain
- Dressing the bowl too far in advance which causes the greens to wilt and become soggy
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 490 calories, 15g protein, 68g carbs, 19g fat, 11g fiber.
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