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What are Nourish Bowls (and Buddha Bowls)

Nourish Bowls will be your new favourite dish for meal prep! They are so versatile and can be made with any fresh vegetables you have on hand. They consist of grains, greens, vegetables, meat, nuts and a dressing. Another very similar dish is called a Buddha Bowl – which is essentially the same thing without the meat. I meal prep these at the beginning of the week and just withhold the dressing to keep things crisp.

Where did Buddha Bowls get their Name?

Buddha Bowls gained popularity before Nourish Bowls. It is a strange name for a food – and it obviously doesn’t contain any Buddha. From what I have found, the first reference to “Buddha Bowls” was by Martha Stewart in her book Meatless. They may have received this name from tales of Buddha walking around with a bowl, taking whatever food the villagers could give. They go by other names such as nourish bowls, bliss bowls, power bowls and hippie bowls. The point is, obviously, the food is in a bowl.

A Nourish Bowl is just a Buddha Bowl with meat. Generally the dressings for both are vegan, but you can take your pick at what dressing you put on depending on your dietary restrictions and preferences.

What Goes Into Nourish Bowls?

Nourish Bowls typically include a grain, greens, vegetables or fruits, nuts, seeds, a protein and is topped with a delicious dressing. Below are suggestions of what to use, but ultimately this bowl can be created completely differently each time.

Grains Form the Base

My favourite grain to add for the base is quinoa. Quinoa has more protein, micronutrients and amino acids than brown rice. It also has less carbohydrates than brown rice. However, brown rice has more fiber and less calories as compared to quinoa. That being said, any grain could form the basis of the Buddha Bowl such as brown rice, white rice, quinoa, barley or wild rice.

Add Some Greens 

Toss in some greens as the next layer. Pick a green you like, or experiment. Greens are a great source of fiber, minerals and vitamins. Some greens to consider are spinach, lettuce, kale, arugula, or red cabbage.

Time for Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables should form the majority of the buddha bowl. Don’t add too much of one type if you’re going to add a variety. Your imagination is the limit here, but I typically add broccoli, tomatoes, canned beets, snap peas, shredded carrots, strawberries, and avocado. Try picking a variety so that there is some crunch and some more delicate textures mixed in.

Sprinkle with Nuts and Seeds

I like to add a few nuts and seeds to my Buddha Bowls. Here you can add whatever you have on hand. These will give an extra protein boost and some delicious flavours. Consider cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds, pine nuts, peanuts and pistachios.

Add a Protein

Adding a protein completes the bowl and will make it fuel your day for longer. If you are making a vegetarian dish, try adding tofu, more nuts, beans or chickpeas. Otherwise, try adding cubed chicken breast, bacon, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs.

Dress Your Bowl

Finally, like any other salad, a good dressing will tie all the flavours together and give it some moisture. I love using a tahini dressing, but you could use any vinaigrette, salad dressing, or a peanut sauce. Again, the theme here is that this is your bowl and your imagination is the limitation. This recipe includes my Miso Salad Dressing that is both sweet and spicy!

Nourish Bowls are a Versatile Salad

The Nourish Bowl / Buddha Bowl is versatile and delicious. It is a well-rounded, balanced meal that can be easily packed for lunches. If you are meal-prepping for the week, make all your bowls in advance and keep them in the fridge for busy work day lunches or dinners. I would suggest keeping the dressing in another container and adding it when you are about to eat. The Bowls are served cold, and should not be reheated. On that note, don’t add fresh greens onto a bed of hot grains as it will wilt.

Below is a suggestion for a Nourish Bowl that I revert to often. All these ingredients offer a nutritious lunch or dinner and keep you full for longer. Let me know what you think of it, and what you would substitute or add!

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