Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl

Nourish your body and spirit with this vibrant Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl—a delicious, anti-inflammatory meal designed to support women’s wellness. Packed with colorful veggies, plant-based protein, and wholesome grains, this bowl is as satisfying as it is energizing. Whether you’re fueling a busy day or gathering with loved ones, this recipe makes healthy eating simple, joyful, and accessible.

Difficulty Level: Wellness Investment 45-60 minutes

Ingredients List

For the Bowl:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced

  • ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced

  • 4 Tbsp avocado oil (or preferred cooking oil), divided

  • 1 tsp turmeric, divided

  • 2 tsp cumin, divided

  • 2 tsp paprika, divided

  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 1 bunch kale (about 2 cups), stems removed and leaves chopped

  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • ½ cup shredded carrots

  • ½ cup shredded purple cabbage

  • 1 avocado, sliced

  • 1 cup quinoa, cooked according to package instructions

  • 1 Tbsp shelled sunflower seeds

For the Dressing:

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • 3 Tbsp tahini

  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup

  • 1 Tbsp hot water (plus more as needed)

  • Salt, to taste

How To:

1. Roast the Veggies & Chickpeas

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment or spray with nonstick spray.

  • In a bowl, toss sweet potatoes and red onion with 2 Tbsp avocado oil, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp paprika. Spread evenly on the first baking sheet.

  • In another bowl, toss chickpeas with remaining 2 Tbsp avocado oil, ½ tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cumin, and 1 tsp paprika. Spread on the second baking sheet.

  • Roast both trays in the oven. Set a timer for 10 minutes and stir both trays every 10 minutes.

    • Sweet potatoes: Roast for about 20 minutes, until tender and golden.

    • Chickpeas: Roast for about 35 minutes, until crispy.

2. Prep the Kale

  • While the veggies roast, rinse and chop the kale, removing tough stems.

  • In a large bowl, massage kale with 2 Tbsp olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, pepper, and juice of ½ lemon until leaves are tender and vibrant.

3. Prepare the Fresh Toppings

  • Shred carrots and cabbage (or use pre-shredded for convenience).

  • Slice avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.

4. Make the Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, and hot water until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency by adding more tahini (to thicken) or water (to thin). Season with salt to taste.

5. Cook the Quinoa

  • Prepare quinoa according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork when done.

6. Assemble Your Buddha Bowls

  • Start with a base of quinoa in each bowl. Toss with a generous spoonful of dressing.

  • Layer on the massaged kale, then arrange roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, carrots, cabbage, and sliced avocado.

  • Drizzle with extra dressing and finish with a sprinkle of sunflower seeds.

  • Serve warm or chilled.

Science-backed best practices:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Ingredients

  • Sweet Potatoes: Rich in beta-carotene, sweet potatoes support immune health and have anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Turmeric: Contains curcumin, a compound shown to reduce inflammation and act as a powerful antioxidant.

  • Kale & Cabbage: Cruciferous veggies are packed with phytonutrients and fiber, supporting gut health and reducing inflammation.

2. Plant-Based Protein

  • Chickpeas & Quinoa: Both are excellent plant-based protein sources. Protein helps stabilize blood sugar, supports muscle health, and keeps you feeling satisfied.

3. Healthy Fats

  • Avocado & Olive Oil: These provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, which help absorb fat-soluble vitamins and support brain health.

4. Fiber-Rich Foods for Gut Health

  • The combination of veggies, chickpeas, and quinoa delivers a spectrum of dietary fiber, which feeds beneficial gut bacteria, supports digestion, and helps regulate blood sugar.

5. Balanced Blood Sugar

  • Pairing complex carbs (sweet potatoes, quinoa) with protein, healthy fats, and fiber slows glucose absorption, helping to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes.

6. Phytonutrient Diversity

  • The rainbow of veggies (carrots, purple cabbage, kale, sweet potato) provides a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants—supporting everything from skin health to immune function.

7. Mindful Eating & Community

  • Preparing a colorful, nourishing bowl encourages mindfulness and gratitude around food. Sharing meals like this can foster connection and community, which are both linked to better mental and physical health.

Disclaimer:

Drafted by Kara and thoughtfully refined with the help of AI editing tools to ensure clarity and accuracy; graphics may include stock imagery and are not always original photography.

I am not a medical professional. The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, wellness routine, or health practices.

Some posts may contain affiliate links, and I may receive a commission or other benefits from qualifying purchases made through those links—at no additional cost to you.

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