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Buddha Bowl Bar

By Meaghan SmithJune 30, 2023
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Servings 6

This Buddha bowl bar has a rainbow of fresh vegetables and fluffy  U.S.-grown wild rice to create the perfect bowl.  It’s filling, delicious, and great to serve for a gathering.  Eating healthy can be fun for everyone with this easy buddha bowl bar!

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A Buddha Bowl Bar is the perfect way to serve a fresh, colorful, and nutritious meal while letting everyone customize their own plate! With a mix of roasted vegetables, crisp raw toppings, and fluffy U.S.-grown wild rice, this spread is packed with flavor, texture, and nutrients. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a fun, healthy dinner idea, this Buddha Bowl Bar will be a hit!

This post is sponsored by USA Rice. All opinions are my own and in my own words. I hope you enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Buddha Bowl Bar

✔ Perfect for meal prep – Cook everything in advance for easy, stress-free meals.
✔ Customizable – Great for picky eaters or dietary restrictions.
✔ Nutrient-packed – Loaded with fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
✔ Fun & interactive – Perfect for parties, family dinners, or potlucks!

What is Wild Rice?

Did you know that wild rice isn’t actually rice? It’s a nutrient-dense whole grain with a hearty, chewy texture and rich, nutty flavor. It pairs beautifully with other rice varieties like white or brown rice, as I’ve used in this recipe!

Pro Tips for the Best Buddha Bowl Bar

✔ Prep in advance – Cook rice and chop veggies a day ahead for a quick setup.
✔ Switch up the protein – Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for variety.
✔ Sauce it up – Serve with ginger dressing, tahini, or a spicy peanut sauce for extra flavor!
✔ Make it grain-free – Swap rice for cauliflower rice or quinoa.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat rice, roasted veggies, and tofu before serving. Assemble bowls fresh when ready to eat.

How long does wild rice last?

Cooked wild rice keeps well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

Can I add a protein?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, salmon, or beans would be delicious additions.

Watch This Recipe

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Meg Smith (@megsescapades)

@megsescapades
Close-up of a fully assembled Buddha Bowl with tofu, greens, and a drizzle of ginger dressing

Build Your Own Buddha Bowl Bar

This vibrant and customizable Buddha Bowl Bar features U.S.-grown wild rice, roasted vegetables, crispy tofu, and fresh toppings, all drizzled with a flavorful ginger dressing. It’s a fun and interactive way to enjoy a healthy, nutrient-packed meal that everyone will love. Perfect for gatherings, meal prep, or a fresh weeknight dinner!
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Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Servings 6

Ingredients  

Wild Rice

  • 2 cups U.S.-grown wild rice
  • 2 1/4 cups water
  • 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 2 tsp salt divided

Roasted Veggies & Tofu

  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 orange bell pepper sliced
  • 2 summer squash sliced
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1 block extra firm tofu cubed
  • ½ tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp ground pepper

Fresh Toppings

  • 2 cups shredded carrots
  • 4 radishes sliced
  • 2 mini cucumbers thinly sliced into ribbons
  • 2 green onions sliced
  • 6 cups power greens salad mix
  • 1 bottle ginger dressing

Method 

Prevent your screen from going dark

Wild Rice

  • In an Instant Pot, add wild rice, water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Set to manual mode and cook for 30 minutes. Once done, allow natural release for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.

Roast Vegetables & Tofu

  • Preheat oven to 420°F. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange bell peppers, squash, mushrooms, and tofu in separate rows. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and sesame oil. Sprinkle with salt & pepper, then gently toss. Bake for 15 minutes or until the tofu is golden and crisped.

Set Up the Buddha Bowl Bar

  • Transfer the cooked rice into a serving bowl. Arrange roasted veggies, tofu, and fresh toppings on a large platter. Set out power greens and ginger dressing. Let everyone create their own bowls and enjoy!
Start Cooking

Notes

No Instant Pot? You can also cook wild rice on the stovetop. Simply simmer for 45 minutes until tender.

welcome!

Hi I’m Meg!


Food and family are my passions and I love to connect people together around a good meal!

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@megsescapades Sausage & Cheese Tartlets! 🧀 Made w @megsescapades Sausage & Cheese Tartlets! 🧀 Made with savory sausage, melty cheese, and a golden, flaky crust. These bite sized treats will disappear quickly!

📌 SAVE for an easy appetizer 
💬 Comment RECIPE for a printable copy in your DMs

INGREDIENTS: 
1 tsp avocado oil
1 lb mild or hot Italian ground sausage
3 tsp ranch seasoning (from a ranch packet)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (4 ounces freshly grated)
1 cup Colby Jack cheese (4 ounces freshly grated)
2 pie dough disks (store-bought or homemade)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Use a small biscuit cutter (about 2–2.5 inches) to cut out 38-40 circles from your pie dough. Place them into mini muffin tins, gently pressing down to fit.

In a skillet, heat avocado oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into crumbles. Cook until the sausage is browned and no longer pink. Remove from heat and drain any excess oil.

Combine the cooked sausage with 3 tsp of ranch seasoning, sour cream, and the freshly grated Monterey Jack and Colby Jack cheeses. Stir until everything is well combined.

Spoon the sausage and cheese mixture into the prepared pie crusts in the muffin tins, filling them to the top.

Bake the tartlets for 12-15 minutes or until the pie dough is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Let the tartlets cool for a minute, then carefully remove them from the muffin tins. Serve warm, and enjoy these savory bites!

#easyrecipe #tarts #brunchideas #appetizer #sausageandcheese
@megsescapades Limoncello Spritz by the Pitcher 🍋🥂 @megsescapades Limoncello Spritz by the Pitcher 🍋🥂 It’s bright, bubbly, and unapologetically fun.  Made by the pitcher to scale for any size gathering

📌 SAVE for your fav summer sips
💬 Comment RECIPE and I’ll send you a DM

INGREDIENTS:
750 ml Prosecco (1 full bottle), chilled
2 cups Limoncello, chilled
1 cup sparkling water, I used lemon sparkling water
Ice
Fresh lemon slices and mint for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:
In a large pitcher, combine chilled Prosecco, Limoncello, and sparkling water.

Add ice and lemon slices.

Pour into glasses over ice and garnish with another lemon slice and fresh mint if you like.

#limoncellospritz #limoncello #summercocktail #spritz #spritzseason
@megsescapades Strawberry Tiramisu 🍓🍰 Layers of ja @megsescapades Strawberry Tiramisu 🍓🍰 Layers of jam swirled mascarpone, sweet strawberries, and soft ladyfingers… it chills while you chill, and gets even better the next day ☀️

📌 SAVE for an easy no bake dessert
💬 Comment RECIPE & I’ll send you a DM

INGREDIENTS:
STRAWBERRY LAYER
2 lbs fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
1/2 cup sugar
1 lemon juiced
2 tsp vanilla extract

MASCARPONE CREAM
2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
16 oz mascarpone cheese softened
2/3 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract

TO ASSEMBLE
14 oz ladyfinger cookies (Savoiardi)
1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves (optional but delicious)
Extra strawberries for topping

Prep the Strawberries:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let sit for 15-30 minutes until juicy.

Make the Mascarpone Cream:
In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form. In a separate bowl, gently mix mascarpone until smooth, then fold the whipped cream into the mascarpone until light and fluffy.�
Assemble the Layers:
Lightly dip each ladyfinger into the strawberry syrup (just a quick dunk, don’t soak!)��Arrange a full layer of ladyfingers in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish. You may need to cut some of the ladyfingers to fit.��Spread half the mascarpone cream over the ladyfingers.��Spoon strawberry jam swirls over the cream (optional but adds amazing flavor), then layer on the macerated strawberries, saving a few spoonfuls to serve on the side.��Repeat the layers: dipped ladyfingers, remaining mascarpone cream, and more strawberry jam swirls for decoration on top.

Chill at least 6 hours before serving, overnight is even better! Garnish with extra sliced strawberries when ready to serve.

Please LIKE, SAVE, and FOLLOW for more easy recipes ✨�
#strawberrydessert #strawberrytiramisu #nobakedessert #easyrecipe
Life lately…🤍 The past couple weeks have been ful Life lately…🤍

The past couple weeks have been full in the best way. Between kids’ sports, family time, and having my Grandma here (she’s 88 and visiting from New Jersey), I just wanted to slow down and really be present for it all.

A lot of real life, a lot of good food, and a lot of moments I didn’t want to rush through.

I’ve missed being on here and sharing with you. Easing back in this week and excited to share more 🫶🏼

PS: LAST SLIDE IS my Great Grandma’s plum cake recipe!!
Layered salad 🥗 Crisp, creamy, and hits every time Layered salad 🥗 Crisp, creamy, and hits every time! Perfect for spring gatherings, summer bbqs, or anytime you need a fresh & delicious side

📌 SAVE for the next time you need an easy side 🤍
💬 Comment RECIPE and I’ll send it to you!

INGREDIENTS 
6 cups romaine lettuce chopped (about 3 small heads)
1 small red onion, diced
2 cups frozen peas, defrosted
1 red bell pepper, chopped
7 hard boiled eggs, sliced
1 lb thick cut bacon, cooked and chopped
1 1/2 cups cheddar or colby jack cheese, freshly shredded

DRESSING
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 tbsp sugar
1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS 
Add chopped romaine lettuce to the bottom of a trifle bowl or large glass bowl.

Layer red onion, red bell pepper, and peas around the edges so they are visible from the outside.

Press sliced eggs against the glass for a layered look. Chop the remaining eggs and add them to the center to fill it in evenly.

In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, sugar, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Spoon the dressing into the center, then gently spread it outward to seal the top.

Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the dressing, then top with chopped bacon.

#salad #layeredsalad #sidedish #saladrecipe

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Build Your Own Buddha Bowl Bar

Build Your Own Buddha Bowl Bar

Ingredients

Wild Rice
  • 2 cups U.S.-grown wild rice
  • 2 1/4 cups water
  • 2 1/2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 2 tsp salt (divided)
Roasted Veggies & Tofu
  • 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 orange bell pepper (sliced)
  • 2 summer squash (sliced)
  • 2 cups sliced mushrooms
  • 1 block extra firm tofu (cubed)
  • ½ tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
Fresh Toppings
  • 2 cups shredded carrots
  • 4 radishes (sliced)
  • 2 mini cucumbers (thinly sliced into ribbons)
  • 2 green onions (sliced)
  • 6 cups power greens salad mix
  • 1 bottle ginger dressing
1
In an Instant Pot, add wild rice, water, 2 tablespoons olive oil, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Set to manual mode and cook for 30 minutes. Once done, allow natural release for 15 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
2
Preheat oven to 420°F. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, arrange bell peppers, squash, mushrooms, and tofu in separate rows. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and sesame oil. Sprinkle with salt & pepper, then gently toss. Bake for 15 minutes or until the tofu is golden and crisped.
3
Transfer the cooked rice into a serving bowl. Arrange roasted veggies, tofu, and fresh toppings on a large platter. Set out power greens and ginger dressing. Let everyone create their own bowls and enjoy!

Hope you enjoyed cooking this recipe!

Please rate this recipe to help others find it.

step 1 of 3