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
@megsescapades
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
Method
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!
Notes
What did you think?