You’ve scrolled past a million Buddha bowls on Instagram. They’re colorful, they’re trendy, and they scream “I have my life together.” But let’s be real—most are just sad salads with extra steps. This Black Bean & Quinoa Buddha Bowl?
Different. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor that doesn’t rely on “just add avocado” as a personality trait. It’s meal-prep friendly, vegan if you care, and so filling you won’t be raiding the snack drawer an hour later.
Oh, and it takes less than 30 minutes. No excuses.
Why This Recipe Slaps
First, it’s nutritionally balanced—quinoa and black beans deliver complete protein, while veggies and avocado handle vitamins and healthy fats. Second, it’s texture heaven: creamy avocado, crunchy veggies, chewy quinoa.
Third, the lime-cumin dressing is so good you’ll want to drink it. And unlike some recipes, this one doesn’t require 17 specialty ingredients you’ll use once and forget in your pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup quinoa (uncooked, any color)
- 1 can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1 avocado (sliced, because duh)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, unless you like explosions)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage (for crunch and Insta-worthy color)
- 1/2 cup corn (fresh, canned, or frozen—no one’s judging)
- 1/4 cup cilantro (omit if you’re one of those “cilantro tastes like soap” people)
- Lime-cumin dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lime (juiced)
- 1 tsp cumin
- salt and pepper
How to Make It (Without Screwing Up)
- Cook the quinoa: Rinse it, then simmer with 2 cups water for 15 mins. Fluff with a fork.
Pro tip: Add a pinch of salt unless you enjoy blandness.
- Prep the veggies: Chop tomatoes, shred cabbage, slice avocado. Try not to eat all the avocado before assembly.
- Mix the dressing: Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Taste.
Adjust. Don’t skip this—dry Buddha bowls are a crime.
- Assemble like a boss: Divide quinoa between bowls, top with beans, veggies, and avocado. Drizzle dressing like you’re Picasso.
How to Store It (Because You’re an Adult)
Keep components separate if meal-prepping.
Store quinoa, beans, and veggies in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Avocado? Add it fresh unless you enjoy brown mush.
Dressing stays in a jar for a week. When ready to eat, reheat quinoa/beans (or don’t) and assemble. Easy.
Why This Bowl is Basically a Superfood
Protein powerhouse: Quinoa and black beans together deliver all nine essential amino acids. Fiber fest: Keeps you full and your gut happy. Healthy fats: Avocado and olive oil = happy hormones.
Plus, it’s loaded with vitamins (A, C, K) from the veggies. And no, it’s not “just a salad.”
Common Mistakes (Don’t Be This Person)
- Skipping the quinoa rinse: Bitterness isn’t a flavor profile here.
- Overdressing: You’re not drowning your sorrows; you’re seasoning food.
- Using mushy avocado: Wait until it’s ripe. Your patience will be rewarded.
- Ignoring salt: Season every layer, or regret every bite.
Swaps and Subs (Because Life Happens)
No quinoa?
Use brown rice or couscous. Black beans MIA? Chickpeas work.
Hate cilantro? Try parsley or just leave it out. Dressing too tangy?
Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. FYI, this bowl is vegan, but crumbled feta or a fried egg won’t hurt if you’re into that.
FAQs (Because You Have Questions)
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but keep ingredients separate until serving. Avocado and dressing go on last-minute.
Is this gluten-free?
Yep.
Quinoa and beans are naturally GF. Just check your dressing ingredients if using store-bought.
How do I reheat it?
Microwave quinoa and beans for 1-2 minutes. Veggies and avocado stay cold unless you like wilted sadness.
Can I add meat?
Sure, but IMO, it’s unnecessary.
The beans and quinoa have enough protein. But grilled chicken or shrimp won’t ruin it.
Final Thoughts
This bowl is the ultimate “looks fancy, takes zero effort” meal. It’s healthy without being pretentious, customizable without being complicated, and filling without being heavy.
Make it once, and you’ll see why it’s a staple for people who actually want to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen. Now go forth and Buddha bowl like the balanced adult you pretend to be.
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- The package dimension of the product is 10.5″L x 3.4″W x 2.8″H
- The package weight of the product is 8 ounces.
Andreas – Keto recipe creator who lost 40lbs and discovered his love for low-carb cooking. 300+ tested recipes | 5 years of keto experience | Real food for real people. No certifications, just results that taste amazing!