Okay, so I’ve been seeing these “Buddha bowls” all over Instagram, and they look so healthy and delicious. I finally decided to give it a try, and the real game-changer is the dressing. Here’s how I went about figuring out some killer Buddha bowl dressing recipes.
My Dressing Journey
First, I grabbed some basic ingredients I usually have on hand:

- Olive oil
- Lemon
- Vinegar (balsamic and apple cider)
- Tahini
- Soy sauce
- Honey and maple syrup
- Some spices like garlic powder, ginger, and cumin
I started by just throwing stuff together. My first attempt was pretty simple: olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. It was okay, a bit boring, but it did the trick. It coated the veggies nicely, but lacked that “wow” factor.
Next, I wanted something creamier. I mixed some tahini with water, lemon juice, and a little garlic powder. This one was a winner! It was thick, nutty, and had a nice tang. I poured this over a bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and quinoa, it was seriously good.
Then, I was craving something with a bit of a kick. I whisked together some soy sauce, rice vinegar, a tiny bit of sesame oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gave my bowl an Asian-inspired flavor. I used it with some brown rice, edamame, and shredded carrots. It was delicious and simple.
I also experimented with a sweeter dressing. I combined balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and a touch of Dijon mustard. This one was great with a bowl that had roasted Brussels sprouts, and some pecans. The sweetness really complemented the earthy flavors.
What I Figured Out
The key is to just play around with flavors. Don’t be afraid to try different combinations.
Some dressings work better with certain ingredients, but that’s all part of the fun. I can see it and feel it.

The most important is keep tasting. Adjust the ingredients until you get the flavor you’re looking for.
And that’s pretty much it! My Buddha bowl game has totally leveled up, and my lunches have been way more exciting. I just have a good time when cooking and eating.