Vibrant Sprout Buddha Bowl with Mango, Chicken, Quinoa, and Veggies

Buddha bowls are the perfect way to enjoy a balanced, nutritious, and colorful meal in a single bowl. This recipe combines the goodness of sprouts, the sweetness of mango, the protein of chicken, the wholesomeness of quinoa, and the crunch of fresh vegetables like red cabbage, cucumbers, and peppers. Not only is this bowl a feast for the eyes, but it is also packed with flavors and nutrients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.

Ingredients:

For the Bowl:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa

• 1 cup mixed sprouts (such as mung bean, alfalfa, or radish sprouts)

• 1 cup cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded

• 1 ripe mango, peeled and diced

• 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1 cucumber, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Quinoa:

   • Rinse 1/2 cup of quinoa under cold water.

   • In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa with 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Let it cool slightly.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs or spices.

   • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Let it rest before slicing or shredding.

3. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

4. Assemble the Buddha Bowl:

   • In a large bowl or on a platter, start by arranging the cooked quinoa as the base.

   • Add the mixed sprouts on top of the quinoa.

   • Arrange the sliced chicken, diced mango, red cabbage, cucumber, red bell pepper, and yellow bell pepper in sections around the bowl.

   • If using, add slices of avocado for extra creaminess.

5. Drizzle and Garnish:

   • Drizzle the dressing evenly over the assembled ingredients.

   • Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of flavor and color.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve the Buddha bowl immediately while the ingredients are fresh. This bowl is perfect for a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a refreshing post-workout meal.

Tips for Customization:

• Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian or vegan version.

• Grain Alternatives: Substitute quinoa with brown rice, farro, or couscous.

• Dressing Variations: Try a tahini-based dressing or a peanut sauce for a different flavor profile.

• Additional Toppings: Add some roasted nuts, seeds, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra texture and taste.

This sprout Buddha bowl is not only visually appealing but also a powerhouse of nutrition. The combination of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins makes it a well-rounded meal that you can enjoy any time of the day. Enjoy the refreshing flavors and the vibrant colors in every bite!