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15 Healthy + Flavorful Sauces for Buddha Bowls

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

April 5, 2025

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5 from 2 votes

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Buddha bowls are already healthy, but why not take them to the next level with some delicious and nutritious sauces? In this post, I’m sharing some healthy sauces that will add flavor and nutrition to your Buddha bowl. From turmeric tahini dressing to miso ginger sauce, your taste buds and body will thank you!

Collage of buddha bowl dressing ideas with text overlay.

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Are you tired of eating the same old Buddha bowl every day? Do you crave some variety in your healthy meal routine?

I’ve got you covered! In this post, I’ll share our favorite healthy sauces that will take your Buddha bowl to the next level.

These sauces are not only delicious, but they’re also packed with nutrition to nourish your body from the inside out. Transform a simple grain bowl into a flavor-packed and nutrient-rich masterpiece.

First thing’s first…

What is a buddha bowl?

A Buddha bowl is a vegetarian, one dish meal served from a large bowl or plate that consists of small portions of several foods – usually a grain, vegetable, protein and dressing.

  • Grain Options  – Rice, Quinoa, Farro, etc.
  • Vegetable Options  – Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, etc.
  • Protein Options – Chickpeas, Black Beans, Pinto Beans, etc.
  • Buddha Bowl Sauce – There are so many great options below!

Buddha Bowl Dressing Recipes

Overhead close up of finished yumm bowl with avocado, tomatoes, black olives cheese cilantro and sour cream.
Yumm Sauce
Learn how to make Yumm Sauce – inspired by Cafe Yumm. These vegetarian Yumm Bowls are loaded up with all the toppings and drizzled with a creamy curry & cumin spiced chickpea sauce.
Yumm Sauce
Overhead shot of peanut tofu on bowl of rice.
Peanut Sauce
Peanut Sauce is delicious on buddha bowls! Try it served with tofu on a bed of coconut-lime rice, with quick pickled red peppers.
Peanut Sauce
Overhead shot of prepared raita sauce in bowl next to pita pieces.
Easy Cucumber Raita
This Raita Recipe is a popular Indian dip that’s creamy, crunchy and a perfect pair for warming and spicy foods. Try it on Prawn Biryani rice bowls.
Raita
Creamy harissa sauce in small bowl next to spoon.
Creamy Harissa Dressing
This naturally dairy-free and gluten-free Creamy Harissa Sauce is addictively delicious! Tahini, harissa paste, lemon, and maple syrup are whisked until smooth, leaving you with a bold and tangy sauce to drizzle over everything, from salads to eggs to meat.
Creamy Harissa Sauce
Two hands holding assembled buddha bowl.
Mojo Sauce
Mojo Sauce is so delicious drizzled over a Buddha Bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, peppers and chickpeas.
Mojo Sauce
Spoon drizzling kecap manis into bowl.
Sweet Soy Sauce (Kecap Manis)
Kecap Manis (Sweet Soy Sauce) is a popular Indonesian condiment you can use as buddha bowl drizzle. So sweet and aromatic, this 3-ingredient sauce is easy to make and a must-have in your fridge!
Sweet Soy Sauce
Jar of chipotle crema with spoon on small plate next to lime wedges and small bowl of chipotles.
Chipotle Crema
Add some smoke and spice to your favorite recipes with this Chipotle Crema. A Mexican-inspired sauce, this creamy mix is made with chipotles in adobo to give a boost to Mexican-style rice bowls.
Chipotle Crema
Hand dipping spoon into green sauce.
Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)
This Peruvian Green Sauce (or Aji Verde) is a spicy and versatile condiment. Made with jalapeno, cilantro, and fresh lime juice, plus Greek yogurt to give it a creamy texture. It's an amazing dipping sauce, spread or dressing.
Peruvian Green Sauce
Bowl of yogurt dill sauce with spoon and slices of lemon, drizzled with olive oil.
Dill Yogurt Sauce
This delicious Yogurt Dill Sauce is a creamy yet light all-purpose sauce you’ll want to use on everything. Easy to make with Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and dill, just a scoop adds bright and vibrant flavors to salad bowls, veggies, grilled meats, and more!
Yogurt Dill Sauce
Bowl of jalapeno salsa next to small bowl of sesame seeds.
Jalapeno Sesame Salsa
This jalapeno sesame salsa recipe is totally unique and so addictive! It's the perfect topping for rice bowls, hummus, scrambled eggs, pizza and more! Or just use it as a dip.
Jalapeno Sesame Salsa
Overhead shot of sesame sauce swirled in bowl and topped with sesame seeds.
Sesame Sauce
Japanese Sesame Sauce is a creamy and nutty condiment you can pair with salads, hot pot, noodles, gyoza, stir fry, vegetables, and more! An easy 8-ingredient recipe that’s ready in just 5 minutes.
Sesame Sauce
PREPARED SQUASH SALAD IN BOWL.
Maple Tahini Dressing
Maple Tahini Dressing is dreamy + creamy. Add it to a grain bowl with roasted butternut squash & chickpeas.
Maple Tahini Dressing
Fluffy toum in bowl with spoon
Toum (Lebanese Garlic Sauce)
With only four ingredients, you can make your own whipped, creamy and delicious Toum, a traditional Lebanese garlic sauce, at home!
Toum
Basil Arugula pesto in small white bowl with spoon.
Arugula Pesto
Arugula Pesto has peppery kick from the arugula and is flavored with parmesan, garlic, lemon zest and pine nuts. Use this pesto to dress up your favorite Buddha Bowl.
Arugula Pesto
Bowl of chili crisp on pink countertop.
Homemade Chili Crisp
This homemade Chili Crisp Recipe is ready in 15 minutes and adds a bold pop of flavor to noodles, dumplings, scrambled eggs, and more. It’s the ultimate spicy, tangy, and crunchy condiment to keep in your fridge!
Chili Crisp
Creamy feta dressing in small glass jar with wooden spoon.
Creamy Feta Dressing
This creamy and tangy Feta Dressing is the ultimate Greek-style condiment! Easy to make with 8 simple ingredients, it adds a burst of addictive flavors to salads, grilled meats, sandwiches, and more.
Feta Dressing

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these buddha bowl sauce recipes can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

More Sauce Recipes

  • Sauces for Noodles
  • Sauces for Tofu
  • Sauces for Rice Bowls
  • Sauces for Rice Noodles
  • Sauces for Udon Noodles
  • Sauces for Egg Rolls
  • Dipping Sauces for Rice Paper Rolls
  • Sauces for Sushi
  • Sauces for Tacos

Healthy Bowl Recipes

  • Quinoa Taco Bowls
  • Shrimp Sushi Bowls
  • Tuna Rice Bowl
  • Chicken Gyro Bowls with Quinoa
  • Poke Bowls
  • Salmon Sushi Bowls
  • Lemon Orzo Bowls with Lamb & Tzatziki
  • Shrimp Spring Roll Noodle Bowls
  • Fish Taco Bowls with Mango Salsa & Avocado Cream Sauce

Did you Make Any of These Sauces for Buddha Bowls?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of buddha bowl sauces. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? For more great Platings & Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Pinterest, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

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Full Recipe

15+ Sauces for Buddha Bowls

Check out these 15+ AMAZING sauces for Buddha Bowls that will add flavor and nutrition to your favorite grain bowl. These Sweet Potato Buddha Bowls are topped with roasted sweet potatoes, peppers and chickpeas and drizzled with a tangy green mojo sauce.
5 from 2 votes
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Serves 4 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 35 minutes mins
Total Time: 45 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 pound sweet potatoes (peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups))
  • 4 Tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 Tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 2 red bell peppers (sliced)
  • 1 15 oz. can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
  • Zest of 1 lime
  • Mojo Sauce (for serving)

Toppings:

  • Cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Avocado
  • Jalapeno
  • Sour cream
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
  • Rinse quinoa and add to pot with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to boil then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes. Turn off heat and let stand 5-10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, toss potatoes with 3 Tablespoons olive oil, nutritional yeast, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Arrange in single layer on baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes.
  • Add peppers to baking sheet and toss with remaining 1 Tablespoon olive oil. Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are tender and peppers are slightly charred.
  • Remove from oven and toss with chickpeas and lime zest. Season with additional salt and pepper, to taste.
  • While vegetables are roasting, prepare the Mojo Sauce.
  • To serve, top cooked quinoa with sweet potato-chickpea mixture, mojo sauce and additional toppings, as desired. Enjoy.

Notes

  • I prefer to eat my Buddha bowls at room temperature, after the quinoa and roasted veggies have cooled just a bit. However, these bowls are also amazing served cold or warm, making them super versatile and perfect for a grab and go lunch.

Nutrition

Calories: 408kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 369mg | Potassium: 793mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 18025IU | Vitamin C: 78.7mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 3.4mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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