Easy. You don’t have to use any fancy cooking skills with this recipe! Simplicity is key.
Adaptable. Mix and match ingredients to craft a rice bowl that perfectly suits your tastes.
Great for meal preppers. Make sure to store the ingredients separately, and you can enjoy this veggie bowl with brown rice throughout the week.

Ingredients For This Veggie Bowl

For the Tahini Dressing

¼ cup tahini (made from sesame seeds; use a good-quality, smooth tahini to avoid bitterness)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (approximately half a large lemon)
1 clove garlic (grated or finely minced)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
3 tablespoons cold water (adjust to reach a creamy yet pourable consistency)
½ teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (optional, to mellow sharp flavors)
1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

For the Bowl

1 cup cooked brown rice (short, medium, or long-grain)
2 cups cooked vegetables (e.g., roasted sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or sautéed mushrooms)
1 cup raw vegetables (e.g., shredded carrots, cubed cucumber, or thinly sliced radishes)
1 cup protein source (e.g., baked tofu, chickpeas, or cooked lentils)
1 cup leafy greens (e.g., kale, spinach, or arugula)
¼ cup pickled vegetables (optional, e.g., pickled red onions or jalapeños)
2 tablespoons seeds (optional, e.g., sesame, sunflower, or pumpkin seeds)

How To Make Veggie Bowl With Brown Rice And Tahini Dressing

Now you’ve got your ingredients, it’s time to get cooking!

Cook the Brown Rice

Prepare the brown rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Prepare the Tahini Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
Gradually add water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency.
If needed, stir in olive oil or maple syrup to adjust the flavor.

Cook and Prepare the Vegetables

Roast or sauté your selected vegetables until tender and slightly caramelized.
Wash and slice raw vegetables for added crunch.

Assemble the Bowl

Start with a base of brown rice in each bowl.
Add your roasted and raw vegetables, leafy greens, and protein source.
Top with pickled vegetables and seeds for texture and flavor.

Drizzle With Dressing

Pour the tahini dressing generously over the bowl.
Toss gently or leave it layered for a beautiful presentation.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately and enjoy this wholesome, vegan veggie bowl!

Veggie Bowl With Brown Rice And Tahini Dressing Recipe

Tips and Tricks For Making A Veggie Rice Bowl

Follow our tips below for the perfect veggie bowl every time:

Meal Prep Like a Pro

Rice bowls are ideal for meal prepping! After preparing your ingredients, store each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.

To save time during the week, cook a large batch of rice and roast your vegetables in advance.

When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the rice and cooked veggies, then assemble your bowl fresh with raw ingredients and dressing.

Extend the Dressing’s Usefulness

The tahini dressing will last up to a week in the fridge, so consider doubling the recipe to make meal prep even easier. Beyond rice bowls, this versatile dressing is perfect as:

A salad dressing
A dip for fresh veggies or crackers
A spread in wraps and sandwiches
A sauce for grilled or roasted veggies
Keep it in a jar or airtight container for easy use throughout the week.

Batch Cooking for Variety

Vary your vegetables for the week by cooking them in different ways—roast one batch, sauté another, and steam or grill a third.

This way, your rice bowls stay exciting, even if you’re using the same core ingredients.

Substitutions and Variations We Like

Grainy Goodness

If brown rice isn’t your favorite or you want variety, try substituting it with other whole grains like:

Quinoa (light and protein-packed)
Farro (chewy and nutty)
Couscous or millet (quick and versatile options)
Cauliflower or broccoli rice (for a lower-carb alternative)

Seasonal Veggie Swaps

Keep your bowls fresh and exciting by changing your vegetables with the seasons:

Fall/Winter: Roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes.
Spring/Summer: Asparagus, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes.
Swap onions for leeks, or experiment with root vegetables like parsnips in colder months.

Different Cooking Methods

Switch up your cooking techniques to add depth to your vegetables:

Roast for caramelized flavors.
Sauté for a quick and vibrant dish.
Grill for a smoky char.
Steam or boil for a lighter touch.

Protein Power

A good protein source turns your rice bowl into a complete, satisfying meal. While tofu is a classic, explore these vegan options:

Chickpeas or black beans (for heartiness)
Lentils (mild and protein-rich)
Tempeh (fermented and nutty)
For non-vegans, hard-boiled eggs or grilled salmon can be added for a different twist.

Top It Your Way

Get creative with toppings to add flavor, texture, and fun to your bowl:

Crunchy Options: Try toasted nuts, seeds, or crispy chickpeas.
Sweet Touch: Add dried cranberries, raisins, or fresh fruit like pomegranate seeds.
Fresh Elements: Use microgreens, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of scallions.
Tangy and Savory: Experiment with pickled veggies, vegan feta, or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.

With so many options and substitutions, your rice bowls can be endlessly customized to suit your tastes, dietary needs, and seasonal availability!

Final Thoughts

Delicious and flexible, this veggie rice bowl with tahini sauce is perfect for mid-week meals.

Make up a big batch at the start of the week, and you’ll have a nutritious lunch to tuck into every day!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do You Make A Rice Bowl?

Rice bowls (or Buddha bowls) are all about experimentation. Start with a grain base, then some cooked vegetables, add a protein, top with fresh vegetables, drizzle with a sauce, and finish with your favorite toppings!

Are Rice Bowls Vegan?

This particular rice bowl is totally vegan, but it all depends on the ingredients you add – so just be sure to check.