When it comes to wholesome and satisfying meals, the Greek-style Buddha bowl reigns supreme. This delectable mix of grilled vegetables, creamy avocado, a refreshing spinach and cucumber salad, zesty tomatoes, and zingy pickled onions is perfectly complemented by succulent Souvlaki chicken. In this article, we’ll explore this mouthwatering recipe, ensuring you have all the information you need to create a colorful and nourishing meal that will tantalize your taste buds.
Crafting the Perfect Greek-Style Buddha Bowl
To create a truly exceptional Greek-style Buddha bowl, you’ll need to pay attention to the following elements:
1. The Greens Base
Begin your culinary masterpiece with a bed of fresh, crisp greens. You can choose from various options such as arugula, baby kale, romaine lettuce, spinach, mixed greens, and red or green leaf lettuce. This green foundation provides the bowl with flavor and essential nutrients.
2. Vibrant Veggies
Next, unleash your creativity by adding an array of raw vegetables. Customize your bowl with your favorite veggies, including cucumbers, shredded carrots, red cabbage, peppers, sprouts, beets, radishes, tomatoes, scallions, onions, and broccoli. These colorful additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also boost the nutritional value of your meal.
3. Balancing Fats, Carbs, and Proteins
Achieving a well-rounded Buddha bowl requires a thoughtful selection of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Choose one to two options from each category:
Healthy Fats
- Avocado
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Pine nuts
- Olive oil
- Hummus
- Hemp seeds
- Coconut flakes
- Sunflower seeds
- Sesame seeds
Protein Sources
- Chickpeas
- Black beans
- Tofu
- Tempeh
- Nuts
- Edamame
- White beans
- Kidney beans
(For non-vegans, add hard-boiled eggs, chicken, or fish.)
Complex Carbohydrates
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Farro
- Barley
4. Optional Add-Ins
Depending on the season, consider adding roasted vegetables for extra warmth and satisfaction during the winter months. In the summer, grilling your veggies is a must to infuse that delightful smoky flavor.
The Souvlaki-Infused Delight
Now, let’s delve into the heart of this Greek-style Buddha bowl: the Souvlaki-infused goodness. This dish is not only gluten-free and plant-based but also fits perfectly into paleo and Whole30 diets.
Greek-Style Souvlaki Buddha Bowl Recipe
Recipe Makes 4 Servings
Ingredients for Souvlaki Marinade:
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- Sea salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Skewer Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, tenderized and cut into 1″ cubes
- 2 medium purple onions, cut into 1″ pieces
- 2 green bell peppers, cut into 1″ pieces
- 1 pineapple, cubed and cut into 2″ pieces
- 4 zucchinis, cut into 1″ rounds
- Skewers
Creating the Souvlaki Magic
- In a large glass bowl, combine the Souvlaki Marinade ingredients. Add the chicken and veggies, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken, peppers, zucchinis, pineapple, and onions onto skewers.
- Lightly oil the grill grate and cook the skewers for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. Remember to turn the skewers frequently for even cooking.
The Salad Spectacle
Prepare the accompanying salad in a large bowl while your skewers are either grilling or marinating. Combine the following ingredients:
- 4 medium Persian or English cucumbers, diced
- 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in halves
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pickled red onion
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Juice from 2 lemons
- Sea salt, to taste
- 2 avocados
Bringing It All Together
Once everything is ready, plate your Greek-style Buddha bowl and top it with a quarter of a sliced avocado. This final touch adds a creamy richness that perfectly complements the vibrant flavors of the dish.
This flavorful recipe yields 8 servings, making it ideal for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as leftovers. With its harmonious blend of fresh vegetables, flavorful marinade, and the satisfaction of a balanced meal, the Greek-style Buddha bowl is a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds singing with delight. So, why wait? Get ready to savor this nutritious feast for the senses today!