Introduction

The Roasted Beet & Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl with Pistachio Pesto is a colorful, nutrient-packed meal that will delight your taste buds. This bowl combines the earthy sweetness of roasted beets and sweet potatoes with hearty grains, crisp greens, and a luxurious pistachio pesto. Each bite bursts with contrasting flavors—sweet, nutty, and savory—making it a wholesome, plant-based feast.

Perfect for meal prep, lunch, or dinner, this dish offers a balance of healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, and plant-based protein. Pistachio pesto adds a gourmet touch to the bowl, elevating the flavor and adding vibrant green color. Whether you’re exploring plant-based meals or looking for a healthy yet indulgent option, this Buddha bowl promises satisfaction with every bite.

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Ingredients

For the Roasted Vegetables:

• 2 medium beets, peeled and diced
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Pistachio Pesto:

• ½ cup shelled pistachios
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (or Parmesan, if not vegan)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Grain Base:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa or farro

Bowl Components:

• 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or kale)
• ½ avocado, sliced
• ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds (optional, for sweetness)

Topping:

• Pistachio pesto drizzle for vibrant flavor

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Preparation

Step 1: Roast the Beets and Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the diced beets and sweet potatoes on separate baking sheets (beets can stain, so separate them if possible).
3. Drizzle each batch with olive oil and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Toss to coat evenly, then spread the vegetables out in a single layer.
5. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized on the edges.

Step 2: Make the Pistachio Pesto

1. In a food processor, combine pistachios, basil, garlic, and nutritional yeast (or Parmesan).
2. Pulse until the ingredients are finely chopped.
3. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil and lemon juice until the mixture becomes smooth.
4. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Set the pesto aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Buddha Bowls

1. Start with a base of cooked quinoa or farro in each bowl.
2. Add a handful of mixed greens on top of the grains.
3. Arrange the roasted beets, sweet potatoes, avocado, cucumber, and red onion around the bowl.

Step 4: Finish with Pistachio Pesto

1. Drizzle the pistachio pesto generously over the bowl.
2. Sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top for an optional burst of sweetness and color.

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Cooking Note

• If you prefer, you can roast the beets and sweet potatoes together, but keep in mind that the beets may tint other vegetables with their deep color.
• Store leftover roasted vegetables and pesto separately in the fridge to keep them fresh.
• If you’re meal prepping, leave the avocado out until serving to prevent browning.

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Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy this bowl warm or cold—both ways are equally delicious.
• Pair with a side of sourdough bread or a simple green smoothie for a more filling meal.
• For added crunch, toss some toasted pistachios or sunflower seeds over the top.

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Tips

• Use pre-cooked grains to save time, or batch-cook quinoa or farro at the beginning of the week.
• Swap pistachios with walnuts or almonds if preferred, though pistachios provide the most vibrant green hue.
• To make this dish gluten-free, use quinoa or another gluten-free grain.
• For added protein, top with roasted tofu or chickpeas.

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Prep Time

15 minutes

Cooking Time

30 minutes

Total Time

45 minutes

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 11g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 8g

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Conclusion

The Roasted Beet & Sweet Potato Buddha Bowl with Pistachio Pesto is a flavorful, nutrient-rich dish that combines wholesome ingredients with gourmet flair. The pistachio pesto offers a bright, nutty accent that ties everything together, making this bowl not just healthy but irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving guests, this vibrant Buddha bowl will impress with its stunning presentation and well-balanced flavors. Enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or meal prep—it’s guaranteed to please every time!

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