Inspired by: @veganfoodcrazy
Craving a vibrant, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful meal that comes together in a flash? This Easy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bowl is your answer! Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or simply when you want restaurant-quality plant-based food without the takeout price tag. It’s a delicious, customizable bowl packed with nutrients, featuring spicy, crispy buffalo cauliflower, creamy avocado, fresh greens, and hearty grains.
This recipe is designed for anyone seeking quick and healthy vegan lunch ideas, or those who love the bold flavors of buffalo sauce and are looking for a plant-forward way to enjoy them. It’s also naturally dairy-free, egg-free, and can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free hot sauce and ensuring your grain is gluten-free. Forget complicated cooking – this bowl brings together simple, delicious components for a truly remarkable meal.
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot Original)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted, or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced or diced
- 2 cups mixed salad greens or baby spinach
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained (optional, for added protein)
- Optional: Drizzle of tahini dressing or vegan ranch.
Equipment
- Large baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Small saucepan (if making rice/quinoa)
How to Make Your Easy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bowl
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and pat dry the cauliflower florets. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with 1 tablespoon of the melted vegan butter or olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast: Roast the cauliflower for 15-20 minutes, or until tender-crisp and lightly browned.
- Make Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, whisk together the hot sauce, remaining 1 tablespoon of melted vegan butter, and garlic powder in a small bowl.
- Toss with Sauce: Once roasted, transfer the cauliflower back to the large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the florets and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Assemble Your Bowl: Divide the cooked brown rice or quinoa among serving bowls. Top with mixed salad greens, the buffalo cauliflower, sliced avocado, and optional chickpeas.
- Serve: Drizzle with tahini dressing or vegan ranch if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy your colorful and flavorful plant-based meal!
Variations and Adaptations
- Grain Alternatives: Instead of brown rice or quinoa, try serving your bowl with fluffy couscous, farro, or wild rice for different textures and nutrients.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the fiber and vitamins by adding roasted [broccoli](no link for 'broccoli'), bell peppers, or sweet potato to your bowl alongside the cauliflower.
- Protein Boost: For an even heartier meal, include crispy baked tofu cubes, tempeh, or black beans.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference. For extra heat, add a pinch of chili flakes to the buffalo sauce.
- Creamy Additions: A dollop of vegan sour cream or cashew cream can balance the spicy kick of the buffalo sauce.
Tips & Hacks
- Crispier Cauliflower: For extra crispy buffalo cauliflower, try using an air fryer! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, then toss with sauce and air fry for another 3-5 minutes.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cook a larger batch of buffalo cauliflower and grains at the beginning of the week. Store components separately in airtight containers, then assemble your bowl fresh for lunch or dinner.
- Perfect Avocado Ripeness: Choose an avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure, but isn't mushy. This ensures a creamy texture for your bowl.
Image Gallery
An appealing visual of ingredients for the Easy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bowl, neatly arranged on a wooden surface, showcasing colorful cauliflower florets, a bottle of hot sauce, a block of vegan butter, a ripe avocado, a small bowl of cooked grains, and fresh salad greens.
A vibrant, satisfying Easy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bowl ready to enjoy.
Related Articles
Looking for more quick and delicious plant-based recipes? Explore these other fantastic articles from abillion:
- Discover another hearty bowl with the Easy Homemade Vegan Falafel Bowl with Charred Eggplant & Tahini.
- If you love easy pasta dishes, check out Easy Creamy Vegan Roasted Vegetable Farfalle Pasta (Dairy-Free Weeknight Meal).
- Explore more cauliflower goodness with Chipotle BBQ Cauliflower Bites Recipe.
- For another quick and easy meal, try the Quick & Easy High-Protein Vegan Tofu Noodle Stir-Fry Recipe.
- Get more lunch inspiration with the Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad Bowl Recipe.
Are you ready to create your own vibrant Buffalo Cauliflower Bowl? Try this recipe today and share your delicious results with the abillion community!
