Discover the perfect balance of nourishing greens, protein-rich crispy tofu, and creamy herb-packed dressing in this restaurant-worthy Green Goddess Bowl with Crispy Sesame Tofu recipe that rivals favorites from Sweetgreen and Life Alive.
What is a Goddess Bowl?
A goddess bowl is the epitome of nourishing comfort food – a thoughtfully arranged combination of grains, greens, proteins, and that iconic green goddess dressing that gives these bowls their name. While places like Trader Joe’s and various restaurants have their own versions, making your own allows you to perfectly customize each element to your taste.
Essential Ingredients For Green Goddess Bowl with Crispy Sesame Tofu Recipe
For the Crispy Sesame Tofu:
- 1 block (400g) extra-firm tofu
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
For the Bowl Base:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup edamame, shelled
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup pickled red cabbage
- Microgreens for garnish
For the Green Goddess Dressing:
- 1 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, tarragon)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or vegan alternative)
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water to thin
Instructions
Perfect Your Tofu
- Press tofu for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture
- Cut into 1-inch cubes
- Toss with cornstarch, seasonings, and sesame seeds
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until crispy
Create the Dressing
- Blend all green goddess bowl dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy. Add water gradually to reach desired consistency.
Build Your Bowl
- Start with a base of quinoa and greens
- Arrange vegetables in sections
- Add crispy tofu
- Drizzle with dressing
- Top with microgreens and extra sesame seeds
Variations to Try
Vegan Green Goddess Bowl
Transform this recipe into a fully vegan green goddess bowl by:
- Using plant-based yogurt in the dressing
- Adding nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
- Including extra avocado for creaminess
Goddess Bowl with Chicken
For those preferring a non-vegetarian version:
- Replace tofu with grilled herb-marinated chicken
- Keep all other components the same
- Consider adding a soft-boiled egg for extra protein
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep Components Separately:
- Cook quinoa up to 3 days ahead
- Make dressing up to 5 days ahead
- Prepare crispy tofu 2 days in advance
- Chop vegetables the day before
- Assembly Strategy:
Layer ingredients strategically to maintain freshness, keeping wet ingredients separate from dry until serving.
Why You’ll Love This Bowl
This green goddess bowl recipe delivers on multiple levels:
- Nutrition: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber
- Texture: Crispy tofu, creamy avocado, crunchy vegetables
- Flavor: Fresh herbs, umami-rich tofu, tangy dressing
- Versatility: Easily customizable to dietary preferences
- Meal Prep: Components can be prepared in advance
Green Goddess Bowl Ingredients Shopping Guide
For the best results:
- Choose extra-firm tofu for optimal crispiness
- Select ripe avocados
- Use fresh herbs for the dressing
- Opt for organic greens when possible
- Consider pre-cooked quinoa to save time
Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately while tofu is crispy
- Offer extra dressing on the side
- Include lime wedges for fresh squeezing
- Provide additional sesame seeds and herbs for garnish
Storage Tips
- Store components separately
- Keep dressing in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Reheat tofu in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness
- Assemble just before eating for optimal freshness
Drawing inspiration from popular versions like the Sweetgreen green goddess bowl while incorporating homemade touches, this recipe creates a nourishing meal that’s both satisfying and Instagram-worthy. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or creating a fresh dinner, this bowl delivers restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
