Vibrant Tofu Rice Bowl with Fresh Broccoli and Ruby Pomegranate

Nutrient-Rich Broccoli Rice Bowl with Zesty Grilled Tofu & Jewel-Toned Pomegranate: Your New Favorite Plant-Based Meal

Experience a vibrant, plant-based culinary delight with this grain-free broccoli rice bowl, thoughtfully layered with fresh, crisp vegetables, perfectly grilled tofu, a scattering of brilliant pomegranate seeds, and finished with a light, invigorating dressing. It’s a complete meal that promises both exceptional flavor and nourishing goodness.

Broccoli Rice Bowl with Pomegranate & Grilled Tofu by Flora & Vino

In an age dominated by digital screens and fleeting online trends, do you ever find yourself reaching for a tangible magazine? Not just any magazine, but those glossy, colorful pages that once filled our mailboxes, brimming with fashion, lifestyle, and delicious recipes. I remember those days fondly, spending hours immersed in the vibrant pages of fashion magazines at my college bookstore, dreaming of glamorous red-soled sneakers and fairytale transformations, far removed from impending exams.

However, as life progressed, I paused my magazine subscriptions. They often left me with an insatiable urge to acquire the latest “it” item. Today, my relationship with magazines has evolved. I still appreciate their curated beauty, but my focus has shifted from high fashion to high flavor – specifically, seeking out the latest “it” bowl. And let me tell you, this Broccoli Rice Bowl with Pomegranate and Grilled Tofu is absolutely IT!

Cece's Veggie Co Riced Brocolli

The inspiration for this incredibly satisfying and visually stunning bowl actually came from leafing through my favorite foodie magazines. As I eyed one delicious, wholesome dish after another, I recaptured some of that same excitement I felt as a teenager admiring couture. The FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) on trying these incredible culinary creations was palpable! Flipping through renowned publications like VegNews, Clean Eating, and Forks Over Knives, my mouth watered at the sight of a particularly beautiful riced broccoli buddha bowl. I instantly knew I had to recreate it – not just for myself, but for Flora & Vino, and most importantly, for you. So, let’s dive into how to bring this vibrant dish to your table!

Broccoli Rice Bowl Ingredients

Seriously, you’ll want to bookmark this recipe, especially as we head into the new year. This bowl offers a perfect reset, making you feel absolutely fantastic from the inside out. My rendition thoughtfully swaps traditional chicken for hearty grilled tofu, delivering a substantial protein boost without sacrificing the plant-based integrity. The entire dish is brought together by a quick, zesty, and refreshingly oil-free sauce, ensuring every bite is light, flavorful, and perfectly dressed. It’s a harmonious blend of textures and tastes: crisp, fresh, and deeply satisfying, brimming with plant-based protein, essential healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates from an abundance of vegetables.

Visually, the bowl is a feast for the eyes. It features finely chopped carrots and shredded red cabbage, offering vibrant color and a delightful crunch. Bright green fresh herbs, particularly mint and cilantro, infuse the dish with an aromatic freshness, while roasted cashews provide a rich, nutty texture. And for a festive touch, sweet, juicy pomegranate seeds are scattered generously, adding bursts of flavor and a beautiful jewel-toned aesthetic. Listening to Christmas music while photographing this recipe certainly influenced my styling choices here, but I have no complaints! The complementary red and green hues, naturally provided by pomegranate and mint, create a presentation so chic and stylish, even my old fashion magazines would deem it super posh.

Broccoli Rice Bowl Dressing

Confession time: I can probably count on one hand the number of times I’ve actually riced my own broccoli from scratch. And honestly, for good reason! Thanks to incredible innovations like Cece’s Veggie Co. Riced Broccoli, creating the perfect grain-free base for this meal is incredibly easy, taking just about five minutes. This convenience is a game-changer for quick, healthy weeknight dinners. I’m thrilled to share that Cece’s Veggie Noodle Co. products are now widely available in Whole Foods Market stores nationwide. If you’ve struggled to find Cece’s products to simplify your plant-based cooking, now is the perfect time to check your local Whole Foods – simply use their convenient store locator to find a location near you!

That being said, if you prefer a DIY approach, have a head of broccoli that needs using up, or simply can’t get to Whole Foods, making your own riced broccoli is straightforward. Just grab a large head of broccoli, trim the florets, and either pulse them in a food processor or grate them using a box grater until they resemble grains of rice. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a grain-free, nutrient-dense base for your bowls, rich in fiber and vitamins, and a perfect canvas for all the vibrant toppings.

Broccoli Rice Bowl with Pomegranate & Grilled Tofu by Flora & Vino

These Broccoli Rice Bowls are wonderfully versatile and make a fantastic entree for any meal of the day. Their vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients make them ideal for various occasions. I particularly recommend them for your weekly meal prep, ensuring you have healthy, delicious options ready to go. They’re also perfect for busy weeknight dinners, with the added bonus of delicious leftovers that make for a satisfying and easy lunch the next day. To maximize efficiency for meal prep, consider preparing the components separately:

  • **The Dressing:** Whisk it together and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully over time.
  • **Broccoli Rice:** Cook and cool the riced broccoli, then store it in a container.
  • **Grilled Tofu:** Grill a larger batch of tofu, then slice and store it. Tofu holds up well and can be reheated or enjoyed cold.
  • **Chopped Vegetables:** Prepare all your fresh veggies like julienned carrots, shredded cabbage, and any other favorites, storing them in separate containers to maintain freshness and crunch.

This method allows you to quickly assemble fresh, customized bowls throughout your workweek, saving precious time without compromising on nutrition or taste. The serving size provided in the recipe below is a loose recommendation because I understand that some days call for a monumental, overflowing bowl, and other days, a smaller, lighter portion might suffice. (Though, for me, it’s almost always a big bowl!) For an extra boost of plant-based protein, I always add grilled tofu to mine. However, if tofu isn’t your preference, feel free to substitute with your favorite legume, such as roasted chickpeas, black beans, or lentils, for an equally satisfying and protein-rich meal. Enjoy customizing and savoring every delicious bite!

Broccoli Rice Bowl with Pomegranate & Grilled Tofu by Flora & Vino

If you create these stunning Broccoli Rice Bowls with Pomegranate & Grilled Tofu, I would absolutely love to see your culinary masterpieces! Don’t hesitate to share your experience. Be sure to leave me a comment, a rating, and a review below so I can use your invaluable feedback to continually create more delicious and exciting recipes for you to enjoy. Your insights truly help me to keep the yum factor high!

Give me a shout on Instagram and make sure to use the hashtag #floraandvino to showcase your beautiful creations to the community.

Additionally, don’t forget to check out my Pinterest page, where you can easily pin more fantastic recipes just like this one to your boards, making it simple to find and create them later!

For even more inspiring and satisfying buddha bowl ideas, be sure to explore some of my other popular recipes: my bright and zesty Lemon Basil Buddha Bowls, the flavorful Maple Balsamic Tempeh & Rainbow Veggie Buddha Bowl, and the deeply savory Garlicky Chickpeas and Kale Buddha Bowl with Tahini Dressing. Each offers a unique blend of ingredients and flavors designed to nourish and delight.

Love this post and want to stay updated with more delicious plant-based recipes and lifestyle tips? Head over to my homepage and subscribe to my newsletter to get new updates delivered right to your inbox! Your culinary journey is just beginning.

XO Lauren

Broccoli Rice Bowl with Pomegranate & Grilled Tofu by Flora & Vino


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Broccoli Rice Bowl with Pomegranate and Grilled Tofu



5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review


  • Author:
    Flora & Vino


  • Total Time:
    30 mins


  • Yield:
    2-4 servings


  • Diet:
    Vegan
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Description

This delightful plant-based bowl features a light, grain-free base of perfectly seasoned broccoli rice. It’s generously piled high with a colorful array of fresh, crisp vegetables, savory grilled tofu for a protein boost, and vibrant pomegranate seeds. Everything is brought together with a light, zesty homemade dressing, creating a wholesome, satisfying, and visually appealing meal that’s perfect for any time of year.


Ingredients

Broccoli Rice Bowl

  • 2 tsp avocado oil
  • 1 package Cece’s Veggie Co. Riced Broccoli (or sub 1 large head of broccoli, riced)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Himalayan sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup julienned carrots
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1/4 cup chopped dry-roasted cashews
  • 8 oz. extra-firm tofu, pressed and grilled

Dressing

  • 1 TBSP tamari lite (or soy sauce for non-GF)
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp fresh lime juice
  • 2 tsp rice vinegar
  • 1 TBSP maple syrup
  • 2 TBSP cold-pressed avocado oil or filtered water if opting for an oil-free dressing
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

For serving

  • Extra fresh mint leaves
  • Extra fresh cilantro sprigs
  • Additional roasted cashews
  • Generous amount of pomegranate seeds


Instructions

  1. First, begin by preparing the refreshing dressing. In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dressing until you are ready to assemble and serve your bowls. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  2. Next, prepare the broccoli rice. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the avocado oil. Once the oil is warm and shimmering, add the riced broccoli to the pan. Season generously with garlic powder, Himalayan sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cover the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring several times throughout, until the broccoli is fragrant, slightly tender, and lightly browned to your preference.
  3. While the broccoli is cooking, take this time to prepare and meticulously chop all your fresh vegetables and herbs, including the julienned carrots, shredded red cabbage, and any other desired fresh elements.
  4. If you are adding grilled tofu, ensure your extra-firm tofu has been pressed to remove excess water. Then, cut the tofu block into four evenly sized triangles or rectangles. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat with a small amount of avocado oil to prevent sticking. Add the tofu pieces to the hot grill pan and sear for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until you achieve beautiful, visible grill marks and the tofu is golden brown and firm. Season the grilled tofu with Himalayan sea salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. To assemble your vibrant bowls, first divide the cooked and seasoned riced broccoli evenly among your serving bowls, creating a wholesome base. Then, artfully arrange the grilled tofu, crisp julienned carrots, and shredded red cabbage on top of the broccoli rice.
  6. Finally, drizzle each bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of the prepared dressing, adjusting the amount to your taste. Garnish generously with extra fresh herbs (mint and cilantro), crunchy roasted cashews, and a scattering of glistening pomegranate seeds for a burst of flavor and color.
  7. For best results and continued enjoyment, store any leftover components of the bowl separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for 3-5 days. Reassemble your bowl just before serving to maintain the optimal texture and freshness of each ingredient.

Notes

This recipe, particularly its inspiring aesthetics and innovative grain-free base, is heavily adapted from the wonderful “Riced-Broccoli Buddha Bowl” feature in Clean Eating magazine, October 2018 issue. The original concept provided a fantastic foundation which we’ve personalized with grilled tofu and a zesty, oil-free dressing for a unique plant-based twist.

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Category: Buddha Bowl, Entree, Vegan Dinner, Healthy Lunch
  • Method: Stovetop, Grilling
  • Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Grain Free, Vegan, Plant-Based

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This post is thoughtfully brought to you by Cece’s Veggie Co., a brand I genuinely adore and use regularly. Rest assured, all opinions, words, and delicious eats shared here are entirely my own. I extend my sincere gratitude for supporting the sponsors that help keep me fueled and continually creating!