Viral Sardine Buddha Bowl

May 21, 2026
EXTREME SAVINGS
Just $5.20 per serving
Most people spend $14–$18 on Buddha bowls → YOU SAVE UP TO 70%

EBT-Friendly: 100% of ingredients

Made by Trang Nguyen

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CRUNCH THE NUMBERS A nourishing bowl packed with roasted sweet potatoes, crispy kale, pickled red onions, and sardines — all drizzled with a zesty lemon harissa vinaigrette. Meal prep friendly and bursting with flavor.

$5.20

YOUR cost/serving

$14–$18

Buddha bowl cost

70%

Savings vs. cafe

PRICE LOCKED: BUDDHA BOWL FOR UNDER $6

Ingredients

Ingredients:

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Ingredients are subject to availability at local stores. Unavailable items will be automatically substituted at best-effort.

Directions

  1. In a heat-safe jar, add boiling water, sugar, and salt. Mix until dissolved. Add vinegar and mix. Add thinly sliced red onion and push down to submerge. Let sit for 1-2 hours at room temperature.
  2. To a sheet pan, add cubed sweet potato, oil, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss to combine. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes.
  3. Remove and push sweet potatoes to one side. Add chopped kale, salt, and oil. Toss to combine. Bake at 400°F for another 10 minutes until kale is slightly crispy.
  4. In a blender, add harissa, lemon juice, salt, oregano, garlic clove, shallot, honey, and olive oil. Blend until combined and emulsified.
  5. To assemble, add cooked rice to a bowl along with roasted sweet potatoes, roasted kale, pickled onions, thinly sliced radishes, diced avocado, sardines, and optional microgreens.
  6. Drizzle with lemon harissa vinaigrette and enjoy immediately!

Cost Breakdown (per serving)

Ingredient Cost
Sweet potato (1) $0.60
Kale (1 bunch) $0.75
Red onion (½) $0.25
Rice (2 cups cooked) $0.50
Sardines (1 tin) $1.50
Avocado (½) $0.75
Radishes (¼ cup) $0.20
Lemon harissa vinaigrette $0.65
TOTAL $5.20
WAREHOUSE PRO TIP
Make a big batch of pickled red onions — they last for weeks in the fridge and add brightness to everything. Use leftover roasted vegetables from dinner to save time and money.

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