The Ultimate Grilled Pear & Quinoa Buddha Bowl: A Vibrant Summer Meal

Prepare to be enchanted by this exquisite Buddha Bowl, a true summertime triumph that promises a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s a complete meal designed to satisfy all your senses, loaded with fluffy quinoa, an abundance of tender, smoky grilled vegetables, crisp fresh greens, crunchy toasted walnuts, the rich tang of blue or feta cheese, and the crowning jewel: a perfectly juicy grilled pear half. Each bowl is then generously drizzled with a sweet and tangy pear vinaigrette, making it not just easy to assemble but an absolute “WOW” experience. (Skip to recipe.)

This delightful recipe is brought to you thanks to the generous sponsorship of California Pears, allowing us to celebrate one of summer’s most cherished fruits and share its incredible versatility with you.

Embracing the Pear: A Summer’s Golden Gift

The saying “You are what you eat” takes on a whole new meaning when you consider the sheer joy of biting into a perfectly ripe pear during the peak of summer. Imagine embodying that essence: golden on the outside, bursting with sweet, sun-kissed juices within, perhaps a subtle rosy blush tinting your faintly speckled skin. Pears truly encapsulate the vibrant spirit of the warmer months, offering a delightful blend of sweetness, subtle acidity, and a uniquely succulent texture that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying.

This Buddha Bowl showcases the pear not just as a sidekick but as a star ingredient, transforming it from a simple fruit into a culinary adventure. The gentle grilling process enhances its natural sugars, creating a caramelized exterior and an even more tender interior, making it an ideal centerpiece for this vibrant dish. It’s like a piece of art on a plate, reminiscent of a famous still life painting, where every component plays a crucial role in the overall masterpiece.

The Excellence of California Bartlett Pears

When it comes to pears, few can rival the exquisite quality of a California Bartlett. These aren’t just any pears; they represent the pinnacle of the pear harvest, offering a uniquely satisfying experience that epitomizes summer sunshine. Beyond their exceptional taste, California Bartletts are also a nutritional powerhouse. They are brimming with antioxidants and dietary fiber, both essential for gut health and overall well-being. Furthermore, they are a valuable source of Vitamin C, bolstering your immune system, and provide potassium and folic acid, contributing to heart health and cellular function.

California Bartletts are a truly seasonal delight, gracing our grocery stores for a precious few weeks each year, typically in July and August. Their early arrival skillfully extends the North American pear season, allowing us to savor these magnificent fruits earlier and for a longer period. What makes them even more special is their origin: grown with immense care and dedication on small family farms across Northern California. These artisan farmers are leaders in sustainable practices, employing natural pest control methods and actively reducing fertilizer use, ensuring that each pear is not only delicious but also cultivated with respect for the environment.

For discerning fruit lovers, the arrival of California Pears is a truly anticipated event. Many have learned to avoid the disappointment of pears shipped from distant countries in South America or Asia. These often arrive unyieldingly hard and, despite all efforts, seldom ripen properly, remaining stubbornly flavourless due to being picked too green and enduring lengthy transport times. This stark contrast makes the sight of the first golden California Pears in the grocery store a moment of pure joy. Just a few days at room temperature are all it takes for these beauties to transform into the most luscious, juicy, and fragrant offerings, ready to be enjoyed.

Pears Beyond the Hand: Culinary Versatility

While a perfectly ripened pear eaten out of hand remains an ideal and healthy summer snack, their gentle sweetness and full-bodied flavor make them incredibly versatile in a myriad of recipes. Their natural sugars and delicate texture lend themselves beautifully to both sweet and savory applications, creating exquisite flavor pearings (yes, the pun is irresistible!).

Consider the classic combination of pears and chocolate – a match made in heaven, resulting in decadent desserts like Sautéed Pears with Chocolate Sauce or the comforting Ginger Pear Tart. They also shine in more intricate creations such as Confetti Crepes with Chocolate, Hazelnuts, and Fresh Pears. On the savory side, the interplay of sweet pears with salty and umami flavors is simply divine. Think of the irresistible Pear and Bacon Appetizer Bundles, or how they elevate a simple Grilled Brie Cheese Sandwich. Pears also bring a refreshing counterpoint to salads, as seen in Kale Salad with Cranberries, Pears, & Sesame Seeds and the festive Poppyseed, Pomegranate & Pear Salad. For an even wider array of culinary inspiration, explore the extensive collection of California Pears Recipes.

In this particular Buddha Bowl, pears find their perfect partners. The sweetness of the grilled pear beautifully balances the rich, earthy notes of toasted walnuts and the pungent, creamy texture of blue cheese (for those less keen on blue cheese, salty feta offers an equally delightful, tangy alternative). To add another layer of complexity, we introduce slightly bitter grilled radicchio – its robust flavor providing an excellent foil for the sweet pear. If radicchio isn’t to your taste, thinly sliced red onion wedges can be substituted. Mild grilled zucchini adds a subtle freshness, while crunchy raw carrots and celery contribute a vital textural counterpoint. This thoughtful combination of ingredients ensures that every spoonful is a journey of complementary flavors and satisfying textures. With the complete protein from quinoa, healthy fats from nuts, calcium and protein from cheese, and a wealth of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from the pear and all the fresh and grilled vegetables, this salad truly stands as a comprehensive nutritional powerhouse.

Moreover, for those times when grilling isn’t an option or you’re short on time, this bowl offers superb flexibility. You can effortlessly skip the grilling steps and serve the fruits and veggies ‘au naturel’ (simply refer to the *notes above the recipe below for details on preparing raw ingredients).

The Art and Appeal of the Buddha Bowl

Whether you know them as Buddha Bowls, Glory Bowls, Rice Bowls, Grain Bowls, Nourish Bowls, or even Bounty Bowls (a personal favorite term that perfectly captures their essence), this joyful way of eating a salad is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The philosophy behind a Buddha Bowl is simple yet profound: a balanced, wholesome, and visually appealing meal, artfully arranged with various ingredients, often on a base of grains. The ingredients are thoughtfully chosen for their complementary flavors, textures, and nutritional value, then beautifully piled into charming little mounds of color and contrast.

The beauty of such a presentation is that it transforms a simple meal into an experience. The vibrant hues of fresh and grilled vegetables, the golden glow of grilled pears, the rich tones of quinoa, and the creamy white of cheese all come together in a harmonious display. A few minutes of mindful assembly, and dinner is ready – elegant enough for a summer get-together with friends, yet casual enough for a relaxed evening in front of the television. This Pear & Quinoa Buddha Bowl embodies simplicity, elegance, and profound satisfaction, providing a truly fulfilling meal-in-a-bowl that delights on every level.

One of the many charms of this recipe is its adaptability for any occasion. Imagine grilling the pears and vegetables while enjoying drinks and conversation with guests, then serving the bowls warm, their smoky aromas wafting enticingly. Alternatively, all the components can be prepared ahead of time and assembled just before serving, making it an effortlessly elegant option for entertaining. For outdoor adventures, pack the prepped ingredients into containers and assemble them at a picnic or campsite – a far more appealing and nutritious choice than traditional sandwiches and chips. This versatility ensures that a delicious, healthy meal is always within reach, no matter your schedule or setting.

How Easy is this Buddha Bowl to Make?

Despite its gourmet appearance, this Buddha Bowl is surprisingly simple to put together. The key lies in methodical preparation of a few fresh, high-quality ingredients.

First, select three perfectly ripe yet firm Bartlett pears. Gently peel, halve, and core them. A melon baller can make quick and clean work of removing the core, ensuring your pear halves are pristine and ready for grilling or sautéing.

Next, prepare your vibrant medley of vegetables. Thinly slice a small head of radicchio (or a medium red onion for a milder flavor), creating beautiful wedges that hold their shape. Slice two medium zucchini diagonally for a visually appealing presentation. For the fresh components, shred a large carrot and finely dice a couple of celery stalks, adding crucial crunch and freshness.

The cooking steps are equally straightforward. Sauté or grill the prepared pear halves until they are beautifully golden, tender, and slightly caramelized, which amplifies their natural sweetness. Follow this by grilling the zucchini and radicchio (or red onion) wedges, aiming for tender-crisp perfection with delightful grill marks that impart a smoky depth of flavor. While these are cooking, toast the walnuts in the oven or a dry pan until they are fragrant and lightly golden, enhancing their nutty richness. Finally, crumble your chosen cheese – either pungent blue cheese or tangy feta – for that essential creamy, salty counterpoint.

With all your components ready, it’s time for the artistic assembly:

The final touch is the exquisite Pear Vinaigrette. Simply combine the remaining grilled pear halves with the dressing ingredients in a blender. In mere seconds, you’ll have a lusciously smooth, tangy, and subtly sweet vinaigrette, ready to drizzle over your magnificent Buddha Bowl, adding that perfect burst of unique flavor.

Indulge in this culinary delight and experience true pear heaven!

For more detailed information and a treasure trove of inspiring recipes, visit www.calpear.com, or explore the delicious California pear recipes linked throughout this article.

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Tips for a Perfect Pear & Quinoa Buddha Bowl

Kitchen Frau Notes: To maximize efficiency and flavor, consider toasting a larger batch of walnuts than immediately needed. Once toasted, these flavorful nuts can be stored for weeks in an airtight jar in your pantry, ready to enhance other dishes (like an easy breakfast) or for your next delicious Pear Buddha Bowl creation.

Remember, Buddha Bowls are inherently adaptable! Feel empowered to customize this recipe by swapping in your favorite vegetables, nuts, or cheeses based on your preferences or what you happen to have on hand. Experimentation is highly encouraged to make it truly your own.

Make-Ahead Options: For those busy days, much of the prep work can be done in advance. Cook the quinoa and grill the pears and vegetables up to several days ahead of time. Store components separately in the refrigerator. When it’s time to serve, simply arrange the ingredients at room temperature for a quick, fresh, and delightful meal.

*Raw Preparation Option: For an even quicker or raw-food-friendly version, you can completely omit the grilling steps for the pear and vegetables. Simply cook the quinoa and toast the walnuts as directed. For this version, ensure you use exceptionally ripe, sweet, and juicy pears. The zucchini can be cut into very thin slices, and the radicchio can be finely shredded (or use only half a red onion, thinly shaved on a mandolin or very finely sliced). Use raw, peeled, and cored pear halves directly in the vinaigrette for a fresh, vibrant dressing.

Pear & Quinoa Buddha Bowl with Pear Vinaigrette

Serves 4

For the Quinoa:

• 1 cup (175gms) quinoa
• Scant 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

For the Buddha Bowl Salad Fixings:

• 1 to 2 tablespoons oil (for grilling/sautéing)
• 3 ripe but firm Bartlett Pears (one pear is reserved for the pear vinaigrette)
• 1 small head of radicchio or 1 medium red onion
• 2 medium zucchini (6 to 8 inches/16-20cm long)
• 1 large or 2 small carrots
• 2 stalks of celery
• Generous ½ cup walnuts, toasted
• Generous ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or substitute feta cheese) – ensure it’s gluten-free if using blue cheese

For the Pear Vinaigrette:

• Two grilled pear halves (from the prepared pears above)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 4 tablespoons (60mls) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

1. Cook the Quinoa: (This step can be completed a day or more in advance.) If your quinoa is not pre-rinsed, ensure you rinse it thoroughly under cold water before cooking. Combine the rinsed quinoa and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan tightly, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Once simmered, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the quinoa to steam, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. Finally, add the butter, salt, and pepper, and gently fluff the quinoa with a fork. (For a detailed guide on how to rinse and cook quinoa, refer to this link.)

2. Prepare the Buddha Bowl Ingredients: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they become wonderfully fragrant and achieve a slightly deeper golden hue. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.

Carefully peel, halve, and core your Bartlett pears (a melon baller is excellent for precise coring). Brush the pear halves lightly with oil. You can either sauté them in a skillet or grill them on a barbecue for approximately 5 minutes per side, until they are beautifully golden-brown and tender. For faster cooking, cover the skillet with a lid or close the barbecue lid while cooking the first side. Once cooked, transfer the sautéed pears to a plate.

Next, prepare the vegetables. Cut the zucchini into attractive diagonal slices. For the radicchio or red onion, cut them into finger-thick wedges, ensuring to leave a portion of the core or root end attached to help the wedges hold together during cooking. Brush both sides of these vegetable slices or wedges with olive oil. Sauté them in a grill pan, skillet, or grill them in a grill basket on a barbecue, turning them periodically to brown both sides evenly. Handle the radicchio or onion wedges with care, using a spatula to keep them as intact as possible. They will typically require 2 to 3 minutes per side to become tender yet retain a slight crispness.

While the grilling is underway, prepare the remaining fresh components: peel and shred the carrot, dice the celery, and crumble your chosen cheese (either blue cheese or feta).

3. Make the Pear Vinaigrette Dressing: In a blender canister, combine two of the grilled pear halves with the red wine vinegar, olive oil, water, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Blend all ingredients until the dressing is completely smooth and emulsified.

4. To Assemble the Buddha Bowls: Lay out four large, flat bowls (or plates if large bowls are unavailable). Divide the prepared quinoa equally among them, placing about 1 cup of quinoa in each bowl to form the base.

Take the remaining grilled pear half, slice it lengthwise, and keeping the slices together, gently place the fanned pear onto the center of the quinoa in each bowl.

Now, artfully arrange the rest of the prepared ingredients around the central pear. Divide the grilled zucchini, radicchio/red onion, shredded carrot, diced celery, toasted walnuts, and crumbled cheese into neat, separate piles on top of the quinoa, surrounding the fanned pear halves.

Serve the Pear Vinaigrette separately, allowing each diner to drizzle it over their salad individually, adjusting to their personal taste preferences.

Guten Appetit!

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