My Favorite Spring Harvest Grain Bowl
Hello, my dear. Come sit with me. Let’s talk about my favorite healthy grain bowl recipe. It’s my copycat Sweetgreen recipe for their famous Harvest Bowl. I make it every week. It feels like eating a sunny spring day.
It has wild rice, roasted chicken, and sweet potatoes. I top it with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. Doesn’t that sound amazing? I love how all the colors look together in the bowl. It’s a feast for your eyes first.
The Secret is in the Shake
The magic starts with a special sprinkle. We make an umami seasoning recipe. You just mix spices like garlic powder and paprika. It makes everything taste deep and cozy.
We rub it on the chicken and sweet potatoes. Then they roast together. My whole kitchen smells wonderful. *Fun fact: “Umami” is a Japanese word. It means a savory, delicious taste. It’s the fifth basic flavor, like sweet or salty!
A Bowl Full of Goodness
This wild rice bowl with chicken is more than just food. It makes you feel strong. The kale and sweet potatoes are full of good vitamins. The chicken and almonds help your muscles.
That’s why this matters. Food is our fuel. Putting colorful, real food in your body is an act of love. It’s a way to be kind to yourself. Do you have a food that makes you feel really good after eating it?
My Little Mason Jar Trick
Now for the balsamic vinaigrette recipe. My grandson showed me this. You put everything in a mason jar. Then you shake it like a maraca! I still laugh at that. It mixes perfectly.
You must massage the dressing into the kale. This is important. It makes the kale soft and sweet. No more tough, bitter leaves. It’s a simple step that changes everything. Try it and see.
Your Lunch, All Week Long
This is the perfect meal prep harvest bowl. I roast a big batch on Sunday. I keep things separate in containers. Then I build a fresh bowl each day. It’s my healthy lunch bowl, ready in minutes.
That’s another reason why this matters. A little planning saves you from hungry, bad choices. Having good food ready is a gift to your future, busy self. Do you like to meal prep for your week? What’s your go-to meal?
Building Your Perfect Bowl
Finally, we build our roasted sweet potato chicken bowl. Start with fluffy wild rice. Add the massaged kale. Pile on the warm chicken and sweet potatoes. Now the fun parts!
Top it with crisp apple, creamy goat cheese, and crunchy almonds. Drizzle your dressing on top. Every bite is different. You get sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy. Which topping are you most excited to try in your Harvest Bowl Sweetgreen copycat?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon | Part of Umami Seasoning |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Part of Umami Seasoning |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon | Part of Umami Seasoning |
| Cumin | ½ teaspoon | Part of Umami Seasoning |
| Kosher salt | ½ teaspoon | Part of Umami Seasoning |
| Cayenne pepper | ⅛ teaspoon | Part of Umami Seasoning; optional |
| Nutritional yeast | ½ teaspoon | Part of Umami Seasoning; optional |
| Wild rice blend | 1 cup | |
| Sweet potato(s) | 1 large or 2 small | Scrubbed clean |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast | 1 pound | |
| Olive oil | 4 teaspoons | For roasting |
| Shredded kale | 8 cups | |
| Apple (e.g., Honeycrisp) | 1 medium | Diced |
| Goat cheese | 2 ounces | Crumbled |
| Chopped almonds | ¼ cup | |
| Olive oil | ⅓ cup | For Balsamic Vinaigrette |
| Balsamic vinegar | 3 tablespoons | For Balsamic Vinaigrette |
| Dijon mustard | 2 teaspoons | For Balsamic Vinaigrette |
| Honey | ½ teaspoon | For Balsamic Vinaigrette |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | For Balsamic Vinaigrette |
Instructions
Step 1: Let’s start our healthy grain bowl recipe. Heat your oven to 400°F. Mix your umami seasoning recipe spices in a small bowl. Doesn’t that smell amazing already? It makes everything taste so cozy.
Step 2: Cook your wild rice blend as the package says. Now, slice your sweet potato into thin pieces. Toss them with oil and half the seasoning. (A little oil helps them get crispy!) Roast them with the chicken for 20 minutes.
Step 3: The chicken needs to reach 165°F inside. Let it rest, then cube it. This makes the perfect roasted sweet potato chicken bowl base. Do you let your meat rest before cutting? Share below! I learned that the hard way!
Step 4: Shake up your balsamic vinaigrette recipe in a jar. Now, massage that dressing into your kale. It makes the leaves tender for your healthy lunch bowl. This Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl copycat is coming together!
Step 5: Build your wild rice bowl with chicken. Layer rice, kale, chicken, sweet potatoes, apple, cheese, and almonds. Drizzle more dressing on top. Your meal prep harvest bowl is ready to enjoy!
Creative Twists
Use quinoa instead of wild rice for a different texture. Swap goat cheese for salty feta or creamy avocado. Add a handful of dried cranberries for a sweet, chewy pop. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This Harvest Bowl Sweetgreen copycat recipe is a full meal. I love it just as is! For a heartier dinner, warm some crusty bread on the side. A simple cup of tomato soup also pairs beautifully. You could even add extra roasted broccoli. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Harvest Bowls Fresh and Tasty
Let’s talk about storing your beautiful bowls. This healthy grain bowl recipe is perfect for making ahead. Keep the parts separate in your fridge for up to four days. Store the balsamic vinaigrette recipe in its own little jar.
I remember my first wild rice bowl with chicken. I mixed everything together on Monday. By Wednesday, my lunch was soggy. I learned my lesson about keeping things apart. Batch cooking the roasted sweet potato chicken bowl parts saves your week.
It means a healthy lunch bowl is always minutes away. That matters on busy days. You deserve a good meal without the fuss. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
We all run into little problems while cooking. Here are three easy fixes. First, kale can be tough. Massage it with the dressing for a few minutes. This tenderizes the leaves perfectly.
Second, chicken can dry out. I once overcooked mine terribly. Always let it rest for ten minutes after roasting. Then dice it. This keeps the juices inside.
Third, sweet potatoes might not crisp. Make sure they are in a single layer on the pan. Crowding steams them. Fixing these issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the flavors in your meal prep harvest bowl shine. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What are the ingredients for a spring grain bowl?
You need cooked wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and chicken. Also add fresh kale, a diced apple, goat cheese, and almonds. The magic is in the umami seasoning recipe and the balsamic vinaigrette. This combination makes the classic Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl copycat so delicious and filling for a healthy lunch.
How do you make a balsamic reduction drizzle?
A true reduction simmers vinegar until it’s thick. For this easy balsamic vinaigrette recipe, just shake the ingredients in a jar. Use olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. Add salt and pepper. Shake it very well until it looks creamy. It’s a simple, tasty drizzle for your bowl.
Can I use quinoa instead of farro in a grain bowl?
Yes, you absolutely can. Quinoa cooks quickly and is very healthy. Any grain you like will work in this healthy grain bowl recipe. The goal is a hearty, nutty base for your toppings. I sometimes use brown rice or couscous. It’s your bowl, so make it with what you love and have on hand.
What protein goes well with a spring grain bowl?
Chicken is wonderful in this wild rice bowl with chicken. But other proteins work too. Try chickpeas, shrimp, or sliced steak. Tofu or tempeh are great vegetarian choices. The umami seasoning tastes good on almost anything. *Fun fact: “umami” is known as the fifth taste, like a savory, deep flavor.*
How do you roast asparagus for a grain bowl?
Snap off the tough ends of the asparagus. Toss the spears with a little oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes. They should be tender and slightly crispy. You can add them to this or any copycat Sweetgreen recipe for a fresh, green spring flavor.
Are spring grain bowls healthy?
Yes, they are a very healthy choice. This meal prep harvest bowl has veggies, whole grains, and lean protein. You get fiber, vitamins, and good energy. Making it yourself lets you control what goes in. You can adjust the cheese or oil to fit your needs. It’s a balanced, nourishing meal.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making this Harvest Bowl Sweetgreen copycat recipe. It brings a taste of spring to your table any day. Cooking should be fun, not stressful. Remember, my recipes are just friendly suggestions.
Make them your own. Add what you like. Leave out what you don’t. I would love to hear about your kitchen adventures. Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments below.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Hollander.
Spring Grain Bowl with Balsamic Drizzle
Description
A hearty and flavorful copycat of the popular Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl, featuring roasted chicken and sweet potatoes, wild rice, kale, and a tangy balsamic drizzle.
Ingredients
Umami seasoning:
Harvest Bowl:
Balsamic Vinaigrette:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Mix all umami seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.
- Cook the wild rice in a saucepan on the stove according to package directions.
- Peel sweet potato if desired. Cut into quarters lengthwise, then slice into ¼-inch thick pieces.
- Place sweet potato slices on a greased baking sheet. Drizzle with 3 tsp olive oil and half the umami seasoning. Toss to coat.
- Place chicken on the same sheet. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil and sprinkle with remaining seasoning. Pat spices in.
- Bake for 20 minutes until sweet potatoes are golden and chicken reaches 165°F. Rest chicken 10 minutes, then dice.
- Make vinaigrette: Combine ⅓ cup olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake or whisk until blended.
- Place kale in a large bowl, add a couple tablespoons of vinaigrette, and massage for a couple minutes to tenderize.
- Divide wild rice among 4 bowls. Top with kale, diced chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, diced apple, goat cheese, and almonds. Drizzle with more vinaigrette.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with roasted chickpeas or extra sweet potatoes. The umami seasoning and vinaigrette can be made ahead and stored.