Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl

Introduction

Capture the vibrant flavors and comforting textures of the season with this Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl. Bursting with roasted vegetables, hearty grains, crisp apples, and toasted nuts, this dish brings together sweet, savory, and earthy notes in every bite. It’s an easy, colorful way to celebrate fall’s bounty in a wholesome, satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

Deliciously Unique Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl

What makes this grain bowl stand out is its balance of robust flavors—roasted squash and Brussels sprouts, peppery arugula, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a tangy maple Dijon dressing. The natural sweetness of seasonal produce pairs beautifully with chewy grains, making this bowl both filling and flavorful. It’s a plant-forward recipe sure to please a crowd, whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a nutritious family meal.

Preparing the Perfect Grain Base

Selecting the right grain is key to this bowl’s hearty texture. Farro, brown rice, or quinoa all work wonderfully, providing nutty undertones and a satisfying chewiness. Cook your grains ahead of time and allow them to cool slightly to maintain their integrity when tossed with warm roasted veggies and the dressing.

Assembling Your Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl

Layer your bowl with a hearty serving of grains as the base. Top with chunks of roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, then add crisp apple slices, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans. Finish with a generous handful of fresh arugula. Drizzle everything with the maple Dijon vinaigrette just before serving to ensure the greens stay fresh and vibrant.

Serving Suggestions for a Show-Stopping Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl

This bowl is delicious served warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. Garnish with crumbled goat cheese or feta for an extra layer of creaminess, or add roasted chickpeas for more protein. Serve alongside crusty bread or a bowl of soup for a complete seasonal feast.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 4 hearty bowls, each packed with fiber, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins. Each serving clocks in around 400–500 calories, depending on your choice of grains and toppings. It’s a nutrient-rich meal that’s naturally vegetarian and can be made vegan with simple swaps.

Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl (Recap)

With its vibrant colors, layered textures, and harmonious flavors, this Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl is an autumnal crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until vegetables are caramelized and tender.
3. While veggies roast, cook the farro (or grain of choice) according to package instructions. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool.
4. Whisk together the dressing ingredients: olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked grains, roasted vegetables, apple slices, dried cranberries, nuts, and greens. Drizzle with the maple Dijon dressing and toss gently to coat.
6. Top with crumbled goat cheese or feta if using. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe is tailor-made for weekly meal prep. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to plan which days to serve it and generate smart shopping lists that automatically consolidate ingredients from all your planned meals.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities for all recipes in your plan
• Organizes your shopping list by grocery store sections
• Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
• Simplifies weeknight meal prep and streamlines your routine

Pro tip: When you plan several meals for the week, schedule your recipes together—CookifyAI will total up overlapping ingredients (like greens or grains), helping you buy only what you need and reduce waste.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Enjoy the tastes of fall—all in one delicious and nourishing bowl!