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Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl

Introduction

The Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl is a vibrant celebration of the season’s best produce: roasted root vegetables, hearty grains, and crisp apples all nestled together in one satisfying bowl. This recipe offers a deliciously balanced meal—loaded with fiber, color, earthy flavors, and a hint of natural sweetness—plus it’s ideal for meal prepping or a wholesome family dinner that tastes as good as it looks.

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl

This bowl is more than just a healthy lunch or dinner—it’s a celebration of autumn’s bounty. The combination of roasted sweet potatoes, nutty grains, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all finished with a tangy maple Dijon dressing, makes every bite rich in texture and flavor. It’s enticingly wholesome, simple to prepare, and naturally adaptable for a variety of diets.

Crafting the Perfect Autumn Grain Bowl

Start with a base of cooked farro or quinoa for a nutritious foundation. Roasting seasonal veggies like sweet potato, Brussels sprouts, and red onion elevates their sweetness and gives them satisfying caramelized edges. Pair with crisp apple slices, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans for contrast. Finish it all with a light drizzle of homemade maple Dijon vinaigrette to tie the flavors together.

Bowl Assembly Tips for Taste and Texture

Assemble your bowl by arranging the grain base first, then layering the warm roasted vegetables, raw add-ins, and finishing touches. For even more interest, toss in some goat cheese or feta crumbles right before serving. This method preserves the integrity of each component while allowing the dressing to seep through and unify the dish with every forkful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl warm for a cozy, comforting meal or cold as a refreshing grab-and-go lunch. Pair with crusty whole grain bread, a simple soup, or enjoy as a standalone entrée. To make it more protein-packed, consider adding grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields about 4 generous servings. Each serving provides approximately 420–480 calories, depending on added proteins and choice of grain. Fiber-rich veggies, complex carbs, and healthy fats ensure you stay energized and full.

Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl Recap

Celebrate the best of fall with this satisfying bowl featuring a medley of roasted veggies, hearty grains, and pops of sweet-tart flavor. It’s ideal for easy meal prepping, picky eaters, or anyone looking for a nourishing, flavor-packed meal.

Ingredients

1 cup uncooked farro or quinoa

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 small red onion, sliced

2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 crisp apple, thinly sliced

1/3 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts

2 ounces goat cheese or feta (optional)

Maple Dijon Vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper, to taste

💡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 seamless meal planning.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, cook farro or quinoa according to package instructions; set aside and fluff.
Toss cubed sweet potatoes, onion slices, and Brussels sprouts in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on prepared baking sheets.
Roast vegetables for 22–28 minutes, stirring once halfway, until golden and tender.
In a small jar or bowl, combine all vinaigrette ingredients and shake or whisk well.
To assemble, divide grains among bowls. Top with roasted vegetables, apple slices, cranberries, toasted nuts, and cheese (if using).
Drizzle with maple Dijon vinaigrette and serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to four days for meal prep.

Weekly Meal Planning

The Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl is a fantastic choice for meal prepping—simply roast extra veggies and cook a larger batch of grains to enjoy throughout your busy week. Save and schedule this recipe in CookifyAI to organize shopping lists, consolidate grains and produce with other planned meals, and see how ingredients overlap for fewer trips and less waste.

Planning Benefits:

– Calculates total ingredient needs for the week
– Organizes lists by grocery store sections
– Minimizes duplicate purchases and forgotten items
– Makes keeping your meal plan on track quick and effortless

Pro tip: When meal planning a week of wholesome bowls, schedule your recipes to group similar ingredients for easier batch prep—no more under- or over-buying!