Cozy Autumn Grain Bowls with Maple Cinnamon Vinaigrette (Easy & Healthy!)
Introduction
Few meals capture the heart of fall quite like these Cozy Autumn Grain Bowls with Maple Cinnamon Vinaigrette. Packed with roasted seasonal veggies, hearty whole grains, and a sweet-spiced dressing, this recipe brings wholesome comfort and vibrant flavor to your table. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing weeknight dinner or a meal prep favorite, these bowls strike a perfect balance between satisfying and healthy.
Why You’ll Love These Autumn Grain Bowls
This recipe shines by bringing together the earthy sweetness of roasted squash and apples, nutty whole grains, and a vinaigrette that gives each bite the warmth and coziness of autumn. It’s a crowd-pleaser—easy to customize and perfect for lunches, dinners, or sharing around the table. Best of all, it’s simple to prepare and naturally healthy, making it a recipe you’ll want to remake all season long.
The Secret: Maple Cinnamon Vinaigrette
What sets this bowl apart is the vinaigrette. Maple syrup and cinnamon mingle with tangy apple cider vinegar and olive oil, creating a dressing that’s sweet yet balanced—amplifying the roasted vegetables and grains without overpowering them. This vinaigrette is quick to whisk together, and just a little goes a long way!
How to Build the Ultimate Grain Bowl
Start with a base of your favorite cooked whole grain—farro, brown rice, or quinoa work beautifully. Layer on warm roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and apple slices, along with chickpeas or lentils for plant-based protein. Top it off with pepitas, goat cheese crumbles, and a generous drizzle of maple cinnamon vinaigrette for a meal bursting with color and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these Cozy Autumn Grain Bowls on their own, or pair with toasted sourdough or a light soup. For extra heartiness, add shredded rotisserie chicken or sliced turkey. Vary the toppings according to your preference: dried cranberries, pomegranate seeds, or sautéed greens all make wonderful additions.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe makes 4 generous grain bowls. Each serving provides roughly 400–450 calories (depending on additions), fiber-rich grains, colorful veggies, healthy fats, and plant-based protein—a well-rounded, energizing meal for any time of day.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically create a smart shopping list organized by store section, eliminating guesswork and making fall grocery trips a breeze.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a bowl, toss cubed butternut squash, apple slices, and Brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, plus salt and pepper to taste. Spread evenly on the baking sheet.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until veggies are caramelized and fork-tender.
- Meanwhile, cook the grains according to package directions. Set aside.
- Whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- To assemble bowls, divide cooked grains, roasted veggies, and chickpeas among 4 bowls. Top each with pepitas, goat cheese (if using), and a generous drizzle of maple cinnamon vinaigrette.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Weekly Meal Planning
These Cozy Autumn Grain Bowls are the ultimate meal prep solution—they keep well and taste even better as leftovers, with the flavors deepening over time. Save and schedule this recipe for your meal plan to auto-generate organized shopping lists and keep your weekday dinners on track.
Meal Planning Made Easy:
- Consolidates shared ingredients across recipes, so you buy only what you need
- Organizes your grocery list by store section—no more zig-zagging through aisles
- Flags ingredient overlaps, helping you avoid missed or duplicate items
- Ensures each meal is planned, shopped, and prepped stress-free!
Pro tip: When combining this recipe with others in your planner, the smart system combines total quantities—no more overbuying grains or running out of veggies. Schedule your meal plans and cut down on planning time, food waste, and stress.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Enjoy the warm flavors and wholesome goodness of autumn—right in your kitchen, all week long!
