Autumn Harvest Quinoa Power Bowl with Maple Balsamic Dressing
Indulge in autumn’s bounty with our Autumn Harvest Quinoa Power Bowl featuring roasted veggies, protein-packed quinoa, and a sweet maple balsamic dressing—a delicious and nutritious seasonal delight!
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Enjoy the wholesome and nourishing flavors of this Autumn Harvest Quinoa Power Bowl, packed with seasonal ingredients that create a satisfying and delightful meal. This hearty bowl is a celebration of seasonal flavors, featuring a wholesome grain base of quinoa cooked to perfection, roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with a hint of thyme, and a vibrant mix of baby spinach, chickpeas, cranberries, pecans, and feta cheese.
Drizzle this bowl with a luscious Maple Balsamic Dressing for a taste of autumn in every bite for a nutritious and delicious addition to your menu that’s perfect for sharing.
Indulge in autumn’s bounty with this Autumn Harvest Quinoa Power Bowl featuring roasted veggies, protein-packed quinoa, and a sweet maple balsamic dressing—a delicious and nutritious seasonal delight!
What makes this power bowl healthy?
This power bowl is a nutrient-dense meal that combines a variety of food groups to provide a well-rounded and balanced dining experience. It’s a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy a delicious meal while still prioritizing their health and well-being.
This power bowl features:
- Whole Grains: The base of this bowl is made with quinoa, which is a complete protein and rich in fiber. It provides sustained energy and helps keep you feeling full.
- Abundance of Vegetables: Roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They add a variety of nutrients to the bowl.
- Protein: You have the option to include chickpeas, grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or tofu as your protein source, making it versatile and suitable for various dietary preferences.
- Healthy Fats: The dressing contains extra virgin olive oil, which is a heart-healthy fat source, and the toasted pecans or walnuts provide healthy fats as well.
- Balanced Flavor: The combination of sweet cranberries, savory feta cheese, and the tangy Maple Balsamic Dressing creates a satisfying and well-balanced flavor profile without relying on excessive salt or unhealthy additives.
Why you’ll love this power bowl
You’ll love this power bowl because it’s a delightful blend of flavors, it’s customizable to suit your preferences, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients, and it’s a visually stunning dish.
RELATED: Vegan Buddha Bowl with Peanut Dressing – This colorful and flavorful bowl is packed with fresh veggies, and a creamy, homemade peanut sauce that will have you licking your plate clean. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and sure to satisfy your taste buds and your hunger. Give it a try today!
Ingredients you’ll need to make this Autumn Quinoa Bowl recipe
For the Grain Base:
- Quinoa (or farro, or your preferred whole grain)
- Vegetable broth
- Salt
For the Roasted Vegetables:
- Butternut squash
- Brussels sprouts
- Olive oil
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
- Dried thyme or rosemary
For the Maple Balsamic Dressing:
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Maple syrup
- Dijon mustard
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper
For the Assembly:
- Baby spinach or mixed greens
- Chickpeas or your preferred protein (grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or tofu)
- Dried cranberries or pomegranate arils
- Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
- Crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
How do you make a fall power bowl?
The beauty of this heart-healthy power bowl is that it can be made quickly in four easy steps!
Step 1: Rinse the chosen whole grain under cold water. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed grain with water or vegetable broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, fluff the grains with a fork and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Step 4: In each serving bowl, start with a bed of cooked whole grains. Arrange a handful of baby spinach or mixed greens on one side of the bowl. On the other side, place a portion of roasted vegetables and cooked chickpeas or your preferred protein. Sprinkle dried cranberries or pomegranate arils, toasted pecans or walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese over the vegetables and protein. Drizzle the maple balsamic dressing over the entire grain bowl, adding as much as desired.
Serve the Quinoa Power Bowl immediately, allowing the warm roasted vegetables to meld with the grains and fresh greens.
Make this Autumn Harvest Quinoa Power Bowl with Maple Balsamic Dressing, then check out my Fall Harvest Quinoa Salad, Mixed Green Salad with Apple and Goat Cheese, and more of my fall salad ideas.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips on how to make this recipe, how to customize this bowl, and how to store this bowl.
u003cstrongu003eCan I customize this bowl with other ingredients I like?u003c/strongu003e
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the power bowl with your favorite ingredients or those in season to make it your own unique creation.
u003cstrongu003eCan I use a different grain besides quinoa?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, you can use farro or your preferred whole grain as a base for this bowl. Adjust the cooking instructions accordingly.
u003cstrongu003eWhat can I substitute for Brussels sprouts if I’m not a fan?u003c/strongu003e
You can substitute with other roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to suit your taste.
u003cstrongu003eCan I make a larger batch for a family gathering or potluck?u003c/strongu003e
Certainly! You can easily scale up the recipe to serve a larger group. Just adjust the quantities accordingly.
u003cstrongu003eIs the Maple Balsamic Dressing sweet?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, the dressing has a sweet and tangy flavor due to the maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by altering the amount of maple syrup.
u003cstrongu003eHow do I toast pecans or walnuts?u003c/strongu003e
To toast nuts, simply place them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until they become fragrant and slightly browned. Be careful not to overcook them.
u003cstrongu003eIs this bowl suitable for vegetarians or vegans?u003c/strongu003e
Yes, it can be adapted for both vegetarians and vegans. Choose plant-based protein options like tofu or chickpeas, and omit the cheese or use a vegan alternative.
u003cstrongu003eIs this dish gluten-free?u003c/strongu003e
If you use gluten-free grains like quinoa and ensure that your choice of protein and other ingredients is gluten-free, the dish can be made gluten-free.
u003cstrongu003eCan I make this bowl in advance for meal prep?u003c/strongu003e
Absolutely! This power bowl is great for meal prepping. Store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat to keep everything fresh.
u003cstrongu003eHow long does the Maple Balsamic Dressing stay fresh?u003c/strongu003e
The dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
How do you store the leftovers from this bowl?
u003cstrongu003eSeparate Components:u003c/strongu003e If possible, store each component separately. Place the quinoa, roasted vegetables, greens, protein, dried cranberries, nuts, and cheese in separate airtight containers.u003cbr/u003eu003cstrongu003eDressing:u003c/strongu003e Store the Maple Balsamic Dressing in a small airtight container.u003cbr/u003eu003cstrongu003eRefrigeration:u003c/strongu003e Refrigerate all components, including the dressing, within 2 hours of serving. This helps maintain freshness and food safety.u003cbr/u003eu003cstrongu003eUse within 3-4 Days:u003c/strongu003e Consume the leftovers within 3-4 days. Vegetables and greens can lose their freshness over time, so it’s best to enjoy them sooner rather than later.u003cbr/u003eu003cstrongu003eAssemble When Ready:u003c/strongu003e When you’re ready to eat, assemble the power bowl with the desired components and drizzle with the dressing. This ensures that each element retains its individual texture and flavor.u003cbr/u003eBy storing the leftovers this way, you can enjoy the Autumn Harvest Quinoa Power Bowl with Maple Balsamic Dressing at its best for multiple meals while maintaining its deliciousness and nutritional value.
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Other healthy salad recipes to try
- Vegan Buddha Bowl with Peanut Dressing – This colorful and flavorful bowl is packed with fresh veggies, and a creamy, homemade peanut sauce that will have you licking your plate clean. This bowl is perfect for lunch or dinner, vegan, gluten-free, and sure to satisfy your taste buds and your hunger. Give it a try today!
- Fall Harvest Quinoa Salad – This bowl is a delightful mix of texture and flavors of autumn and fall. Made with roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, red apple, spinach, sunflower seeds, protein-rich quinoa, and an apple cider vinaigrette, this gluten-free, plant-based recipe is a show-stopper!
- Mixed Green Salad with Apple and Goat Cheese – This delicious green salad with apple and goat cheese is filled with flavor from apples, raisins, goat cheese, and toasted walnuts, plus it’s easy to make in under 30 minutes for an easy weeknight side dish your whole family will love.
Autumn Harvest Quinoa Power Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
For the Grain Base:
- 1 cup quinoa (farro, or your preferred whole grain)
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth (for cooking the grains)
- Salt (to taste)
For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- 1 cup Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
For the Assembly:
- 2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas or your preferred protein (grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or tofu)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries or pomegranate arils
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
For the Maple Balsamic Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Rinse the chosen whole grain (quinoa) under cold water. In a saucepan, combine the rinsed grain with water or vegetable broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, fluff the grains with a fork and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash and halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried thyme or rosemary. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
- In each serving bowl, start with a bed of cooked whole grains. Arrange a handful of baby spinach or mixed greens on one side of the bowl. On the other side, place a portion of roasted vegetables and cooked chickpeas or your preferred protein.
- Sprinkle dried cranberries or pomegranate arils, toasted pecans or walnuts, and crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese over the vegetables and protein.
- Drizzle the maple balsamic dressing over the entire grain bowl, adding as much as desired.
- Serve the Autumn Harvest Grain Bowl immediately, allowing the warm roasted vegetables to meld with the grains and fresh greens.
Notes
Nutrition
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