Kale Harvest Grain Bowl (Printable)

Vibrant bowl with massaged kale, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, apple, pomegranate seeds, and pepitas in tangy maple-mustard dressing.

# Components:

→ Grains & Greens

01 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
02 - 1 large bunch kale, about 6 cups, stems removed, leaves finely chopped

→ Roasted Vegetables

03 - 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
04 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
05 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Fresh Toppings

07 - 1 medium apple, cored and diced
08 - 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
09 - 1/4 cup pepitas

→ Dressing

10 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
15 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss diced sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and tender.
02 - In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
03 - Place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with a small splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt, then massage kale with your hands for 1 to 2 minutes until softened and dark green.
04 - In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
05 - Divide massaged kale among four bowls. Top each with equal portions of cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, diced apple, pomegranate seeds, and pepitas.
06 - Drizzle dressing over bowls just before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Every bite has a different texture, from creamy sweet potato to crunchy pepitas, so your fork never gets bored.
  • It holds up beautifully in the fridge for three days, which means you can meal prep without sacrificing flavor.
  • The maple Dijon dressing is so good you'll want to put it on everything, trust me.
  • You get to eat something that tastes decadent but leaves you feeling light and energized instead of weighed down.
02 -
  • If you dress the kale too early, it will wilt into a soggy mess, so always add the dressing at the last possible moment.
  • Crowding the sweet potatoes on the pan creates steam instead of caramelization, which means you'll miss out on those crispy, sweet edges.
  • Skipping the massage step leaves the kale tough and bitter, it only takes two minutes and completely changes the texture.
03 -
  • Use a salad spinner to dry the kale after washing, any water left on the leaves dilutes the dressing and makes everything watery.
  • Double the dressing recipe and keep extra in a jar, it's incredible on roasted vegetables, grain salads, or even as a marinade for chicken.
  • If your sweet potatoes aren't getting crispy, your oven might not be hot enough, check the temperature with an oven thermometer before you start.
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