Nourishing Rainbow Bowls: A Winter Delight
Embrace the season with a bowl that’s as vibrant as it is nutritious! This Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl with Balsamic Dressing is a celebration of flavors and textures, perfect for those seeking a healthy, satisfying meal.
Why This Bowl is a Game-Changer
This isn't just another salad; it's a symphony of tastes and textures that will awaken your palate:
- Earthy and Sweet: Roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes and beets become caramelized and wonderfully sweet when roasted.
- Hearty Grains: The base of wild rice adds a nutty, chewy element that complements the vegetables beautifully.
- Bright and Zesty: A creamy balsamic dressing ties everything together with its tangy, rich notes.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, this bowl keeps you full and energized.
- Adaptable: It's easy to swap ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand.
Simple Steps to Bowl Bliss
Creating this bowl is easy! Here are the three main components:
- Roast the Vegetables: Toss cubed sweet potatoes and beets with olive oil, salt and roast at 425 degrees for 30 minutes. You can add other root vegetables like carrots or parsnips.
- Cook the Grains: Prepare wild rice according to the package instructions. You can use quinoa or farro as a substitute. You could also add other grains like barley or brown rice
- Make the Dressing: Blend balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt and optional mayonnaise for added creaminess. You can use a food processor or an immersion blender for the best results. Feel free to add a clove or two of garlic.
Once all your elements are ready, simply assemble them in your bowl!
Meal Prep Magic
This grain bowl is an ideal meal prep solution:
- Store roasted veggies, rice and dried cherries together. They get better as they soak in the dressing.
- Keep leafy greens, cheese, and nuts separate to maintain their freshness.
- When ready to eat, combine everything and enjoy!
Ideas to Customize
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to mix and match:
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu for extra protein.
- Grain Alternatives: Use quinoa, farro, or any of your favorite grains instead of wild rice.
- Veggie Swaps: Don't like beets? Use carrots, parsnips, or cauliflower instead. Get pre-cooked beets for convenience.
- Cheese Variety: Swap goat cheese for feta, Parmesan, or any crumbly cheese you enjoy. For a vegan option omit the cheese and mayonnaise.
- Nut/Seed Options: Use any seed or nut you like in place of the pistachios
- Dressing Options: Feel free to use your favorite dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different grain?
Yes, quinoa, farro, or any other preferred grain can be substituted for wild rice.
What vegetables can I include?
Roasted carrots, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are all excellent additions to this bowl.
Can I swap out the cheese?
Absolutely! Parmesan, feta, blue cheese, or even pan-fried halloumi can be used instead of goat cheese.
How can I make this a more filling meal?
Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or a fried egg for extra protein.
Is it possible to make this vegan?
Yes, skip the cheese and the mayonnaise for a vegan version of this bowl.
Recipe
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 3 large golden or red beets, cubed
- 3 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
- Olive oil and salt for roasting
- 1 cup uncooked wild rice
- ½ cup dried cherries
- 8-10 cups shredded kale
- ¾ cup crumbled goat cheese
- ¾ cup pistachios
Balsamic Dressing
- ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Toss cubed beets and sweet potatoes with olive oil and salt. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes. Cook wild rice per the package directions.
- In a blender or food processor, combine all the dressing ingredients and blend until smooth.
- Combine the roasted vegetables, wild rice, and dried cherries in a large bowl. Toss with a bit of dressing.
- To serve, place kale in a bowl and top with the wild rice salad. Sprinkle with goat cheese, pistachios, and add extra dressing.
Notes
- For meal prepping, store sweet potatoes, beets, and wild rice together, combine with kale, goat cheese, pistachios, and dressing before serving.
- This bowl is part of our best healthy meal prep recipes collection.
Enjoy this bowl as a hearty lunch, a breakfast hash with a fried egg, or a satisfying dinner with added protein. It's the perfect way to savor the goodness of winter's bounty!