The Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl is a delicious and satisfying dish that captures the essence of fall in every bite. This grain bowl combines juicy marinated chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, and crisp apples, topped off with creamy goat cheese and a tangy balsamic dressing. It’s perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner and an excellent choice for meal prep, making it suitable for busy weekdays or cozy weekends. Whether you’re hosting friends or looking for a nutritious meal on the go, this bowl won’t disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of marinated chicken and roasted veggies brings a symphony of flavors that make each bite delightful.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this bowl in just an hour.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is ideal for batch cooking; enjoy it throughout the week without compromising on taste.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Health-Conscious: Packed with nutrients, this harvest bowl is gluten-free and can be made dairy-free easily.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly during preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large glass baking dish or plastic bag
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pot for rice
- Immersion blender or fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Large glass baking dish or plastic bag: Ideal for marinating chicken evenly, ensuring great flavor absorption.
- Baking sheet: Perfect for roasting vegetables and chicken at once, maximizing efficiency in the kitchen.
- Immersion blender: Makes creating a smooth dressing easy, but you can use a fork if preferred.
Ingredients
Copycat Sweetgreen harvest bowl with juicy marinated chicken, roasted sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts, apples, pecans, goat cheese, and a creamy balsamic dressing. It’s makes a delicious and flavor-packed grain bowl for a healthy lunch or dinner and is perfect for meal prep. Gluten-free and easily made dairy-free.
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
For the Grains & Veggies
- 2/3 cups sprouted brown rice (uncooked)
- 2 small sweet potatoes, diced (10 ounces)
- 1 pound brussel sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
For Toppings
- 1 large apple (175 grams)
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup goat cheese (2 ounces)
- 8 packed cups baby kale (8 ounces)
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1-2 tablespoons water (or more for thinning it out)
- Salt to taste
How to Make Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl
Step 1: Marinate Your Chicken
Add the chicken thighs, coconut aminos, garlic powder, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to a large glass baking dish or plastic bag. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with spices. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 400°F. Roast the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 35-45 minutes until fully cooked.
Step 2: Roast Your Veggies
On another large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, add diced sweet potatoes and halved brussel sprouts. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place this sheet in the oven alongside the chicken for about 35-45 minutes until they are tender.
Step 3: Make Your Rice
In a pot, combine rinsed sprouted brown rice with water or broth according to package instructions. Cook until fluffy.
Step 4: Prepare the Dressing
In a small jar or bowl, combine balsamic vinegar, almond butter, salt, and one tablespoon of water. Use an immersion blender to mix thoroughly until smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, gradually add more water until you reach desired thickness.
Step 5: Prep Remaining Ingredients
As your rice cooks and veggies roast, dice the apple into bite-sized pieces. Crumble the goat cheese into small chunks and roughly chop the pecans.
Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls
Divide baby kale among serving bowls as your base layer. Then evenly distribute cooked rice, marinated chicken slices, roasted veggies, diced apple pieces, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped pecans on top.
Step 7: Serve with Dressing
Drizzle your creamy balsamic dressing over each assembled bowl just before serving.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Dig in! Enjoy your flavorful Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl!
How to Serve Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl
Serving the Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl is an opportunity to get creative while ensuring a delicious and nutritious meal. This bowl can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences, making it perfect for any occasion.
For a Hearty Lunch
- Add Quinoa: Replace or complement the brown rice with quinoa for added protein and a nutty flavor.
- Include Hummus: A dollop of hummus can add creaminess and enhance the flavors in your bowl.
For Dinner Gatherings
- Serve Family-Style: Place all components in separate bowls, allowing guests to build their own Harvest Bowls.
- Pair with Wine: A light white wine or rosé pairs beautifully with the flavors of this dish.
For Meal Prep
- Pack Individual Portions: Divide the ingredients into meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
- Use Mason Jars: Layer ingredients in mason jars; they stay fresh longer and are visually appealing.
As a Side Dish
- Serve as a Side Salad: Pair smaller portions of the Harvest Bowl with other main dishes as a fresh side salad option.
How to Perfect Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl
Making the perfect Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl involves attention to detail and some thoughtful preparation. Here are some tips to enhance your bowl:
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest vegetables and fruits available for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Marinate Longer: Allow your chicken to marinate for more than 30 minutes if possible, enhancing its flavor.
- Roast Veggies Perfectly: Keep an eye on roasting times to ensure your sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts are tender but not overcooked.
- Adjust Dressing Consistency: If you prefer a thinner dressing, gradually add more water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with Greens: While baby kale is great, try using spinach or arugula for different textures and flavors.
- Add Seasonal Ingredients: Incorporate seasonal fruits or nuts like pomegranate seeds or walnuts for added taste and visual appeal.
Best Side Dishes for Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl
Complementing your Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds a delightful texture contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies can enhance the freshness of your harvest bowl.
- Crispy Chickpeas: These provide an extra crunch and boost protein content.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up the meal and offer natural sweetness.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw pairs well with the richness of goat cheese in the bowl.
- Soup of the Day: A light soup, like tomato basil, makes a comforting addition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing the Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your bowl turns out perfectly.
- Skipping the marinade step: Marinating the chicken is crucial for flavor. Don’t rush this process; allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Overcooking vegetables: Roasting times can vary. Check your veggies at 35 minutes to avoid mushy sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts.
- Not measuring ingredients: Accurate measurements are key in achieving the desired taste and texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Ignoring the dressing consistency: The creamy balsamic dressing should be smooth. If it’s too thick, gradually add water until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Forgetting about meal prep: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Make extra servings and store them for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl
- You can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers.
- It will maintain its best quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bowl on a baking sheet and reheat for about 15-20 minutes or until warm.
- Microwave: Transfer your portion to a microwave-safe dish. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking and heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl?
The Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl is a delicious grain bowl featuring marinated chicken, roasted vegetables, fresh greens, nuts, and a creamy balsamic dressing.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make the Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl dairy-free by omitting goat cheese or substituting it with a dairy-free alternative.
How long does it take to prepare the Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl?
This recipe takes about 60 minutes from start to finish, including both preparation and cooking time.
What can I substitute for sprouted brown rice?
If you don’t have sprouted brown rice, you can use quinoa or regular brown rice as alternatives in your Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl.
How do I customize my Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl?
Feel free to customize your bowl by adding other proteins like tofu or shrimp, swapping out vegetables based on seasonal produce, or using different grains such as farro or barley.
Final Thoughts
The Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it based on your dietary preferences and seasonal ingredients. Whether you enjoy it for lunch or dinner, this healthy grain bowl is sure to satisfy your cravings while providing nourishment. Give it a try and feel free to customize it according to your taste!
Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl
Indulge in the comforting flavors of the Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl, a delightful grain bowl that encapsulates the essence of fall. This nourishing dish features juicy marinated chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and brussel sprouts, all complemented by crisp apples and creamy goat cheese. Drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing, this bowl is perfect for healthy lunches or dinners and makes an excellent meal prep option for busy weeks. With its vibrant colors and hearty ingredients, the Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl not only satisfies your hunger but also delights your taste buds with every bite.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 2/3 cup sprouted brown rice (uncooked)
- 2 small sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 pound brussel sprouts, halved
- 1 large apple, diced
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup goat cheese
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons almond butter
- 1–2 tablespoons water (or more for thinning it out)
- 1/3 cup coconut aminos
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 8 packed cups baby kale (8 ounces)
Instructions
- Marinate chicken with coconut aminos, garlic powder, ginger, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and roast marinated chicken on a baking sheet for 35-45 minutes until fully cooked.
- On another baking sheet, roast sweet potatoes and brussel sprouts for the same duration until tender.
- Cook sprouted brown rice according to package instructions.
- Make the dressing by blending balsamic vinegar and almond butter until smooth; add water to desired consistency.
- Assemble bowls with baby kale as a base topped with rice, chicken slices, roasted veggies, apple pieces, pecans, crumbled goat cheese, and drizzle with dressing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added flavor, let the chicken marinate longer if time permits. Customize the bowl by swapping grains or adding other seasonal vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.
