Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

This Harvest Bowl brings together the best flavors of autumn in one nourishing, hearty dish. The roasted sweet potatoes lend a caramelized sweetness, the crisp apple slices add refreshing crunch, and the creamy goat cheese ties everything together with tangy richness. Combined with a base of hearty grains and kale, it’s the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition.

What makes this dish even more special is its versatility, you can swap out the grains, nuts, or cheese to fit your preferences. It’s meal-prep friendly, satisfying enough for dinner, and packed with wholesome ingredients that fuel your body. Whether you’re recreating your favorite restaurant bowl at home or looking for a new go-to salad, this recipe is a true seasonal delight.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup wild rice or brown rice, cooked

• 2 cups kale, chopped

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 apple, thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup goat cheese, crumbled

• 1/4 cup roasted almonds or pecans

• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the balsamic dressing:

• 1/4 cup olive oil

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss cubed sweet potato with olive oil, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

3. Prepare the balsamic dressing by whisking together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

4. In a large bowl, massage chopped kale with a small drizzle of dressing until softened.

5. Add the cooked rice, roasted sweet potato, sliced apple, goat cheese, and nuts to the bowl.

6. Drizzle with remaining dressing, toss gently, and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Ultimate Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl Copycat

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, hearty bowl packed with vibrant flavors, wholesome grains, and nourishing vegetables. That’s exactly why the Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl has become a cult favorite. Bursting with roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apples, creamy goat cheese, and earthy kale, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel full, satisfied, and energized all at once.

Recreating this restaurant classic at home isn’t just possible, it’s surprisingly easy. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little time in the kitchen, you can whip up a meal that rivals the original in both flavor and freshness. And the best part? Making it yourself gives you complete freedom to adjust it exactly to your taste, dietary preferences, and budget.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Harvest Bowl: from its seasonal inspiration to detailed ingredient breakdowns, clever substitutions, and even tips for meal prep. By the end, you’ll not only be able to cook it but also make it your own signature dish.

Why the Harvest Bowl is So Loved

The Harvest Bowl is more than just a salad; it’s a power bowl. Unlike lighter salads that sometimes leave you hungry an hour later, this one is built to satisfy. It combines multiple food groups into a single, colorful dish: grains for energy, leafy greens for vitamins, protein-rich cheese and nuts for balance, and fruits and veggies for flavor and texture.

The inspiration behind this bowl is seasonal eating. Autumn, with its abundance of root vegetables and crisp fruits, sets the stage for a cozy yet refreshing dish. By leaning into fall produce like sweet potatoes and apples, the bowl feels comforting and festive. But the beauty of the Harvest Bowl is that it works year-round. Swap apples for pears in the winter, add strawberries in the spring, or toss in grilled peaches during summer, the possibilities are endless.

Ingredient Spotlight

Let’s break down the key ingredients that make this bowl a standout.

1. Sweet Potatoes

The roasted sweet potatoes are the star of the show. Naturally sweet and slightly nutty, they bring depth and warmth to the bowl. Roasting enhances their caramel-like notes, especially when paired with smoked paprika and cinnamon. Sweet potatoes are also nutritional powerhouses, rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium.

2. Kale

Kale isn’t just a garnish here, it’s the foundation. When massaged with dressing, kale transforms from tough and bitter to tender and flavorful. This dark leafy green is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus plenty of antioxidants. Kale also holds up well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep.

3. Grains

A hearty grain like wild rice, brown rice, or quinoa adds substance. Wild rice offers a slightly nutty, chewy texture that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes. These grains not only make the bowl filling but also provide fiber and slow-digesting carbs to keep energy levels stable throughout the day.

4. Apples

Thinly sliced apples bring a refreshing crunch and natural sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and grains. Varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady work especially well. You can also switch things up with pears for a more delicate, floral sweetness.

5. Goat Cheese

Creamy, tangy goat cheese is the flavor connector. It balances the sweetness of the apples and potatoes while adding a velvety texture. If you’re dairy-free, you can swap goat cheese for a vegan cheese crumble or even avocado slices for creaminess.

6. Nuts

Roasted pecans or almonds add crunch and a toasted, nutty flavor. Nuts also contribute healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying bite that makes the bowl more balanced.

7. Maple Balsamic Dressing

The final flourish is the dressing, a simple combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup. It ties everything together with sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Unlike heavy cream-based dressings, this one is light yet flavorful, allowing the ingredients to shine.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about making the Harvest Bowl at home is how adaptable it is. Here are some creative variations:

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, roasted salmon, chickpeas, or tofu for extra protein.

• Different Grains: Swap wild rice for quinoa, farro, couscous, or even lentils for a unique twist.

• Cheese Alternatives: Feta, blue cheese, or shaved Parmesan can stand in for goat cheese.

• Nuts & Seeds: Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or walnuts can replace almonds or pecans.

• Dressing Options: A tahini-lemon dressing or apple cider vinaigrette would be equally delicious.

• Seasonal Produce: Swap apples for pears, add roasted Brussels sprouts, or include dried cranberries for extra sweetness.

Tips for Meal Prep

The Harvest Bowl is a meal prep dream. Here’s how to make it work for busy weeks:

1. Cook Grains in Bulk: Prepare a large batch of rice or quinoa and store it in the fridge.

2. Roast Extra Veggies: Double the sweet potatoes or add other veggies like carrots or beets while the oven is on.

3. Store Components Separately: Keep kale, grains, and toppings in individual containers to maintain freshness.

4. Dressing on the Side: Always add dressing just before eating to keep greens crisp.

5. Grab-and-Go Jars: Layer ingredients in mason jars for easy lunch prep, grains at the bottom, dressing next, then veggies, with kale and cheese on top.

Nutritional Benefits

Beyond its delicious taste, this bowl offers a well-rounded nutrient profile:

• Complex Carbs: From wild rice and sweet potatoes for long-lasting energy.

• Healthy Fats: From olive oil and nuts, supporting heart health.

• Fiber: From kale, apples, and grains to aid digestion.

• Protein: From goat cheese and nuts (plus optional add-ins like chicken or tofu).

• Micronutrients: Vitamins A, C, K, calcium, iron, and antioxidants all in one bowl.

This balance makes it an excellent option for anyone seeking a meal that’s not only satisfying but also truly nourishing.

Serving Suggestions

While the Harvest Bowl is a complete meal on its own, you can easily pair it with sides or make it part of a larger spread:

• With Soup: Pair with a creamy butternut squash or tomato soup for a cozy fall dinner.

• With Bread: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or multigrain bread.

• As a Side Dish: A smaller portion works well as a side to roasted meats or grilled fish.

• Party Platter: Create a DIY Harvest Bowl station where guests can build their own bowls with toppings of choice.

The Joy of Homemade Bowls

Part of what makes this recipe so satisfying isn’t just the flavors, it’s the act of building your own bowl. There’s something almost meditative about layering the grains, greens, roasted vegetables, and toppings. It’s a dish that engages all the senses: the colors are vibrant, the textures varied, and the flavors balanced between sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy.

Cooking at home also makes this dish more affordable compared to buying it at a restaurant every week. With simple pantry ingredients and seasonal produce, you can recreate that gourmet restaurant experience in your own kitchen.

Conclusion

The Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl is more than just a trendy menu item, it’s a wholesome, versatile, and delicious meal that you can enjoy any time of year. By making it at home, you not only save money but also gain the freedom to tailor it exactly to your liking. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy fall dinner, a prepped weekday lunch, or a shareable meal for family and friends, this bowl truly delivers on both nutrition and flavor.

So the next time you crave something that’s hearty yet refreshing, comforting yet healthy, look no further than this Harvest Bowl. It’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring, it can be vibrant, satisfying, and deeply nourishing.