Kale Harvest Grain Bowl (Printable Version)

Nutrient-packed bowl with kale, quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, apple, pomegranate, and pepitas in tangy dressing.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 (pumpkin seeds)

→ 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

# How-To Steps:

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 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and tender.
02 - While potatoes roast, combine rinsed quinoa with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes 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 1-2 minutes until softened and darkened in color.
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 evenly among four bowls. Top each with equal portions of cooked quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, diced apple, pomegranate seeds, and pepitas.
06 - Drizzle prepared dressing over each bowl just before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect, even though it feels like something you spent all day preparing.
  • The sweet, tart, and earthy flavors balance so perfectly that you'll find yourself reaching for it again and again.
  • Everything can be prepped ahead, making it ideal for those mornings when you want something nourishing but don't have much time.
02 -
  • The kale massage is not optional—it transforms tough, chewy leaves into something tender and pleasant that you'll actually want to eat.
  • Dress the bowls at the very last moment, or the kale will wilt and the apple will brown, losing all that fresh, crisp appeal.
03 -
  • Make a big batch of the dressing and keep it in a jar in your fridge—it works on other salads and grain bowls for the whole week.
  • If your pomegranates feel heavy and full when you buy them, they'll have significantly more juice and seeds than lighter ones.
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