Kale Harvest Grain Bowl (Printer-Friendly)

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

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# Method:

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 - While potatoes roast, combine quinoa with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. 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 quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, diced apple, pomegranate seeds, and pepitas.
06 - Drizzle dressing over each bowl just before serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It tastes like fall and sunshine had a baby, with every forkful delivering crunch, sweetness, and tang all at once.
  • You can prep the components ahead and toss them together in under five minutes when hunger strikes.
  • Even people who claim they hate kale ask for seconds once theyve tried the massage trick.
02 -
  • Dont skip massaging the kale or youll end up with a bowl of something that tastes like youre eating the lawn.
  • If you add the dressing too early, the apple and kale will get soggy and sad, so wait until the last possible moment.
  • Roast your sweet potatoes in a single layer with space between them, or theyll steam instead of caramelize.
03 -
  • Toast your pepitas in a dry skillet for three minutes before adding them to the bowl, and theyll taste twice as good.
  • If your kale is especially tough or mature, let it sit with the salt and oil for five minutes before massaging it to really break down the fibers.
  • Make a double batch of the dressing and keep it in a jar in the fridge for salads all week long.
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