This winter grain bowl is a celebration of seasonal flavors and textures. Sweet, roasted root vegetables mingle with earthy wild rice, bursts of dried fruit, and a bed of hearty kale. Creamy goat cheese adds a touch of luxury, while the homemade balsamic dressing ties everything together with a tangy, sweet punch. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make – perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch. Trust me, this bowl is a winter winner that will leave you feeling nourished and satisfied.
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beets | 3 large, golden or red, cubed |
| Sweet Potatoes | 3 medium, cubed |
| Olive Oil | To taste, for roasting |
| Salt | To taste, for roasting |
| Wild Rice | 1 cup, uncooked |
| Dried Cherries | ½ cup |
| Kale | 8-10 cups, shredded |
| Goat Cheese | ¾ cup, crumbled |
| Pistachios | ¾ cup |
Balsamic Dressing
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Balsamic Vinegar | ¼ cup |
| Olive Oil | 1 cup |
| Mayonnaise | 2 tablespoons (optional, for extra creaminess) |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Dijon Mustard | 2 teaspoons |
Instructions
- Roast the Veggies: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the cubed beets and sweet potatoes with a drizzle of olive oil and salt. Spread them out on baking sheets lined with parchment paper and roast for 30 minutes.
- Cook the Wild Rice: While the vegetables roast, cook the wild rice according to the package instructions.
- Make the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine all the dressing ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bowl: In a large bowl, combine the roasted vegetables, cooked wild rice, and dried cherries. Toss with a bit of the balsamic dressing (you can adjust the amount to your preference). This mixture can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few days.
- Serve it Up: To assemble the bowls, pile some of the prepped wild rice salad on a bed of kale. Top with crumbled goat cheese, pistachios, and a generous drizzle of the balsamic dressing. It’s a winter wellness bowl in a delicious package!
Tips
- This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Simply store the roasted vegetables, wild rice, and dressing together in an airtight container. When ready to serve, assemble the bowls with fresh kale, goat cheese, and pistachios.
- Feel free to customize this bowl with your favorite winter vegetables. Butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, or parsnips would all be delicious additions.
Nutritional Information per Serving (approximate)
This information is based on a serving size of one bowl without the optional mayonnaise in the dressing.
- Calories: 529
- Fat: 37g
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 44g
