Kale Harvest Grain Bowl (Printable)

Colorful bowl of kale, quinoa, sweet potatoes, apple, pomegranate, and pepitas with a bright homemade 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

→ Dressing

10 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
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, 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 1–2 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 each bowl with dressing just before serving.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour and tastes like you fussed for days.
  • Each component can be prepped ahead, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd without stress.
  • The combination of warm roasted potatoes against crisp apples and juicy pomegranate creates this satisfying contrast that keeps you coming back for another bite.
02 -
  • The kale massage is absolutely essential—don't skip it or rush it, or your bowl will feel like eating a salad rather than eating something intentionally composed.
  • If you make this ahead, keep the components separate and only assemble right before eating; the dressing can sit in a jar for up to five days.
03 -
  • Make the dressing in a jar and shake it vigorously instead of whisking—the shaking helps emulsify it better and means you have less to wash.
  • If your pomegranate seeds are bitter, soak them in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the bowl; it mellows them out.
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