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Autumn Harvest Grain Bowls (with Cinnamon Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette) – A Cozy & Nourishing Fall Dinner

Autumn is the season of crisp air, cozy sweaters, and of course, comforting meals packed with warm flavors. These Autumn Harvest Grain Bowls bring all of that to your dinner table in one nourishing, colorful dish. Featuring a hearty base of quinoa and wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, kale, crisp apples, smoky cheese, crunchy nuts, and tender chicken, these bowls are layered with texture and flavor. What really makes them shine is the homemade Cinnamon Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette, a sweet-savory dressing that ties everything together. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a festive fall gathering, these bowls are as satisfying as they are beautiful.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein:
  • 1 cup rotisserie chicken or poached chicken shredded
Vegetables & Fruit:
  • 1 large sweet potato cubed
  • 1 bunch kale stems removed, chopped
  • 1 large apple sliced
  • 1 small red onion sliced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • ½ heaping tsp fresh rosemary
  • ½ heaping tsp fresh thyme
Grains:
  • 2 cups quinoa cooked
  • 2 cups wild rice cooked
Seasonings:
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
Oil & Vinegar:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for roasting
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil for vinaigrette
  • ¼ cup aged balsamic vinegar
Sweetener:
  • 1 ½ tbsp pure maple syrup
Nuts & Cheese:
  • ½ cup walnuts or pecans toasted
  • ½ cup smoked gouda or sharp white cheddar cubed or shredded

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet (for roasting sweet potatoes)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Small jar or whisk (for vinaigrette)
  • Sharp knife & cutting board
  • Large skillet or saucepan (if cooking grains from scratch)

Method
 

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  3. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until golden and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette
  1. In a small jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, cinnamon, garlic, rosemary, and thyme.
  2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil, whisking until smooth and emulsified.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 3: Assemble the Grain Base
  1. Divide cooked quinoa and wild rice into bowls.
Step 4: Add Veggies & Protein
  1. Top each bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, kale, apple slices, red onion, and shredded chicken.
  2. Sprinkle with nuts and cheese.
Step 5: Dress & Serve
  1. Drizzle generously with cinnamon maple balsamic vinaigrette.
  2. Toss lightly and enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: Store bowls (without dressing) in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Dressing: Keep vinaigrette in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Reheating: Warm grains and sweet potatoes before assembling; add dressing fresh.
🥄 Variations
Vegetarian: Skip the chicken or replace with roasted chickpeas.
Vegan: Omit cheese and use a plant-based option.
Nut-Free: Replace walnuts/pecans with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
Extra Protein: Add a fried or poached egg on top.
Different Grains: Swap quinoa/wild rice for farro, barley, or brown rice.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or meal-prepped chicken works great.
2. Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, store in the fridge for up to a week. Shake before using.
3. Do I have to massage the kale?
Yes, massaging kale with a little olive oil makes it softer and less bitter.
4. Can I swap the apple for another fruit?
Pears, dried cranberries, or figs work beautifully.
5. What nuts work best?
Walnuts, pecans, or even hazelnuts for extra fall flavor.
6. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, all listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
7. How can I make it more filling?
Double the chicken or add chickpeas for extra protein.
8. Can I serve this cold?
Yes, it makes a great chilled meal prep bowl.
9. Do I have to use wild rice?
No, but wild rice adds a chewy texture and nutty flavor.
10. Can I roast other veggies?
Yes, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or parsnips fit perfectly.
🏁 Conclusion
These Autumn Harvest Grain Bowls with Cinnamon Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette capture the very essence of fall in one hearty, colorful dish. Sweet roasted vegetables, nutty grains, crisp apple, smoky cheese, and tender chicken all come together under a sweet-savory vinaigrette that’s warm and inviting.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, prepping healthy lunches for the week, or looking for a festive dish to serve at a fall gathering, this recipe delivers both nutrition and comfort in every bite.