Description
Autumn Harvest Power Bowl
Ingredients
2 cups mixed greens (kale, arugula, or spinach)
1 cup roasted sweet potato cubes
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
1/2 green apple, thinly sliced
1/4 red onion, sliced
2 tbsp candied pecans or walnuts
2 tbsp tahini dressing
Directions
Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
Assemble the Bowl:
Start with a bed of mixed greens in a bowl. Arrange roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, green apple slices, red onion, and candied nuts on top.
Drizzle and Serve:
Drizzle with tahini dressing and toss gently before serving. Enjoy this nutrient-packed, flavor-filled bowl!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 340 kcal per serving
#HealthyHarvest #AutumnBowl #PlantBasedEats #PowerBowl #SweetPotatoLovers #QuickMeals
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube one medium sweet potato into 1-inch pieces. Toss the cubes in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Spread the sweet potato cubes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are fork-tender and have crispy, caramelized edges. Let them cool slightly.
3. While the sweet potatoes roast, prepare your other components. Rinse and drain the chickpeas. Thinly slice half a green apple and a quarter of a red onion. If making your own candied nuts, quickly toast pecans in a pan with a touch of maple syrup until glossy.
4. In a large, shallow bowl, create a base with your chosen mixed greens. Arrange the warm roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, apple slices, red onion, and candied nuts in distinct sections over the greens for visual appeal.
5. Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of tahini dressing (whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic, and salt) generously over the entire bowl. Serve immediately, tossing at the table.
Serving Suggestions
This bowl is highly adaptable. For a heartier meal, add a scoop of quinoa or farro. Crumble in some goat cheese or feta for a creamy, tangy contrast. Swap the tahini for a maple-dijon vinaigrette to complement the autumn flavors. Serve it as a vibrant main course for lunch or a light dinner, or pack the components separately for a perfect next-day desk lunch.
How-to Summary
Cube and roast sweet potatoes with oil and seasoning. Prepare fresh ingredients: slice apple and onion, rinse chickpeas. Arrange a bed of greens and top with all components. Finish with a generous drizzle of tahini dressing and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this bowl ahead of time? Yes, for meal prep, store all components separately in airtight containers. Keep the dressing on the side. Assemble just before eating to prevent soggy greens.
What’s a good substitute for tahini dressing? A simple lemon vinaigrette, yogurt-based herb sauce, or even a balsamic glaze would work beautifully.
How can I make the chickpeas crispier? Pat them very dry, toss with a little oil and spices, and roast them on a separate tray alongside the sweet potatoes for the last 15-20 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free and vegan? Yes, as written with the specified ingredients, this bowl is naturally both gluten-free and vegan.
Can I use a different type of nut? Absolutely. Candied walnuts, pepitas, or even simple toasted almonds are excellent alternatives to pecans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcrowding the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet, as this steams them instead of roasting. Do not skip drying your chickpeas if roasting them. Prevent the apple slices from browning by tossing them with a little lemon juice. Finally, don’t overdress the bowl; add dressing gradually to avoid wilting the greens.
Conclusion
The Autumn Harvest Power Bowl is more than a meal; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors and textures in one convenient dish. It perfectly balances hearty roasted vegetables, crisp fruit, plant-based protein, and a rich, creamy dressing. Highly customizable and packed with nutrients, this bowl is a simple, satisfying way to enjoy the best of fall produce any day of the week.