Harvest Bowls

Harvest bowls are a delicious way to meal prep a packed lunch for the week. They're filled with tender chicken, a rainbow of colorful vegetables, hearty grains, fruit, nuts, and even cheese! What more could you want in a healthy lunch? Consider this recipe a template and feel free swap in any number of your favorite produce, meat, or toppings. Build-your-own-bowl meals like this one are especially perfect when you're feeding a group—just set out all the fixings and let everyone go to town.

What is in a harvest bowl?

Harvest bowls features layer upon layer of texture and flavor. The base is a wild rice blend cooked in flavorful broth. Baby kale makes this feel more like a salad grain bowl, and superstar fall vegetables like sweet potato and Brussels sprouts lend sweet, roasted goodness to the dish. Top the rice bowls with tender chicken, crunchy apples, tangy goat cheese, chopped almonds, and a homemade balsamic vinaigrette.

What else can you use to make a harvest bowl?

Don't be afraid to make substitutions! The wild rice can easily be swapped for brown rice, white rice, farro, quinoa, or couscous. Just be sure to follow the liquid amounts and timing on the package. Instead of baby kale, try chopped regular kale, spinach, or spring greens. If you're a fan of butternut squash and broccoli, use those in place of the sweet potato and Brussels sprouts. Apples can be traded for pears, goat cheese for feta or parmesan, and almonds for pecans. The possibilities are endless!

Is there meat in a harvest bowl?

This recipe calls for one rotisserie chicken—one of the best kitchen shortcuts. Leftover roast pork, drained and rinsed canned beans, roasted chickpeas, or even popcorn chicken can be tossed in for some protein.

What's the best way to assemble harvest bowls for meal prep?

There are a few different ways you can prep harvest bowls for future meals. You can fully assemble the bowls for cold lunch, waiting to add the apple (so it doesn't brown) and dressing just before serving. Or, if you prefer hot rice, chicken, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, you can store those in one container and the kale, cheese, and almonds in a separate container. Heat the rice, chicken, and veggies in the microwave for about 30 seconds until heated through, combine with the other ingredients, top with the apple and drizzle with dressing.

How long will the balsamic vinaigrette last in the fridge?

The homemade dressing will last for up to one week stored in the refrigerator. Be sure to give it a good shake before drizzling it over your bowl.