Warm Salad Bowl (Print Version)

Hearty grain bowl with roasted vegetables and warm vinaigrette

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup quinoa or brown rice, rinsed
02 - 2 cups water or vegetable broth

→ Roasted Vegetables

03 - 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
04 - 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
05 - 1 small red onion, sliced
06 - 1 small zucchini, sliced
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Greens

10 - 4 cups baby spinach or kale, stems removed

→ Warm Vinaigrette

11 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
12 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
13 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
14 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
15 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
16 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Toppings

17 - 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
18 - 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
19 - Fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro, chopped

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss sweet potato, bell pepper, onion, and zucchini with 2 tablespoons olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and golden.
03 - Combine quinoa or brown rice and water or broth in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes for quinoa or according to package directions for rice, until grains are tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
04 - In a small pan over low heat, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until just warm, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
05 - In a large bowl, toss spinach or kale with half the warm vinaigrette, allowing the greens to wilt slightly.
06 - Divide cooked grains among four bowls. Top with wilted greens, roasted vegetables, and optional toppings. Drizzle with remaining warm vinaigrette. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour, so weeknight dinners suddenly feel manageable without feeling boring.
  • The warm vinaigrette is the secret weapon that makes simple greens taste sophisticated and intentional.
  • You can prep components in advance and assemble bowls whenever hunger strikes, making it perfect for meal prep.
02 -
  • Don't skip roasting the vegetables at high heat—this is what gives them that caramelized flavor that makes the whole bowl taste intentional rather than just vegetable sides thrown together.
  • The warm vinaigrette is non-negotiable; cold dressing on warm greens and grains tastes flat and disappointing by comparison.
03 -
  • Toast your seeds in a dry pan for two minutes before eating to intensify their flavor—it's a small move that changes everything about how satisfying the bowl feels.
  • Taste the vinaigrette before pouring it on everything; sometimes you need a touch more vinegar or a bit more salt depending on your greens, so adjust it to your preference.
Go Back