Warm Salad Bowl

A nourishing and comforting dish, the Warm Salad Bowl is a vibrant celebration of wholesome ingredients. Featuring tender warm grains, perfectly roasted vegetables, and hearty greens, this meal is finished with a zesty warm vinaigrette that makes it perfect for a satisfying lunch or a light, healthful dinner.

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This recipe offers a delightful interplay of textures and temperatures. The heat from the freshly cooked quinoa and roasted sweet potatoes gently wilts the baby spinach, creating a cohesive bowl that feels both fresh and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

• Grains: 1 cup quinoa or brown rice (rinsed), 2 cups water or vegetable broth.
• Roasted Vegetables: 1 medium sweet potato (peeled and cubed), 1 red bell pepper (cut into strips), 1 small red onion (sliced), 1 small zucchini (sliced), 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, Salt and pepper to taste.
• Greens: 4 cups baby spinach or kale (stems removed).
• Warm Vinaigrette: 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup, 1 small garlic clove (minced), Salt and pepper.
• Toppings (optional): 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese, 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Roast

Toss the sweet potato, bell pepper, onion, and zucchini with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway, until golden and tender.

Step 3: Grains

In a saucepan, combine grains with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low for 15–20 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.

Step 4: Vinaigrette

In a small pan over low heat, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper for 1–2 minutes until just warm.

Step 5: Wilt

In a large bowl, toss the greens with half of the warm vinaigrette so they wilt slightly.

Step 6: Assemble

Divide the grains into four bowls. Top with the wilted greens, roasted vegetables, and optional toppings. Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette and serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure success, have your baking sheet, saucepan, and whisk ready. Please be aware that this dish contains mustard and may contain dairy if cheese is added. Always check your ingredient labels if you have specific allergies.

Varianten und Anpassungen

You can easily customize this bowl by substituting the grains with farro or millet. For an extra boost of protein, add roasted chickpeas. To keep the recipe strictly vegan, simply omit the cheese crumbles.

Serviervorschläge

This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing herbal iced tea. Each serving contains approximately 390 calories, 9g of protein, and 52g of carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded choice for any day of the week.

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Whether enjoyed as a cozy dinner or prepped for a healthy lunch, the Warm Salad Bowl is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a truly sophisticated and flavorful meal. Enjoy every nourishing bite!

Recipe FAQs

→ What grains work best for this bowl?

Quinoa and brown rice are excellent choices that cook in 15-20 minutes. Farro and millet also work beautifully for different textures and flavors.

→ Can I make this bowl ahead?

Yes! Roast vegetables and cook grains up to 3 days ahead. Reheat vegetables and grains before assembling with fresh greens and warm vinaigrette.

→ How do I make it vegan?

Simply skip the cheese topping or use a plant-based alternative. The maple syrup in the vinaigrette keeps it fully vegan-friendly.

→ What vegetables can I substitute?

Try butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or eggplant. Root vegetables roast beautifully alongside the seasonal vegetables listed.

→ Why warm vinaigrette instead of cold?

The gentle warmth helps wilt the greens slightly and enhances the absorption of flavors into the vegetables and grains for a cohesive taste.

→ How can I add more protein?

Add roasted chickpeas, baked tofu, or grilled chicken. The bowl also pairs well with a hard-boiled egg or lentils for extra substance.