In a world were fresh, vibrant flavors reign supreme, Sweetgreen’s Harvest Bowl has carved out a special place in the hearts (and lunchboxes) of salad enthusiasts everywhere. But what if you could bring that perfect harmony of crisp greens, roasted goodness, and tangy dressings right into your own kitchen? Welcome to the ultimate DIY Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl experience-a fresh and flavorful copycat recipe that lets you savor all the wholesome magic without leaving home. Whether you’re a salad savant or a curious culinary adventurer, this guide will help you recreate that iconic bowl from scratch, bursting with seasonal ingredients and mouthwatering textures.Ready to dive in? Let’s harvest happiness, one bite at a time.
DIY Sweetgreen harvest bowl recipes come alive when made with thoughtfully chosen fresh ingredients and layers of bold, inviting flavors. This copycat version captures the essence of the beloved restaurant classic by spotlighting vibrant seasonal vegetables, toasted pecans, and the irresistible warmth of roasted sweet potatoes. As you embark on creating this dish,the magic truly begins in the kitchen with the careful selection of crisp,farm-fresh produce and crafting a luscious Maple-Dijon dressing that ties every element together with a delightful tang and subtle sweetness.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 hearty portions
Difficulty level
easy – perfect for weekday meals or weekend gatherings
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby kale, spinach, and arugula work beautifully)
- ½ cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries (optional, for a sweet note)
- ½ cup cooked quinoa (cooled)
- 1 small apple, thinly sliced (Gala or Honeycrisp preferred)
- For the Maple-Dijon Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and black pepper.Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and tender.
- Toast the Pecans: While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a dry skillet over medium heat.Add pecans and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Remove from heat and roughly chop once cooled.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and salt & pepper. drizzle in olive oil slowly while whisking constantly until the dressing emulsifies and thickens.
- Assemble the Bowl: Start with a generous bed of mixed greens,sprinkle cooked quinoa evenly,then layer roasted sweet potatoes,apple slices,dried cranberries,and toasted pecans. Drizzle the Maple-dijon dressing over the bowl just before serving.
- Add Final Touches: For an added crunch and a burst of freshness, garnish with thinly sliced scallions or a sprinkle of goat cheese if desired.
Tips for Customizing Your Bowl to Suit every taste and Dietary Need
The beauty of this DIY Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl lies in its versatility. Feel free to swap quinoa for brown rice or farro for a nuttier grain option. For a vegan version, omit any cheese additions and ensure your dressing ingredients are plant-based. Swap pecans for walnuts or roasted pumpkin seeds if allergies are a concern. To boost plant protein, add a scoop of chickpeas or your favorite cooked lentils. For a refreshing twist, try substituting dried cranberries with pomegranate seeds for jewel-like bursts of tanginess.
Chef’s Notes
- Sweet Potato Tips: Evenly sized cubes ensure uniform roasting and caramelization.
- Dressing Storage: This Maple-Dijon dressing can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature and whisk again before using.
- Greens Selection: Choose tender leaves to avoid overpowering bitterness; baby kale provides a perfect balance of texture and flavor.
- Make It Ahead: Roast sweet potatoes and toast pecans the day before to save time.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your harvest bowl slightly warm or at room temperature for the best balance of flavors.Pair it with a slice of crusty artisan bread or a light soup for a well-rounded meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to add vibrancy. A side of crisp apple slices complements the maple notes beautifully.
| Nutrient | per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
For more inspiration on wholesome bowls, check out our Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Bowl or learn about the powerful nutrition benefits of sweet potatoes on The British Nutrition Foundation.
Q&A
Q&A: DIY Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl – Fresh & Flavorful copycat recipe
Q1: What makes the Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl so popular?
A1: The Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl is celebrated for its vibrant balance of textures and flavors-crisp greens,roasted seasonal veggies,chewy grains,crunchy nuts,and a tangy maple tahini dressing. It’s a wholesome blend that feels both comforting and fresh, making it a perfect go-to for a nutritious meal.
Q2: Can I recreate the Harvest Bowl at home without fancy ingredients?
A2: Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Common kitchen staples like kale, sweet potatoes, apples, quinoa, goat cheese, and candied pecans can bring the bowl to life.With a few fresh produce picks and pantry essentials, you can assemble a bowl that rivals the Sweetgreen original.
Q3: How do I achieve the perfect roasted sweetness in the veggies?
A3: Roasting is key! Toss your cubed sweet potatoes (and any other root veggies you like) with olive oil,salt,pepper,and a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika for warmth. Roast at 400°F (200°C) until they’re tender and caramelized-usually around 25-30 minutes. This brings out a rich sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the crisp greens.
Q4: Is ther a way to make the mapley dressing vegan?
A4: Definitely! Sweetgreen’s dressing is naturally plant-based, relying on ingredients like maple syrup, tahini, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Simply mix thes for a creamy, tangy drizzle without any dairy or animal products involved.
Q5: What greens work best in this bowl?
A5: Kale is the classic choice for its sturdy texture and earthy flavor, but you can mix in baby spinach or arugula for added freshness and variety. Just massage the kale lightly with a bit of lemon juice or olive oil to soften it and make it easier to eat.
Q6: Can I prep this bowl in advance?
A6: Yes! Roast your veggies and cook your grains ahead of time to save assembly day. store them separately in airtight containers. Just wait to add your fresh greens and dressing so everything stays crisp and vibrant when you’re ready to eat.
Q7: What can I substitute if I don’t have goat cheese or pecans?
A7: For goat cheese, consider feta, or a soft vegan cheese if you prefer dairy-free.If pecans aren’t on hand, toasted walnuts or almonds add a similar crunch and nutty depth.
Q8: How can I customize the Harvest Bowl to suit my taste?
A8: The Harvest Bowl is highly versatile! Swap quinoa for brown rice or farro, add roasted beets or Brussels sprouts, or toss in dried cranberries for a tangy sweetness. The key is balancing sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy elements.
Q9: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep lunches?
A9: Perfectly! The Harvest Bowl stores beautifully when components are kept separate. Just pack your grains and roasted veggies in one container, greens in another, and dressing in a small vial. Combine when it’s lunchtime for a fresh, hearty meal.
Q10: what’s the secret to nailing the flavor of the original Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl at home?
A10: it’s all about layering textures and balancing flavors-roasted sweet potatoes to bring earthiness and caramelized sweetness, crisp kale for a peppery bite, creamy cheese for tang, crunchy nuts for richness, and the signature maple tahini dressing to tie it all together with a touch of sweet acidity. When combined thoughtfully, they create that iconic Harvest Bowl experience right in your kitchen!
In Retrospect
Whipping up your own Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl at home proves that fresh, vibrant, and wholesome meals don’t have to come from a restaurant to taste remarkable. This DIY copycat recipe not only brings the garden’s bounty to your plate but also empowers you to customize every bite to your liking.From the crisp greens to the sweet roasted components and tangy dressing,each element sings in harmony-making healthy eating feel effortless and exciting. So next time hunger strikes, channel your inner chef and savor the satisfaction of a bowl crafted by your own hands, bursting with flavor and goodness. Happy harvesting!
