Autumn Harvest Grain Bowls (with Cinnamon Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette!)

Introduction

Welcome the cozy flavors of fall to your table with Autumn Harvest Grain Bowls—a complete meal that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying. Brimming with roasted seasonal vegetables, hearty grains, and a sweet, aromatic Cinnamon Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette, these bowls are designed to celebrate harvest-time produce and vibrant textures. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or creating a nourishing dinner for friends, this recipe is a proven crowd-pleaser for its delightful taste and nourishing ingredients.

Deliciously Unique Autumn Harvest Grain Bowls

This dish is more than just a salad—it’s a layered symphony of flavors and textures. The sweet, earthy undertones of roasted butternut squash, crisp apples, and nutty farro (or quinoa) pair seamlessly with tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. The homemade Cinnamon Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette ties it all together, balancing bright acidity with the warmth and sweetness of maple and cinnamon. These bowls are endlessly customizable and naturally vegetarian (or vegan with slight modifications), making them perfect for any diet or gathering.

Preparing the Cinnamon Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

The real star of this recipe is the vinaigrette. Whisk together rich maple syrup with tangy balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The dressing is irresistibly aromatic and adds a festive flair to each bite. Letting the vinaigrette rest for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to blend perfectly, infusing the grain bowl with autumnal depth.

Assembling Your Autumn Harvest Grain Bowls

Begin by roasting your favorite autumn vegetables—like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, or Brussels sprouts—until caramelized and tender. Layer the bowls with a base of grain (such as farro, quinoa, or brown rice), mix in protein-rich components like chickpeas, and top with fresh greens, sliced apples, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts. Finish with a generous drizzle of the Cinnamon Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette. Each forkful is a harvest-inspired bite, offering a rainbow of fall nutrition and taste.

Serving Suggestions for Show Stopping Harvest Grain Bowls

Serve these grain bowls warm or at room temperature, paired with crusty whole-grain bread or a light veggie soup for a meal that’s both hearty and comforting. For added protein, toss in roasted chickpeas, feta cheese, or grilled chicken. This recipe makes an impressive centerpiece at autumn potlucks and pairs well with sparkling apple cider for a festive touch.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 4 generous grain bowls. Each serving is packed with fiber, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and plant-based protein—typically about 400-500 calories per portion, depending on add-ons and specific grains chosen. It’s a nutrient-dense option that will keep you fueled and satisfied!

Deliciously Unique Grain Bowl Recap

Every spoonful of these Autumn Harvest Grain Bowls captures the rich, wholesome flavors of fall. Thanks to sweet roasted veggies, fresh apples, and the stand-out Cinnamon Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette, this recipe is destined to be a seasonal staple on your meal plan.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a shopping list sorted by grocery section—making grocery trips easy, fast, and organized while planning a week of nourishing meals.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, toss butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potato with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and tender.
3. Meanwhile, cook your grain of choice according to package instructions. Fluff and set aside.
4. Prepare the vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, and salt/pepper in a small bowl until well-blended.
5. To assemble, divide cooked grains among four bowls. Layer with roasted vegetables, sliced apple, chickpeas, baby spinach or kale, cranberries, and toasted nuts.
6. Drizzle generously with Cinnamon Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette just before serving.

Weekly Meal Planning

Autumn Harvest Grain Bowls are ideal for batch meal prep—simply roast extra veggies, cook a bigger pot of grains, and assemble lunch bowls throughout the week. Save and schedule this recipe to your meal plan to automatically consolidate your grain, veggie, and pantry needs—eliminating extra trips and ingredient guesswork.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates total ingredient needs across all recipes
• Organizes shopping by grocery section for efficiency
• Minimizes food waste by suggesting ingredient overlap
• Makes it effortless to stay on track with home-cooked meals

Pro tip: Schedule this recipe with other seasonal favorites to optimize your produce purchases and make the most of fall’s bounty.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes