Print

Winter Grain Bowl with Balsamic

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Winter Grain Bowl with Balsamic Dressing is a hearty, colorful dish featuring roasted root vegetables, chewy grains, dried fruit, crunchy nuts, and creamy goat cheese, all tied together with a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect warm or cold, it’s a nourishing option for cozy meals or meal prep.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course, Salad, Bowl
  • Method: Roasting, Assembling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Root vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, or beets), chopped and roasted

2 cups cooked wild rice or other hearty grain (quinoa, farro, or brown rice)

4 cups dark leafy greens (kale, spinach, or arugula)

1/2 cup dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, or cherries)

1/3 cup goat cheese, crumbled

1/3 cup nuts or seeds (pistachios, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds)

2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting)

Salt and pepper to taste

For the dressing: 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1/4 cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey (or maple syrup), salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chopped root vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. Cook wild rice or your chosen grain according to package instructions. Let cool slightly if serving cold.
  3. Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Assemble bowls: layer leafy greens at the base, followed by grains, roasted vegetables, dried fruit, and nuts or seeds.
  5. Crumble goat cheese over the top.
  6. Drizzle with balsamic dressing just before serving.

Notes

  • Swap grains with farro, quinoa, or barley for variety.
  • Add protein like grilled chicken, halloumi, chickpeas, or a fried egg.
  • Use feta, blue cheese, or vegan cheese as alternatives to goat cheese.
  • Switch dressing to lemon-tahini or maple-mustard for a fresh twist.
  • For nut-free, replace nuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/winter-grain-bowl-with-balsamic/