Sweetgreen's Harvest Bowl is a fan favorite for its vibrant mix of textures and flavors. This guide will walk you through recreating this popular salad at home, offering tips for substitutions and variations to personalize your bowl. Get ready to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal!
Understanding the Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl
The magic of the Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl lies in its carefully chosen ingredients. It's a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, crunchy, and creamy elements. The base typically includes:
- Mixed Greens: A combination of lettuces provides a variety of textures and tastes.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: These add sweetness and a satisfying heartiness.
- Butternut Squash: Another source of sweetness and healthy nutrients, offering a different texture than the sweet potato.
- Chicken or Tofu (optional): Provides protein and adds a savory element.
- Cranberries: A burst of tartness that cuts through the sweetness.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Offer a delightful crunch and healthy fats.
- Feta Cheese (optional): Adds a salty, tangy element.
Recipe: Homemade Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl
This recipe provides a close approximation to the Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl. Feel free to adjust quantities and add-ins based on your preferences.
Yields: 2 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- For the Roasted Vegetables:
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Bowl:
- 5 oz mixed greens (baby spinach, romaine, butter lettuce)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 4 oz cooked chicken or tofu, cubed (optional)
- 2 oz crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Dressing (choose your favorite or see suggestions below):
Instructions:
- Roast the vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potato and butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Assemble the bowls: Place mixed greens in two bowls. Top with roasted sweet potatoes and butternut squash, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, chicken or tofu (if using), and feta cheese (if using).
- Dress and enjoy: Drizzle your favorite dressing over the salad and toss gently before serving.
Dressing Suggestions:
- Maple Dijon Vinaigrette: A classic pairing for this bowl. Combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Honey Mustard Dressing: Simple and flavorful, combining honey, mustard, olive oil, and a touch of vinegar.
- Lemon Vinaigrette: A bright and zesty option, made with lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs like dill or parsley.
Tips and Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Consider adding roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or beets for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the roasted vegetables for a little heat.
- Boost the protein: Include chickpeas, lentils, or black beans for a vegetarian or vegan option.
- Change the cheese: Goat cheese or crumbled blue cheese are delicious alternatives to feta.
- Make it ahead: Roast the vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for easy assembly later in the week.
Conclusion:
Making your own Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl at home is easier than you might think! This recipe offers a delicious and healthy alternative to takeout, allowing you to customize it to your liking. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and dressings to create your perfect bowl. Let us know your favorite variations in the comments below!
