There’s something magical about the way fall brings comfort into our food — roasted veggies, warm grains, and golden dressings that taste like sunshine on a cool day. This Warm Harvest Grain Salad captures everything we love about autumn in one nourishing bowl.
It’s hearty enough to be a full meal yet light enough to leave you feeling refreshed. The roasted sweet potatoes bring caramelized sweetness, the quinoa adds a fluffy protein base, and the kale ties it all together with a bit of crunch. But the true star? The maple vinaigrette — a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty that makes every bite burst with cozy fall flavor.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for busy weekdays, packing a healthy lunch, or just craving something beautiful and plant-based, this harvest salad is your go-to comfort meal that looks as good as it tastes.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Cozy, colorful, and packed with nutrients
- High-protein vegan meal (thanks to quinoa & chickpeas)
- Easy to meal prep for the week
- Naturally gluten-free & dairy-free
- Tastes amazing warm or cold
Warm Harvest Grain Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Description
This Warm Harvest Grain Salad with Maple Vinaigrette is packed with roasted sweet potatoes, quinoa, chickpeas, and kale — all drizzled in a sweet and tangy maple dressing. It’s nourishing, vibrant, and perfect for fall lunches or cozy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
For the Maple Vinaigrette:
Instructions
Cook the Quinoa
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Rinse quinoa under cold water, then cook according to package instructions (usually 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water). Let it cool slightly before assembling.
Roast the Sweet Potatoes & Chickpeas
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potatoes and chickpeas with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking tray and roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Prepare the Maple Vinaigrette
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
Assemble the Salad
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In a large bowl, combine quinoa, roasted veggies, and kale. Pour over the maple vinaigrette and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Garnish & Serve
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Top with pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, or sliced almonds for extra crunch and color. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Note
💡 Tips
- Swap quinoa for farro or brown rice for a heartier texture.
- Add roasted Brussels sprouts or beets for extra fall color.
- Double the dressing — it stores perfectly for 5 days in the fridge!