Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

Craving your favorite Sweetgreen takeout? Save money and make this copycat Sweetgreen harvest bowl instead. This knockoff recipe is cheaper and tastier, brimming with fresh ingredients and fall flavors!

There’s no denying that buying meals with fresh ingredients is the most convenient choice. And Sweetgreen has always been a top option due to its classic salad offerings, made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Imagine enjoying delicious, nutritious dishes while also helping local farmers thrive! That thought makes our food taste even better, doesn’t it? The problem here is that regular takeouts can get really expensive.

Thankfully, there’s a way to savor Sweetgreen-like goodness without breaking the bank. This easy harvest bowl recipe features cheap, wholesome ingredients, complemented by delicious fall flavors. Very easy and wallet friendly!

What Is a Harvest Bowl?

A harvest bowl is like a salad—it’s just a more comforting and filling version! It’s filled with whole foods like grains, protein, and veggies.

But unlike salads, which are often served cold or at room temperature, harvest bowls come with warm, cozy ingredients like roasted vegetables. It’s the perfect choice if you’re craving something comforting but aren’t in the mood to sip on some soup.

What I love the most about harvest bowls is the presentation. Ingredients are often placed separately, so you can mix them as you like.

I sometimes save my favorite bits for the last bite. Salads are always tossed together, and sometimes I catch myself taking forever just trying to get those bacon bits. 😁

Anyway, the line between a harvest bowl and a salad can sometimes be blurry. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what we call them.

What’s important is we get to savor a wholesome meal conveniently in a bowl.

Ready to try this recipe? Your beloved harvest bowl can now be a part of your weekly meal plan without splurging on takeouts!

Also, if you have leftovers—let’s say leftover pumpkins or apples—you can use them in other dishes that you can serve at your fall parties. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavors: Just because it’s a salad doesn’t mean it’s lacking in taste. The addition of feta, pumpkin, and zesty balsamic dressing alone will make you want to enjoy this dish every day.
• Affordable Yet Restaurant Quality: You don’t really need to spend big to experience gourmet flavors. The best things about making this Sweetgreen harvest bowl copycat recipe? You can savor a nutritious meal and at the same time improve your kitchen skills.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Prep parts of this copycat Sweetgreen harvest bowl ahead of time. For instance, you can cook the chicken fillets and wild rice beforehand and just store them in the fridge.

What Does Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl Taste Like?

This copycat Sweetgreen harvest bowl isn’t your typical bland and boring salad. It brings a touch of caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory goodness of baked chicken. Sounds tasty already, doesn’t it?

But this bowl packs in even more flavor. You get a burst of freshness from the kale and apples, and to top it all off, a tangy dressing made with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Looks so nutritious, delicious, and expensive? Well, this harvest bowl recipe is so easy and affordable that you can consider it an everyday salad. No need to go out and spend—just order some of the ingredients, wait for your groceries to arrive, and you’re ready to savor this dish!

Ingredients For Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

• Brussels Sprouts – Pick ones that are vibrant green and have tightly closed outer leaves. Steer clear of those with yellow or brown spots!
• Pumpkin – Its rich, sweet flavor is the highlight of this dish.
• Kale – You can go for baby kale, as they are softer and more tender than mature ones.
• Chicken Fillets – Go with whichever chicken cut or part you prefer. I suggest skinless chicken breasts. They are usually leaner than many other fillets.
• Wild Rice – Wild rice is one of your most flavorful options. You can opt for any cooked rice, though—even the usual white rice if nothing else is available.
• Feta Cheese -– This crumbly cheese contributes additional protein to your meal.
• Apple -– Why not choose Gala apples? These crisp apples can add a refreshing and crunchy element to your copycat Sweetgreen harvest bowl.
• Olive Oil – Your base for the dressing! It’s the key to a smooth texture and glossy sheen.
• Butter – It’s better to use plain, unsalted butter, so you can control the level of saltiness in your dish.
• Honey – To add a touch of natural sweetness to your cozy fall salad.
• Garlic Powder – Half a teaspoon of garlic powder can already add an aromatic touch to your bowl.
• Salt – Season with salt to balance the sweetness and bitterness of some ingredients.
• Paprika – If you’re not into smoky, spicy flavors, it’s best not to add too much.
• Balsamic Vinegar – To make your harvest bowl lighter and more refreshing.
• Mustard – To give our dressing some zing and a smooth texture.

Tools Needed To Prepare a Harvest Bowl Recipe

• Oven to cook the veggies to perfection
• Mixing bowls to help you gather and organize your ingredients
• Baking sheets to evenly bake the ingredients
• Parchment paper to prevent ingredients from sticking to the sheet and for easy cleanup.
• Knife and cutting board to help you chop the ingredients
• Measuring cups to get the right amount of each ingredient in the recipe
• Measuring spoons come in handy for scooping up smaller quantities
• Small whisk to mix the dressing

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

Brown Rice

Brown rice has a milder, nutty flavor that can elevate the texture of your warm harvest salad. It can complement other salad ingredients without overpowering them! Wild rice is also delicious, with an extraordinary crunchy texture, so the choice really comes down to personal preference.

Goat Cheese

Fresh goat cheese, with its creamy and spreadable texture, is a great addition to this copycat Sweetgreen harvest bowl. It offers a smooth contrast to all the crunchier elements. But if you prefer a crumbly, tangy cheese experience, feta is still the way to go.

Almonds

We’re never out of almonds in our home for salad bowl toppings! Using roasted almonds with fall spices can add a deeper, intensified flavor. Personally, I lean towards raw almonds for that subtle nutty touch. 

Sweet Potato

Suddenly out of pumpkin? No worries! Sweet potatoes can definitely stand in as a substitute. They offer a similar texture when roasted, and their unique sweetness pairs well with the other ingredients. The orange variety can even add a nice pop of color to your dish.

Greek Yogurt

Ever thought of adding a creamy twist to your harvest bowl? Greek yogurt does just that!

If you’re considering adding this to the dressing of your Sweetgreen harvest bowl, you might want to adjust or omit the mustard.

Greek yogurt already has a tangy flavor, so combining it with mustard might intensify the tanginess.

How to Make Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 cup pumpkin, cubed
• 1 cup kale, chopped
• 2 chicken fillets
• 1 cup wild rice
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp. butter, melted
• 2 tbsp. honey
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp. Mustard

Tools you need:

• Oven
• Mixing Bowls
• Baking Sheets
• Parchment Paper
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Small Whisk

Instructions:

STEP 1: Gather the ingredients. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).

STEP 2: In a mixing bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts and cubed pumpkin with melted butter, salt, paprika, and garlic powder.

STEP 3: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the Brussels sprouts and pumpkin on it and bake for 20 minutes or until tender.

STEP 4: Season the chicken fillets with salt and any preferred spices.

STEP 5: Line a separate baking tray with parchment paper, place the chicken fillets on it, and bake in the oven for about 30 minutes or until fully cooked. Once done, allow them to cool slightly and then chop into bite-sized pieces.

STEP 6: Prepare the wild rice according to package instructions.

STEP 7: For the dressing, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, mustard, a pinch of salt, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Whisk together until well combined.

STEP 8: In a large bowl, layer the chopped kale and cooked wild rice. Top with the chopped chicken, diced apple, roasted Brussels sprouts, and pumpkin. Sprinkle feta cheese over the top.

STEP 9: Drizzle the dressing over the bowl, tossing to combine if desired.

STEP 10: Serve and enjoy your homemade Sweetgreen harvest bowl!

What To Serve With Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

• With a Creamy Soup: Consider pairing your harvest bowl with a velvety soup featuring pumpkins and vegetable broth.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilling brings out a hint of sweetness in the veggies and gives them a bit of a crunch. Think asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini. Here’s a tip: cut vegetables into even sizes to make sure they cook uniformly.
• Fruity Desserts: Apple cider muffins can provide a refreshing finish after a savory meal! It might seem funny to indulge in a dessert like this after a nutritious bowl, but hey, it’s okay to treat yourself every now and then. 😏

Tips About Making a Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

• Sweet Balance: I love the tanginess of balsamic vinaigrette, but If the tang is too much for you, simply drizzling more honey can do wonders. It’s also a sneaky way to add some thickness. 🍯
• Pumpkin Cuts: While cubed pumpkin is great, you can also try different cuts, like thin pumpkin slices or wedges. Different cuts can offer varied textures and visual appeal to your bowl.
• Oil and Vinegar: When combining the oil and vinegar, add the oil very slowly, especially at the beginning. This gradual approach helps emulsify the mixture. The result? A delicious, stable dressing that won’t separate quickly.

How To Store Homemade Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

• Fridge: Once you’ve put together your copycat harvest bowl, pop it into an airtight container. If stored right, it’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days.
• Freezer: The chicken and roasted veggies can handle the cold just fine on their own. But the whole bowl together? Not so much. It’s best to pack the harvest bowl components separately in freezer-friendly bags. When it’s time to eat, thaw everything in the fridge first, then put it all together. 

Why is Sweetgreen so Expensive?

Ever wondered why places like Sweetgreen have a higher price tag? It’s not just about tossing veggies into a bowl. These restaurants are committed to sourcing top-notch, local, and organic ingredients, and often, they’re pricier than the usual stuff you’d find.

Handcrafting these salads every single day also involves more labor! Location plays a role, too. Sweetgreen establishments are often situated in prime city spots, which means they’re paying a premium on rent.

Buying nutritious meals might come off as pricey, yet many find it worth the cost!

But you know what? Making your own Sweetgreen copycat recipes at home also has its advantages.

Not only do you save money, but you can also buy ingredients in bulk and capitalize on seasonal produce sales. Moreover, you can adjust the ingredients according to your preferences.

What is the Difference Between Sweetgreen Plates and Bowls?

It’s all in the layout. With bowls, everything’s layered or nestled side by side. Plates, on the other hand, use square plating, so it brings a more traditional dinner setting vibe. 

On plates, ingredients are positioned side by side, without any overlap, and they’re typically not mixed with dressings or sauces beforehand.

I’ve always leaned towards bowls because they help me manage portion sizes better, and they’re just easier to carry around. When you’re lounging on the couch or lying in bed, using a bowl feels more secure. You don’t have to worry as much about food spilling out.

 FAQ About Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl

Conclusion

Like you, I seek comfort in savoring food from my favorite restaurant. But there’s something special about cooking at home and pushing myself to try new things!

Not to mention, we get to save money by making our meals at home. This copycat Sweetgreen harvest bowl is so easy to prepare you can even toss in some leftovers from that fun fall gathering with the family.

Have some leftover rotisserie chicken on hand? Use it as your protein!

It might not exactly mirror the classic Sweetgreen harvest bowl we’re aiming to copy, but the real charm of this dish is its flexibility. It turns clean eating into an everyday choice.