Wild Rice Harvest Bowls with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that celebrates the flavors of fall, you’ve come to the right place! These Wild Rice Harvest Bowls with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette are not only beautiful but also filled with wholesome ingredients that will nourish your body and soul. This recipe has become a favorite in my home, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone can dig in and enjoy.

The combination of roasted butternut squash, crispy Brussels sprouts, and sweet apples topped with a delicious fig balsamic vinaigrette makes this dish an absolute showstopper. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and truly captures the essence of autumn.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Prepare: With just a few steps, you’ll have a stunning meal on the table that looks like it took hours to prepare!
• Family-Friendly: The delicious flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike—everyone will want seconds!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch at the start of the week and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Celebrate fall with fresh produce that adds color and taste to your plate.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy it warm as a main course or serve it chilled as a delightful salad.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are simple and wholesome. They work together beautifully to create a dish that’s not only satisfying but also visually appealing.

For the Wild Rice Bowl:

• 1 cup Wild Blend Rice (Lundberg Wild Blend Rice recommended)
• 1-3/4 cups gluten free chicken broth
• 3 cups 1” butternut squash cubes (~1 small squash)
• 3 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 9 oz thinly shredded brussels sprouts
• 1 large or 2 small apples (chopped)
• 3 oz white cheddar cheese (cut into cubes)
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds or pepitas
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries

For the Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 small clove garlic (pressed or very finely minced)
• 2 Tablespoons fig jam
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some great ideas to customize your Wild Rice Harvest Bowls:

• Add more veggies: Throw in roasted carrots or sweet potatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
• Change up the nuts: Swap out sliced almonds for walnuts or pecans for a different crunch.
• Go dairy-free: Omit the cheese altogether or use a plant-based cheese alternative for a vegan option.
• Mix up the grains: Try quinoa or farro instead of wild rice for a different texture.

How to Make Wild Rice Harvest Bowls with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette

Step 1: Cook the Wild Blend Rice

Start by adding the wild blend rice along with gluten free chicken broth into a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then cover it with a lid. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 40-50 minutes until tender. It’s important to fluff it with a fork afterward so each grain remains separate and fluffy!

Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash

While your rice is cooking, preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper or nonstick foil. Toss those beautiful butternut squash cubes in 1-1/2 tablespoons of olive oil along with garlic powder, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Roasting them will caramelize their natural sugars, enhancing their sweetness. Roast for about 15-20 minutes until they’re tender!

Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Next up, line another half sheet pan with parchment paper. Add shredded Brussels sprouts along with the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss them well before placing them in the oven alongside your squash during its last roasting minutes—about 8-10 minutes until golden brown.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked rice with roasted butternut squash, crispy Brussels sprouts, chopped apples, cheese cubes, sliced almonds (or pepitas), and dried cranberries. Drizzle that delicious fig balsamic vinaigrette over everything—this is where all those flavors come together! Gently toss until everything is coated evenly before serving.

Now you have yourself an incredible dish that’s perfect for any occasion! Enjoy every bite of these Wild Rice Harvest Bowls with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette!

Pro Tips for Making Wild Rice Harvest Bowls with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette

Creating a delightful Wild Rice Harvest Bowl is all about embracing the flavors of the season and making it just right. Here are some pro tips to help you along the way!

• Use quality rice: Choosing a high-quality wild blend rice, like Lundberg, enhances the flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is full of nutty goodness.

• Don’t skip the spices: Adding garlic powder, chili powder, and cinnamon not only brings warmth but also depth to your dish. These spices complement the sweetness of the butternut squash perfectly.

• Roast until golden: Make sure to roast your vegetables until they’re slightly caramelized. This adds a lovely richness and makes them even more irresistible.

• Let flavors meld: Allow your bowl to sit for a few minutes after tossing in the vinaigrette. This helps all the elements come together, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors.

• Customize with toppings: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences! Different nuts, seeds, or even other seasonal fruits can make this dish uniquely yours.

How to Serve Wild Rice Harvest Bowls with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette

Presenting your Wild Rice Harvest Bowl beautifully can turn a simple meal into something special. Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each bite.
• Crumbled feta or goat cheese: For those who enjoy a tangy touch, adding crumbled cheese provides a creamy contrast to the crunchy veggies.
• Seeds: A scattering of sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds enhances both texture and nutrition while providing an extra crunch.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the harvest bowl without overwhelming it.

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: If you’re a fan of brussels sprouts, roasting extra ones with olive oil and salt makes for a deliciously crispy side that mirrors the main dish’s flavors.

• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime provides a zesty contrast to the warm bowl.

• Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with grains and vegetables make for an eye-catching side that is hearty yet healthy, bringing even more autumn-inspired flavors to your table.

Enjoy crafting these bowls full of seasonal goodness and watch as everyone gathers around for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Wild Rice Harvest Bowls with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette are perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare them ahead of time for a quick, nutritious meal throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover bowls in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 4 days.
• If you plan to store individual components, keep the vinaigrette separate to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

• While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the assembled bowls.
• Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring they’re sealed tightly.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label them!

Reheating

• To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Microwave on medium power until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
• Alternatively, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe.

Can I use other types of rice for Wild Rice Harvest Bowls with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette?

Absolutely! While wild blend rice gives a great texture and flavor, you can substitute it with quinoa or brown rice. Just adjust cooking times as necessary.

What should I pair with Wild Rice Harvest Bowls with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette?

These bowls are hearty enough to serve as a standalone dish. However, they pair wonderfully with a light salad or grilled vegetables for an extra boost of nutrition.

How do I make the Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette from scratch?

It’s simple! Combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, fig jam, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake until well blended!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing these Wild Rice Harvest Bowls with Fig Balsamic Vinaigrette! They beautifully capture the essence of fall with their vibrant colors and comforting flavors. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy days ahead or treating yourself to a cozy dinner at home, these bowls are sure to impress. Happy cooking!