This Harvest Grain Bowl features a wholesome blend of grains, crisp roasted vegetables, tender chickpea falafel, and creamy avocado goddess dressing—an irresistible bowl of nutritious joy perfect for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Balanced nutrition: Offers whole grains, veggies, protein from falafel, and healthy fats from avocado.
Vibrant flavors: Roasted seasonal vegetables paired with fresh herbs and tangy dressing.
Meal-prep ready: Assembles easily and holds well in the fridge for future meals.
Customizable: Swap grains, vegetables, or falafel style to suit taste and availability.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked whole grains (quinoa, farro, or brown rice)
Seasonal vegetables (e.g., sweet potato, brussels sprouts, bell pepper)
Chickpeas (for homemade falafel or store-bought falafel)
Fresh parsley and cilantro
Avocado
Plain yogurt or vegan yogurt
Lemon juice
Garlic cloves
Olive oil
Spices (cumin, coriander, salt, pepper)

directions

Roast the vegetables: Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C). Toss chopped veggies with olive oil, salt, and pepper; spread on a baking sheet. Roast 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and slightly charred.
Prepare falafel: If using homemade, process chickpeas with herbs, garlic, spices, form small patties or balls, and pan-fry in olive oil until crisp and golden. Alternatively, heat pre-made falafel per package instructions.
Cook grains: Prepare grains according to package directions and fluff with a fork.
Make avocado goddess dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water if needed to reach desired consistency.
Assemble bowls: In each serving bowl, layer grains, roasted vegetables, falafel, and a drizzle of dressing.
Garnish: Sprinkle extra herbs, seeds (like pumpkin or sesame), and a wedge of lemon or lime.
Serve: Best enjoyed fresh but also great for meal-prep.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes 4 bowls
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Grain swap: Use bulgur, freekeh, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Falafel alternative: Substitute with chickpea patties, grilled tofu, or roasted tempeh.
Veggie mix-up: Incorporate roasted eggplant, zucchini, carrots, or beets.
Spicy dressing: Add a pinch of cayenne, harissa, or sriracha.
Nutty crunch: Top with toasted almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store components separately (veggies, falafel, grains in fridge) for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat veggies, falafel, and grains with a splash of water in the microwave or in a 375 °F oven; then assemble and add cold dressing.

FAQs

What grains are best for this bowl?

Quinoa, farro, and brown rice all work well. Choose your preference or use a mix for extra texture.

Can I use store-bought falafel?

Yes—store-bought falafel is a convenient shortcut; just warm them before adding to the bowl.

How do I make the dressing vegan?

Use plant-based yogurt or replace yogurt with extra olive oil and plant milk (like almond) for a creamy texture.

Can I prepare these bowls ahead of time?

Yes—roast vegetables and cook grains up to 4 days ahead; assemble with fresh dressing before eating.

Can I freeze this grain bowl?

You can freeze components like falafel and grains individually, but roasted veggies and dressing freeze less well.

How do I keep the bowl from getting soggy?

Store moist components separately. Combine just before eating to maintain crispness and texture.

What’s a good protein alternative?

Try grilled chicken, turkey meatballs, or sautéed tempeh if not sticking with falafel.

Can I use other dressings?

Absolutely—tahini lemon sauce or creamy hummus dressing are great alternatives.

How many calories does one bowl have?

Calories depend on portion size and ingredients; approximately 500–600 kcal for a balanced bowl.

Can I make this nut-free?

Yes—skip nuts in the bowl and ensure your dressing ingredients are nut-free.

Conclusion

The Harvest Grain Bowl with Falafel & Avocado Goddess Dressing is a nourishing and delightful assembly of textures, flavors, and colors. It’s flexible, wholesome, and ideal for meal prep or a vibrant solo meal.

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