If you’re searching for a wholesome and comforting meal that’s both vibrant and nourishing, this Simple Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe is sure to become your new favorite. Packed with the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, the nutty texture of quinoa, and the bright crunch of fresh salad greens, every bite feels like a celebration of wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this bowl balances flavors, colors, and textures in a way that’s truly delightful and straightforward to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this bowl so enjoyable is its simplicity — only a handful of fresh, nutritious ingredients that each play a crucial role in the dish’s flavor and texture. From the creamy feta adding a tangy bite to the crunchy almonds and nutrient-rich chickpeas, every component shines on its own and elevates the bowl as a whole.
- 1 medium sweet potato, cubed: Roasting brings out its natural sweetness and softens it perfectly for this dish.
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling: Adds a subtle richness and helps roast the potatoes to a golden finish.
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient’s flavor.
- ½ cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed: Provides a hearty, protein-packed texture and earthy flavor.
- 1 cup cooked quinoa: This gluten-free grain adds a fluffy, nutty base that rounds out the bowl.
- 2 scallions, finely chopped: Deliver a fresh, mild onion bite for brightness.
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red cabbage: Offers a colorful crunch and subtle bitterness to balance the sweet potatoes.
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese: Brings a creamy, tangy element that complements the roasted veggies beautifully.
- ¼ cup almonds, toasted and chopped: Add a satisfying crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
- 2 cups baby salad greens: Provide freshness and vibrant color, making the bowl feel lively and light.
- Juice of ½ lemon, plus more to taste: Adds a zesty brightness that lifts all the flavors.
How to Make Simple Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss those cubed sweet potatoes with a good drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spread them out on the baking sheet and roast for 25 to 35 minutes, or until they develop a beautiful golden brown color and are tender when pierced with a fork. Roasting really brings out their natural sweetness and soft texture, which forms the heart of this bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Remaining Ingredients
While the sweet potatoes roast, you can get the rest of your ingredients ready. Rinse and drain your chickpeas if using canned, cook your quinoa ahead of time or grab some pre-cooked, finely chop the scallions, slice up the red cabbage thinly, crumble the feta cheese, and toast your almonds until they smell wonderfully nutty. This prep makes assembling the bowl a breeze.
Step 3: Combine and Dress the Bowl
Once the sweet potatoes are perfectly roasted and slightly cooled, toss them into a large mixing bowl with the chickpeas, cooked quinoa, chopped scallions, red cabbage, crumbled feta, toasted almonds, and baby salad greens. Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and the juice of half a lemon over the mix. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss everything together gently but thoroughly. Taste and add more lemon juice if you want that extra punch of freshness. Your Simple Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe is ready to be served!
How to Serve Simple Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl presentation and flavor, consider sprinkling a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of tahini sauce can also add a lovely finishing touch that brings in another layer of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This bowl is quite filling on its own, but pairing it with a light soup like a chilled cucumber gazpacho or a warm lentil soup can make your meal even more satisfying. A side of crusty whole-grain bread or pita chips is also fantastic for scooping up every last bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this vibrant bowl in rustic ceramic bowls to enhance its earthy appeal. For a fun twist, layer the ingredients in a glass jar for a portable lunch option. Or, try serving it over a bed of wilted kale or baby spinach for an even greener, nutrient-dense variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover sweet potato bowls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since the lemon juice and dressing can make some ingredients soggy, it’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before eating.
Freezing
You can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes and cooked quinoa separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. However, fresh greens, cabbage, and feta don’t freeze well, so add those fresh after thawing your components.
Reheating
Reheat your roasted sweet potatoes and quinoa gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Then toss with fresh salad greens, cabbage, and feta along with freshly squeezed lemon juice for that bright, fresh finish that makes this Simple Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe so delicious.
FAQs
Can I make this bowl vegan?
Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or avocado for creaminess. The bowl will still be packed with nutrients and full of flavor.
What can I substitute for quinoa?
Feel free to swap quinoa with brown rice, bulgur, farro, or even couscous depending on your preference and what you have on hand. Each grain brings its own texture to the bowl.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses quinoa and does not rely on gluten-containing grains. Just make sure any added sauces or toppings are also gluten-free if you want to be certain.
Can I add more protein?
Definitely! You can add grilled chicken, tofu, or even a fried egg on top to boost the protein content, making it an even heartier meal.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love spice, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes during roasting, or drizzle in some hot sauce or harissa when assembling the bowl for a fiery kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and uplifting about this Simple Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe that makes it a go-to for busy weeknights or anytime you want to nourish yourself with a meal that tastes just as good as it looks. With its colorful ingredients and effortless preparation, I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own.
Print
Simple Sweet Potato Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This simple sweet potato bowl is a healthy and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Featuring roasted sweet potatoes combined with chickpeas, quinoa, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and toasted almonds, it offers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes. The dish is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by omitting the feta cheese or using a plant-based alternative.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium sweet potato, cubed
- Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 2 scallions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red cabbage
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup almonds, toasted and chopped
- 2 cups baby salad greens
- Juice of ½ lemon, plus more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until they are evenly coated.
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 35 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Combine Bowl Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, cooked chickpeas, cooked quinoa, finely chopped scallions, thinly sliced red cabbage, crumbled feta cheese, toasted and chopped almonds, and baby salad greens.
- Dress and Season: Drizzle the mixed ingredients with extra-virgin olive oil and the juice of half a lemon. Season generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the bowl and add more lemon juice or seasonings as desired for a balanced flavor. Serve the sweet potato bowl immediately in individual bowls for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- To make this dish vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese.
- You can substitute almonds with walnuts or pecans for a different texture and flavor.
- For extra protein, add grilled chicken or tofu.
- Roast extra sweet potatoes and store leftovers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- This bowl is versatile—feel free to add other vegetables like avocado, cucumber, or carrots based on what you have on hand.