Apple Goodness Grain Bowl

Description
Inspired by
playswellwithbutter.com
This robust and hearty grain bowl is filled with deliciously healthy ingredients and an addictive cinnamon-maple dressing – make extra!
Ingredients
Bowl
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 2 cups cooked red quinoa
- 1–2 cups shredded Rotisserie chicken
- 1 large, seasoned, and roasted butternut squash or sweet potato, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 bunch kale, destemmed & finely chopped
- 1 large apple, diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 small red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
Cinnamon Maple Vinaigrette
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup good aged balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- heaping 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh rosemary
- heaping 1/2 teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
Bowl
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Cook the rice & quinoa according to package directions.
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Toss the cubed squash/sweet potatoes in olive oil, garlic powder, cinnamon, cumin, and salt.
- Then roast on parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15 minutes until tender and browned.
- Prep the remaining grain bowl ingredients – shred the chicken, Destem and chop the kale, finely dice the red onion, dice the apple, & chop the nuts.
Vinaigrette
- While the sweet potatoes roast, mix the cinnamon maple balsamic vinaigrette together.
- Add the olive oil, balsamic, maple syrup, garlic, cinnamon, kosher salt, & ground black pepper to a blender or food processor.
- Blend until emulsified & creamy, about 30 seconds.
- Transfer to a jar or airtight container, then add in the fresh herbs.
- Shake or stir to combine. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Assembly
- Place the shredded kale in a large bowl.
- Drizzle a little of the cinnamon balsamic vinaigrette over top.
- Using your hands, massage the vinaigrette into the kale until vibrantly green & softened.
- Add the rice, quinoa, roasted squash, shredded chicken, red onion, apple, and nuts to the bowl.
- Drizzle more of the cinnamon vinaigrette over top, then toss to combine.
- Serve warm or cold.