If you have ever found yourself craving the heartwarming, vibrant flavors of autumn all in one delicious meal, you’re going to adore this Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl Recipe. It’s a cozy, fall-inspired salad packed with roasted sweet potatoes, crisp apple slices, creamy goat cheese, hearty wild rice, tender shredded chicken, and crunchy almonds—all tied together with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette that perfectly balances sweetness and zest. This bowl isn’t just a salad; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that feels nourishing and indulgent at the same time, making it an instant favorite to whip up anytime fall comfort is on your mind.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows multiple white bowls and ceramic dishes arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the center, there is a shallow white bowl with two raw light pink chicken breasts. Above it, a white bowl is filled with fresh curly green kale leaves, and to the left, another white bowl contains mixed cooked rice with white and brown grains. Below the chicken, a larger white bowl holds bright orange cubes of sweet potato. To the right of the chicken, a bowl with a mix of light brown nuts and seeds and a smaller bowl with crumbly white cheese are visible. Scattered around are small dishes with various spices, including light green dried herbs, black pepper and salt mix, a brown powdered spice, white powder, and a container with creamy white sauce. A small container with dark liquid, another with golden olive oil, and a fresh apple with a red-yellow skin are also included. A jar with a thick brown liquid is open near the bottom. The setup gives a clear and clean view of each ingredient, all placed on the white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and visual appeal, creating an irresistible bowl that’s as gorgeous as it is delicious.

Shredded kale (4 cups): Choose Tuscan or curly kale for a nutrient-packed, slightly earthy base that stands up well to the other ingredients.
Cooked wild rice (1 cup): Adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture that complements the softness of the roasted sweet potatoes.
Roasted sweet potatoes (2 cups, cubed): Sweet, tender, and caramelized for that signature fall warmth in every bite.
Apple (1 large, thinly sliced): Honeycrisp is best for crispness and natural sweetness that brightens the bowl.
Cooked shredded chicken (1 ½ cups): Rotisserie chicken makes this super easy and adds tender protein for a satisfying meal.
Goat cheese (¼ cup, crumbled): Creamy and tangy, this cheese offers a luxurious contrast to the other ingredients.
Sliced almonds (¼ cup): Or pecans for a buttery crunch that finishes the dish beautifully.
Olive oil (3 tbsp): The foundation of the dressing, bringing richness.
Balsamic vinegar (1 tbsp): Its tart sweetness balances the hearty ingredients perfectly.
Honey or maple syrup (1 tsp): Adds a subtle layer of sweetness to the dressing.
Dijon mustard (½ tsp): Gives a gentle tang and helps emulsify the dressing.
Salt & black pepper: To taste, enhancing every flavor.

How to Make Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (205°C). Cube your sweet potatoes evenly so they roast uniformly. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until they are tender and lightly caramelized on the edges, emitting that cozy, sweet aroma that hints at the flavor to come. Roasted sweet potatoes bring warmth and natural sweetness that form the heart of this salad.

Step 2: Prep the Kale

While the potatoes roast, prepare your kale by giving it a good massage. Drizzle a tiny bit of olive oil and sprinkle some salt over the shredded kale, then rub it gently with your hands until it softens and deepens in color. This step is essential for taming kale’s natural toughness and bringing out its best texture and flavor, so your salad base is both fresh and approachable.

Step 3: Layer Your Salad

In a large bowl, begin layering your ingredients starting with the softened kale, then add the cooked wild rice, followed by the warm roasted sweet potatoes, shredded chicken, and thinly sliced apples. This layering helps maintain distinct textures and flavors until you’re ready to toss, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 4: Add Goat Cheese and Nuts

Sprinkle crumbled goat cheese and sliced almonds (or pecans) evenly over the top of your layered ingredients. These add a creamy and crunchy contrast that livens up the bowl and keeps it interesting bite after bite.

Step 5: Whisk the Balsamic Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. The dressing is the glue that binds every ingredient together with a vibrant tang and touch of sweetness.

Step 6: Dress and Toss

Pour the balsamic vinaigrette over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to avoid bruising the kale but enough to coat every piece in that beautiful dressing. Now your Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl Recipe is ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl Recipe

A white bowl filled with colorful layers of food sits on a white marbled surface. Starting from the left, there are small pale yellow and green apple pieces with smooth edges. Next to them, bright orange cubes of roasted sweet potato with a slightly rough texture fill a section. In the middle right part of the bowl, there is a dense pile of dark wild rice with a shiny surface. Above the rice, from left to right, there is a mix of white cottage cheese with a soft, lumpy texture, and light brown chopped walnuts that appear crunchy. The base of the bowl is lined with fresh dark green leafy kale providing a rich background. A woman's hand is seen reaching toward the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Try adding a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little kick. For an extra pop of freshness, a handful of chopped fresh parsley or thyme works wonders. A drizzle of extra balsamic reduction can also elevate this dish if you love a richer tang.

Side Dishes

This harvest bowl is a meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, a simple warm crusty bread or a slice of gluten-free bread pairs nicely. Alternatively, a light soup such as butternut squash or apple-celery root soup complements the autumnal vibe perfectly without overshadowing the salad’s flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in rustic wooden bowls or glass mason jars for a pretty, rustic presentation. For meal prep, keep ingredients separate and layer attractively when packing to maintain freshness and visual appeal. You can also build individual smaller bowls for guests, letting everyone assemble their own perfect portion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the components separately if possible—especially the dressing—to avoid sogginess. Keep kale and wild rice in one container, roasted sweet potatoes and chicken in another, and toppings like nuts and cheese in small separate containers. This keeps everything fresh and ready to toss and serve within 1 to 2 days.

Freezing

While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked wild rice and roasted sweet potatoes ahead of time. Freeze them in airtight containers or bags and thaw in the fridge overnight. Avoid freezing kale, fresh apples, chicken, or the dressing, as their texture and flavor will suffer.

Reheating

Warm the roasted sweet potatoes and wild rice gently in the microwave or on the stove. Once heated, toss back together with fresh kale, apples, goat cheese, and almonds before adding the dressing. This keeps the salad vibrant and prevents the kale from wilting prematurely.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make this Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl Recipe vegetarian, simply swap the shredded chicken for roasted chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein for a delightful twist that keeps the texture and protein content high.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check your spice blends and any packaged ingredients to avoid hidden gluten if you have a sensitivity.

Can I use another type of cheese?

Goat cheese adds a lovely tang and creaminess, but you can swap it for feta or even ricotta salata if preferred. Each cheese will bring its own character, so feel free to experiment with what pleases your palate.

What if I don’t have wild rice?

You can substitute wild rice with other whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, or farro to keep the nutty texture and hearty feel of the dish while tailoring it to what you have on hand.

How long does the bowl stay fresh when prepped for meal prep?

If components are stored separately and the dressing is added just before eating, the bowl stays fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. This makes it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during your busy week.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Copycat Sweetgreen Harvest Bowl Recipe a try because it’s that rare dish that feels like a warm hug and a refreshing crunch all at once. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a wholesome meal to savor, this harvest bowl brings fall flavors, satisfying textures, and wholesome ingredients together in one incredible bite. Trust me, it’s going to become a favorite in your recipe rotation!