Sweetgreen Copycat Vegan Harvest Bowls

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I’ve been tinkering with this Sweetgreen Vegan Harvest Bowl recipe for quite some time. I whipped it up for the first time after trying it at Sweetgreen a few years back and have made little tweaks here and there to find a vegan-friendly version that checks all the boxes: tasty, nutritious, and satisfying.

Much like the original, the base of this bowl is wild rice, which is paired with a bed of bright kale, roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas, and chunks of sliced apples. Sweetgreen’s version is topped with goat cheese, but I usually opt for vegan feta instead, since it’s a little easier to find (and more affordable) than vegan goat cheese.

The dressing is simple, but it really elevates the entire bowl. A mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and maple syrup creates a bright, slightly sweet flavor that complements the roasted veggies perfectly. Drizzle it on right before serving to keep everything fresh.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, looking for an easy and satisfying lunch, or interested in a homemade version of a familiar favorite, give this Sweetgreen Vegan Harvest bowl a try! And if you’re feeling creative, mix it up a little — swap apples for pears, use pecans instead of almonds, or sprinkle on sunflower seeds for extra fiber.

Why you’ll love this recipe


  • Hearty and satisfying
  • Packed with protein and gut-friendly fiber
  • Perfect for meal prep or quick lunches
  • Completely customizable
  • Colorful, picture-worthy presentation

What you’ll need

  • Wild rice – Serves as the hearty base
  • Sweet potato – Adds color and natural sweetness
  • Chickpeas – Brings plant-based protein, fiber, and a crispy texture
  • Kale – Boosts nutritional value
  • Apple – Adds crunch and hint of sweetness
  • Almonds – Provides heart-healthy fats
  • Vegan feta or goat cheese – Tops it off with a creamy, savory taste; you can also regular feta or goat cheese for a non-vegan version
  • Lemon juice – Used to massage and tenderize the kale
  • Olive oil – Forms the base of the dressing
  • Balsamic vinegar – Balances the olive oil with a deep, tangy flavor
  • Dijon mustard – Adds a bit of zing to the dressing
  • Maple syrup – Provides a natural sweetness

Recipe tips

  • Make sure you massage the kale to help soften it and reduce bitterness.
  • Cool the wild rice before assembling to keep the kale from wilting when mixed.
  • Add the dressing right before serving to prevent sogginess.

How to make this recipe


  1. Cook wild rice: Prepare the wild rice according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Bake sweet potatoes and chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread the chickpeas on one sheet and the sweet potatoes on the other. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, tossing to coat evenly. Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chickpeas are lightly crisped.
  3. Prepare kale: While the vegetables roast, wash, devein, and chop the kale. Transfer to a large bowl, add the lemon juice, and massage with your hands for 30-60 seconds.
  4. Cut toppings: Chop the apples and almonds and set aside.
  5. Mix dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk (or shake) until smooth and emulsified.
  6. Assemble: Divide the kale among bowls and top with wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, apples, almonds, and vegan feta or goat cheese. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.

FAQ

Yes! Roast the veggies and cook the rice in advance. Store separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture.

Absolutely. Quinoa, farro, or brown rice would all work well as a base.

Instead of almonds, add pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a nice crunch. You can also simply omit the almonds altogether if you prefer.

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Vegan Harvest Bowls

This nourishing bowl gives Sweetgreen's Harvest Bowl a vegan twist, with hearty wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas, crisp apples, and a balsamic dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups wild rice cooked
  • 1 medium sweet potato cubed
  • 1 15-oz can chickpeas
  • 4 cups kale washed, deveined, and chopped
  • 1 apple chopped
  • 1/4 cup almonds chopped
  • 1/4 cup vegan feta or goat cheese
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and pepper

For the Dressing

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Prepare the wild rice according to package directions. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Spread the chickpeas on one sheet and the sweet potatoes on the other. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, tossing to coat evenly.
  • Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are tender and the chickpeas are lightly crisped.
  • While the vegetables roast, wash, devein, and chop the kale. Transfer to a large bowl, add the lemon juice, and massage with your hands for 30-60 seconds.
  • Chop the apples and almonds and set aside.
  • In a small bowl or jar, combine the dressing ingredients and whisk (or shake) until smooth and emulsified.
  • Divide the kale among bowls and top with wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, chickpeas, apples, almonds, and vegan feta or goat cheese. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.

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