Fall Harvest Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Veggies and Cottage Cheese: Nourishment in Every Bite

There’s something special about fall. The crisp air, colorful leaves, and cozy meals bring a sense of warmth and comfort that feels grounding. One of the best ways to celebrate the season is by enjoying the bounty of autumn produce in a hearty, wholesome dish. This Fall Harvest Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Veggies and Cottage Cheese is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition.

Packed with roasted sweet potatoes, caramelized Brussels sprouts, crunchy pecans, tart cranberries, crisp apples, fluffy quinoa, and a generous scoop of creamy cottage cheese, this bowl is both nourishing and satisfying. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is made entirely with wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients. Every bite gives you a little bit of sweet, savory, and tangy, making it the kind of meal you’ll crave all season long.

What Is a Fall Harvest Quinoa Bowl?

A Fall Harvest Quinoa Bowl is a nourishing grain bowl that brings together the best seasonal ingredients from autumn. Think roasted root vegetables, hearty grains like quinoa, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fruits, and a creamy element to tie everything together. This version leans into fall flavors with roasted sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, apples, cranberries, and pecans, paired with cottage cheese for protein and creaminess.

It’s the kind of meal that works for lunch or dinner, meal prep or entertaining, and it’s flexible enough to customize with your favorite fall produce.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Seasonal goodness: Highlights the best flavors of autumn.
• Nutrient packed: Full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
• Balanced flavor: Sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy in one bowl.
• Make ahead friendly: Easy to prep roasted veggies and quinoa in advance.
• Customizable: Works with different grains, proteins, and toppings.

How Does It Taste?

This bowl tastes like autumn comfort in every forkful. The roasted sweet potatoes bring caramelized sweetness, while the Brussels sprouts add a savory, slightly nutty flavor. Quinoa provides a fluffy, nutty base that absorbs all the flavors, while pecans give a satisfying crunch. The cottage cheese is creamy and rich, balancing out the crispness of apple slices and the tart pop of cranberries. It’s hearty enough to fill you up but light enough to keep you energized.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

• Quinoa: A complete plant-based protein packed with fiber, magnesium, and iron.
• Sweet potatoes: High in beta carotene, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
• Brussels sprouts: A cruciferous vegetable full of fiber and vitamin K.
• Apples: Add natural sweetness, fiber, and vitamin C.
• Cranberries: Provide antioxidants and tartness.
• Pecans: Deliver healthy fats, protein, and crunch.
• Cottage cheese: High in protein and calcium, supporting muscle and bone health.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup quinoa, uncooked
• 2 cups water or vegetable broth
• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Medium saucepan with lid
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowl
• Large serving bowl

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Use farro, brown rice, or couscous instead of quinoa.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or pumpkin seeds.
• Add roasted butternut squash instead of sweet potatoes.
• Use Greek yogurt in place of cottage cheese.
• Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or maple Dijon dressing.

How to Make Fall Harvest Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Veggies and Cottage Cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and red onion with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on baking sheet.
3. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
4. While veggies roast, rinse quinoa under cold water. Combine quinoa and water (or broth) in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until fluffy.
5. To assemble bowls, divide quinoa among serving bowls. Top with roasted veggies, apple slices, pecans, cranberries, and a scoop of cottage cheese.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.

What to Serve With Fall Harvest Quinoa Bowl

• A side of crusty bread with butter or olive oil dip.
• A cup of butternut squash soup for a cozy dinner.
• A light vinaigrette if you prefer extra dressing.
• Roasted chicken or salmon for added protein.

Tips for Success

• Roast veggies until caramelized for the best flavor.
• Use broth instead of water for extra flavorful quinoa.
• Assemble bowls fresh to keep apples crisp.
• For meal prep, store components separately and combine before eating.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping parchment paper, which helps veggies caramelize without sticking.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet, which prevents veggies from crisping.
• Adding apples too early, which can cause browning.
• Using watery cottage cheese without draining if it seems runny.

How to Store & Reheat

• Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat roasted veggies and quinoa in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Add fresh apple slices and cottage cheese after reheating to keep textures balanced.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegan? Yes, substitute cottage cheese with dairy free yogurt or hummus.
Can I meal prep this recipe? Absolutely, it’s a great make ahead lunch. Just keep apples and cottage cheese separate until ready to eat.
What apples work best? Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for sweetness; Granny Smith for tartness.
Can I serve it cold? Yes, it’s just as delicious chilled, like a grain salad.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving, 4 servings)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 17g
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sodium: 320mg

Conclusion

This Fall Harvest Quinoa Bowl with Roasted Veggies and Cottage Cheese is autumn in a bowl. It’s full of color, flavor, and texture, combining everything from caramelized veggies to creamy cheese and crunchy nuts. Not only does it showcase seasonal produce, but it’s also balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep you satisfied.

Whether you enjoy it as a cozy dinner, a nourishing lunch, or a meal prep staple, this quinoa bowl will bring the flavors of fall straight to your table. It’s wholesome, comforting, and exactly what you need for crisp autumn days.

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August 27, 2025 by Melissa