CAVA-Style Winter Grain Bowl
Winter meals call for warmth, balance and flexibility — not complicated cooking. This CAVA-style winter grain bowl mirrors the kind of fast-casual meals people naturally gravitate toward in colder months: warm grains, roasted vegetables, sturdy greens and bold but simple flavors.
Rather than following a strict recipe, this bowl works as a framework you can prep once and remix all week. The ingredients reflect what’s typically available and satisfying during winter, inspired by Mediterranean-style bowl menus — hearty vegetables, grounding grains, creamy sauces and greens that hold up well in colder weather.
What You Need
- Grains & Base: Basmati rice, brown rice, quinoa, or lentils (optional, can be mixed with grains for a heartier base)
- Roasted Vegetables: Cauliflower, sweet potatoes, carrots, red onion, or broccoli
- Greens: Baby kale, arugula, spinach, or shredded romaine
- Protein (Optional): Chickpeas, lentils, falafel, chicken, lamb, or steak
- Sauces & Finishing Touches: Tahini, hummus, lemon juice, yogurt sauce, or tzatziki-style dressing
Instructions
- Cook the Grains: Cook your chosen grain according to package instructions. If using lentils as part of the base, prepare them separately or combine them with rice for a more filling foundation.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Toss the Vegetables: Toss vegetables with olive oil, sea salt, and your preferred spice blend.
- Roast the Vegetables: Roast for 25-35 minutes, flipping once, until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Prepare Other Ingredients: While the vegetables roast, gently warm the chickpeas or lentils with olive oil and spices, if using. The greens can be added raw to the bowl, lightly sautéed, or allowed to wilt naturally under the warmth of the grains.
- Assemble the Bowl: Layer the grains, roasted vegetables, greens, and protein in a bowl. Finish with your choice of sauce, a squeeze of lemon, and any toppings you enjoy.
How This Works All Week
This style of meal is designed to repeat well. Roast vegetables once, cook grains in a larger batch, and store sauces separately. Each bowl can feel slightly different depending on how it’s assembled, without requiring additional cooking.
The result is a winter meal that’s warming without being heavy, structured without being rigid, and flexible enough to support changing energy levels throughout the week.
Looking for more recipes? Find practical, nourishing ideas in our full Recipe collection designed for everyday life.
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