Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls: 5 Cozy Ingredients For Fall

Name: Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls: 5 Cozy Ingredients For Fall
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 cup butternut squash, cubed; 1 cup kale, chopped; 1/2 cup cranberries; 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on November 18, 2025

Posted by Georgina sami

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls! This dish is like a warm hug in a bowl, bursting with flavors that capture the essence of fall. It’s not just delicious; it’s packed with nutrition, too! The combination of hearty quinoa, sweet butternut squash, and vibrant kale makes it a wholesome meal that fills you up without weighing you down. I love making this on chilly evenings when the leaves are changing outside. Trust me, the first bite will have you dreaming of cozy autumn nights. Plus, it’s so easy to customize with whatever seasonal veggies you have on hand. You’ll absolutely love how simple yet satisfying it is!

Ingredients List

1 cup quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 cup butternut squash, cubed
1 cup kale, chopped
1/2 cup cranberries
1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls

Preheating and Roasting

First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, grab your butternut squash and cut it into bite-sized cubes. I love how the sweet aroma of roasted squash fills the kitchen! Toss those cubes in a bowl with olive oil, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and some salt and pepper. Make sure they’re all well-coated—this is where the magic happens! Now spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet and pop it in the oven. Roast for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until they’re tender and a little caramelized. Trust me, you’ll want to keep an eye on them; the smell will drive you wild!

Cooking the Quinoa

While your squash is roasting away, let’s get to the quinoa! First, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water in a fine mesh strainer. This step is super important because it helps remove any bitterness. In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, and then reduce the heat to low. Cover that pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa has absorbed all the broth and looks fluffy. You’ll know it’s ready when those little spirals start to separate from the grains. It’s like watching a little magic happen right there in your pot!

Combining Ingredients

Now comes the fun part! In a large bowl, combine your fluffy quinoa with the beautifully roasted butternut squash, chopped kale, cranberries, and walnuts. Give everything a gentle toss to mix it up nicely, ensuring every bite has a bit of all those delicious flavors. I love how colorful and vibrant this dish looks—it’s like a celebration of autumn in a bowl! Serve it warm, and watch as your friends and family rave about this hearty, nutritious meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Nutritious and filling: This bowl is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from quinoa, squash, and kale, making it a satisfying meal that nourishes your body.
Easy to prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
Versatile with seasonal vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite autumn veggies! Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or even roasted carrots can elevate this dish.
Perfect for meal prep: These quinoa bowls keep well in the fridge, making them ideal for lunches or quick dinners—just grab and go!
Great for both warm and cold servings: Enjoy it warm straight from the oven or cold as a refreshing salad; either way, it’s delicious!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls turn out perfectly! Here are my top tips to elevate your dish:

Quinoa rinsing: Don’t skip the rinsing step! This little action washes away the saponins that can give quinoa a bitter taste. I promise it’s worth it!
Customize your veggies: Feel free to mix it up with seasonal vegetables! Roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or even some sautéed mushrooms can add a fantastic twist.
Add protein: If you want to boost the protein even more, consider adding chickpeas or black beans. They blend beautifully with the flavors and make the dish even more filling!
Spice it up: Want a little kick? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some smoked paprika to the butternut squash before roasting. It’ll add a lovely depth of flavor!
Storage tips: When storing leftovers, make sure to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish is great for meal prep, but it’s best enjoyed within three days for optimal freshness.
Warm it up: If you’re reheating, a quick splash of vegetable broth while microwaving will keep it moist and enhance the flavors. Nobody likes dry quinoa!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful, nutritious quinoa bowls that are sure to impress!

Nutritional Information

These Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls not only taste amazing, but they’re also packed with nutrients that will fuel your day. Here’s a quick breakdown of the estimated nutritional values per serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 10g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 150mg
Cholesterol: 0mg

Remember, these values are estimates based on the ingredients used, so feel free to adjust according to any substitutions you make. It’s a nutritious, wholesome meal that makes you feel good inside and out!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s talk about how to store your Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls so you can enjoy them later! First off, make sure to let the bowls cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent condensation, which can make everything soggy. I like to use airtight containers for storage—just scoop the quinoa mixture into one, seal it up tight, and pop it in the fridge. You can keep leftovers for up to 3 days. Trust me, they’ll still taste great!

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is super easy. If you have a microwave, simply place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl, and add a splash of vegetable broth or a little water. This helps keep the quinoa moist and flavorful as it warms up. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel, and heat it for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

If you prefer reheating on the stove, just toss the quinoa mixture in a pan over medium heat. Add a bit of broth or water, stirring frequently until it’s warmed through. I love this method because it revives the flavors beautifully! Just remember to keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t stick to the pan.

And there you have it—easy storage and reheating tips to make your Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls a delightful meal any day of the week! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

FAQ Section

Can I use other grains instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! While quinoa is my favorite for its fluffy texture and protein content, you can try using brown rice, farro, or even barley. Just be sure to adjust the cooking times according to the grain you choose!

Can I make these bowls ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prep these Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls in advance! They’re perfect for meal prep. Just store them in airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. They’ll stay fresh and ready for you!

What other vegetables can I add?
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! You can add roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or even some sautéed mushrooms. Just think about what’s in season and what you love—there are no wrong choices here!

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, making these Autumn Glow Quinoa Bowls a great option for anyone wanting to avoid gluten. Just double-check any additional ingredients or toppings you use to ensure they are also gluten-free.

Can I serve this dish cold?
Definitely! These bowls are delightful both warm and cold. If you want to serve them as a salad, let them cool in the fridge after cooking, and enjoy them chilled. They make a refreshing, nutritious meal any time!

For more delicious recipes, check out Pumpkin Chili Recipe and Apple Cider Donut Loaf!