Ancient Grain Bowl True Food Kitchen Copycat

If you love vibrant bowls you’ll love this copycat Ancient Grain Bowl from True Food Kitchen. This delicious dish is a powerhouse of whole grains, fresh vegetables, and mouthwatering sauces that always leave me feeling satisfied and energized because of the wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re devoted to meal prep, or just dipping your toes into healthy eating, recreating this bowl at home is a must-try.🌿

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How to Make the Ancient Grain Bowl True Food Kitchen Copycat

Today, we’ll dive into a step-by-step guide to crafting a copycat version of this classic recipe with a few customizable twists to make it your own!

Ingredients

• 2 Sweet Potatoes sliced and roasted
• 1 Cup Quinoa cooked
• 2 Cups Snap Peas
• 2 Cups Portobello Mushrooms
• 2 Avocados sliced
• Micro Greens or greens of choice

Sweet Potato Seasoning

• 2 Tablespoons Miso Paste
• 2 Tablespoons Honey
• 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Tamari or Soy Sauce
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 2 Tablespoons Garlic Powder

Honey Miso Dressing

• 2 Tablespoons Miso Paste
• ¼ Cup Honey

Optional Toppings 

• Pesto
• Feta Cheese
• Hemp Seeds

Step-By Step Instructions

Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Cut the sweet potatoes into thick rounds, about ½ inch thick, for a hearty texture that holds up well when roasted. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of miso paste, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of garlic powder. Toss the sweet potato rounds in this flavorful mixture until evenly coated. Arrange the rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they’re in a single layer for even roasting. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve a golden, caramelized finish.

Cook the Quinoa

Rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water to remove any natural bitterness. Combine the quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth in a medium-sized pot. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set it aside to cool slightly.

Sauté the Mushrooms

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Portobello mushrooms and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mushrooms will release their juices and develop a rich, savory flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and an extra sprinkle of garlic powder for enhanced taste.

Broil the Snap Peas

Preheat your broiler to high. Spread the snap peas in a single layer on a baking sheet. Lightly drizzle them with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Place the snap peas under the broiler for 3–5 minutes, or until they develop a light char and blistered spots. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning. This step adds a smoky depth of flavor and enhances their natural sweetness. Remove the snap peas from the oven and set aside.

Make the Honey Miso Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of miso paste, & ¼ cup of honey. For a thinner consistency, stir in 1–2 teaspoons of water until the dressing reaches your desired texture. Taste and adjust as needed, adding more honey for sweetness or a touch of salt for balance.

Assemble the Bowl

Start by adding a generous scoop of quinoa to your bowl as the base. Arrange the roasted sweet potato rounds, sautéed mushrooms, blanched snap peas, and fresh avocado slices artfully on top. Drizzle the honey miso dressing over the bowl, ensuring each ingredient gets a touch of that delicious flavor.

Top your Ancient Grain Bowl with microgreens or your favorite leafy greens for a pop of color. Sprinkle on optional toppings like hemp seeds, feta cheese, or a dollop of pesto for an herby kick. Enjoy!

The Magic of the Honey Miso Dressing

One of the standout features of this Ancient Grain Bowl is the Honey Miso Dressing—a simple yet incredibly flavorful addition that ties the entire dish together. Believe it or not, this dressing is made with just two ingredients: honey and miso paste. That’s it!

I’ve been making a conscious effort to create recipes that use fewer ingredients without sacrificing taste or quality. Life is busy, and spending hours sourcing specialty ingredients or prepping complex recipes isn’t always practical. With this two-ingredient dressing, you don’t have to compromise on flavor for simplicity.

The combination of miso and honey is a perfect harmony of sweet and savory. Miso paste, with its deep umami flavor, adds richness and complexity, while honey balances it out with a touch of natural sweetness. Together, they create a silky, irresistible dressing that enhances every bite of this bowl.

Using fewer ingredients doesn’t mean your food has to be boring. Instead, it challenges us to highlight the natural flavors of each component and let them shine. This Honey Miso Dressing is proof that sometimes less really is more! 🍯

Protein Options for Your Ancient Grain Bowl

Adding protein transforms this Ancient Grain Bowl into a complete, satisfying meal. While quinoa provides plant-based protein, pairing it with another protein source boosts flavor and nutrition. My top choice? Broiled shrimp.

Quick and flavorful, broiled shrimp is a perfect match for this dish. To make broiled shrimp, toss peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Spread them on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.

Other Protein Ideas

• Grilled Chicken: Marinate in olive oil, lemon, and herbs, then grill and slice.
• Crispy Tofu: Toss cubed tofu with soy sauce and bake until golden.
• Soft-Boiled Eggs: Boil for 6–7 minutes, cool, and slice.
• Seared Salmon: Sear seasoned fillets in a hot skillet for 3–4 minutes per side.
• Roasted Chickpeas: Season and roast for a crunchy, plant-based topping.

Whether you choose shrimp or another option, adding protein elevates this bowl to a nourishing, flavorful meal!

Why You’ll Love This Ancient Grain Bowl

Packed with Nutrients: This bowl features wholesome ingredients like quinoa, sweet potatoes, and avocados!

Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or what’s in your fridge.

Deliciously Balanced: The combination of sweet roasted vegetables, umami-rich mushrooms, and tangy honey miso dressing creates an unmatched flavor profile.

Restaurant Quality at Home: Enjoy the taste of True Food Kitchen without leaving your kitchen.

Tips for Perfecting Your Ancient Grain Bowl

Meal Prep Friendly: Cook the quinoa, roast the veggies, and make the dressing in advance. Store each component separately for quick assembly during the week.

Enhance the Flavor: Marinate the mushrooms in a bit of tamari or soy sauce before sautéing to deepen the umami notes.

Substitute Freely: No quinoa? Use brown rice, or cauliflower rice. Don’t have sweet potatoes? Try roasted butternut squash or carrots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different dressing?
While the Honey Miso Dressing is a key feature of this recipe, you can use other dressings like tahini, lemon vinaigrette, or a creamy avocado dressing. However, the miso and honey combination provides a unique balance of umami and sweetness that’s hard to beat!

Are there any protein options I can add?
Yes! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, tempeh, or even a soft-boiled egg for an extra protein boost. These options pair beautifully with the existing ingredients and make the bowl even more filling.

What are some optional toppings to elevate the flavor?
Enhance your grain bowl with toppings like feta cheese, hemp seeds, sunflower seeds, or a dollop of pesto. These small additions can add new textures and layers of flavor to your dish.

Enjoy Your Ancient Grain Bowl!

This Ancient Grain Bowl True Food Kitchen copycat recipe is more than just a simple bowl—it’s truly an experience of unbelievable flavors. Recreating this bowl at home allows you to enjoy its fresh, wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors while customizing it to your preferences. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week, planning to host, or just want a healthy bowl—dive into the deliciousness of this True Food Kitchen-inspired recipe. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you! Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy✨