Fall is here, and we’re diving into the cozy vibes of our Harvest Blend Trader Joe’s recipe, a simple twist on that beloved store-bought mix of grains and seasonal veggies. It’s packed with earthy flavors that capture autumn’s essence, making it a go-to for quick, nutritious meals.
We love how this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into something special, blending sweet and savory notes that everyone craves. Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner or meal prep, our version keeps things easy yet delicious, proving that great taste doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients
In our Harvest Blend Trader Joe’s recipe, we gather simple yet flavorful ingredients that capture the essence of fall. These components, ordered by how we incorporate them into the preparation, ensure a balanced mix of textures and tastes for a wholesome dish.
To make this recipe, you’ll need the following:
- Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Grains: 1 package (about 8 ounces), as our base for a hearty, nutrient-rich foundation that includes a mix of farro, red quinoa, and other ancient grains—rinse under cold water before using to remove any excess starch.
- Butternut Squash: 2 cups diced (fresh or pre-cut from Trader Joe’s), peeled and cubed into ½-inch pieces for that sweet, caramelized flavor we love in autumn dishes.
- Kale: 4 cups chopped (from a 5-ounce bag), stems removed and leaves torn into bite-sized pieces—massage lightly to soften and enhance its earthy notes.
- Red Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced, to add a sharp, aromatic punch that mellows during cooking.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced, for a robust flavor boost that ties the ingredients together.
- Dried Cranberries: ½ cup, for a tart sweetness that complements the savory elements and adds a pop of color.
- Pecans: ½ cup, roughly chopped, to provide a crunchy texture—toast them briefly if you prefer an intensified nutty taste.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra-virgin variety, to coat and sauté the vegetables for a smooth, golden finish.
- Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon salt, plus ¼ teaspoon black pepper, to season and evoke cozy fall vibes without overwhelming the natural flavors.
This selection highlights our favorite Trader Joe’s staples, making the recipe both accessible and packed with seasonal goodness.
Instructions
We walk you through our Harvest Blend Trader Joe’s recipe with straightforward steps that bring out the cozy fall flavors using the ingredients we listed earlier.
Prep
First, preheat your oven to 400°F to get it ready for roasting. Wash and chop 2 cups of butternut squash into 1-inch cubes for a sweet caramelized texture then slice 1 red onion into thin rings and mince 3 garlic cloves for aromatic depth. Next, rinse 2 cups of kale leaves and tear them into bite-sized pieces while measuring out ½ cup each of dried cranberries and pecans to add a tart crunch and nutty contrast.
Cook
In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil then add the Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Grains package and simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender with a slight chew—we love how the grains absorb the savory notes. Meanwhile, toss the chopped butternut squash and red onion slices with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt on a baking sheet then roast for 25 minutes until golden and fragrant with that irresistible autumn aroma. In a separate skillet, sauté the minced garlic and kale in 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat for 5 minutes until the leaves wilt and release their earthy flavors.
Assemble and Serve
Combine the cooked grains with the roasted butternut squash, red onion, and sautéed kale in a large bowl then stir in the dried cranberries and pecans for a burst of sweet and tangy elements. Drizzle with an additional tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of our selected spices like cinnamon and thyme to enhance the balanced sweet-savory profile. Serve warm in bowls for a hearty family meal that showcases the vibrant colors and textures of fall.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Harvest Blend recipe from Trader Joe’s, as it’s a simple way to capture autumn’s warmth in every bite. It’s not just a meal—it’s our go-to for creating memorable gatherings that feel effortlessly cozy.
By keeping things straightforward, we’ve shown how seasonal flavors can elevate your table without the fuss. Give it a try and let it become part of your fall routine—we’re confident you’ll savor the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend recipe?
The Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend recipe is a simple fall-inspired dish using their store-bought grain mix, combined with seasonal veggies like butternut squash, kale, and red onion. It balances sweet and savory flavors for a cozy, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep, emphasizing easy preparation to capture autumn’s essence without complexity.
What ingredients are needed for the Harvest Blend recipe?
You’ll need Trader Joe’s Harvest Blend Grains, butternut squash, kale, red onion, garlic, dried cranberries, pecans, olive oil, and spices. These ingredients provide a mix of textures and flavors that highlight fall’s sweet and savory notes, making the dish vibrant and balanced.
How do you prepare the Harvest Blend recipe?
Preheat your oven, then roast butternut squash and red onion. Cook the Harvest Blend Grains separately, combine with the roasted veggies, and mix in kale, garlic, cranberries, and pecans. Assemble everything for a warm, hearty dish that takes about 30-40 minutes total, offering comforting autumn tastes with minimal steps.
Is the Harvest Blend recipe healthy?
Yes, it’s nutritious, featuring whole grains, veggies like kale and butternut squash for vitamins, and nuts for healthy fats. With no added refined sugars, it promotes a balanced meal that’s fiber-rich and low in processed ingredients, ideal for wholesome family dining or meal prep.
Can I substitute ingredients in the Harvest Blend recipe?
Absolutely, swap butternut squash for sweet potatoes, kale for spinach, or pecans for walnuts to suit preferences or availability. Keep the core grains and fall veggies for the best flavor balance, ensuring the dish remains sweet-savory and seasonal while accommodating dietary needs.
How long does it take to make the Harvest Blend?
The recipe takes about 40-50 minutes total, including 10-15 minutes for prep and 25-30 minutes for cooking and roasting. It’s straightforward for busy weeknights, yielding a warm, flavorful meal that reheats well for easy meal prep.