Vegan Fall Harvest Farro Bowl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This bowl is packed with wholesome ingredients and seasonal flavors that celebrate the best of fall. The farro provides a chewy, nutty base, while roasted butternut squash, chickpeas, and apples add natural sweetness and texture. Topped with pumpkin seeds, pecans, cranberries, and vegan parmesan, every bite is layered with crunch and flavor. It’s nutritious, plant-based, and makes a satisfying lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH:

• 2 cups roasted butternut squash

MAPLE ROASTED CHICKPEAS + APPLES:

• 2 medium Gala apples, sliced (skin on or off)
• 1 (15 oz.) can organic chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

BOWL:

• 2 cups cooked farro (about 1 cup dried farro; substitute with basmati or brown rice)
• handful of pumpkin seeds
• 1 cup dried cranberries, organic
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
• shaved or grated dairy-free parmesan cheese

VEGAN RANCH DRESSING:

• drizzle of vegan ranch dressing

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread butternut squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
3. On another baking sheet, toss chickpeas and sliced apples with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, pepper, paprika, parsley, oregano, basil, cumin, and red pepper flakes. Roast for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway, until chickpeas are crispy and apples are lightly caramelized.
4. Cook farro according to package directions (about 25–30 minutes for dried farro). Drain and fluff with a fork.
5. Assemble bowls by layering farro at the base. Top with roasted butternut squash, chickpeas, and apples.
6. Garnish with pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and dairy-free parmesan.
7. Drizzle with vegan ranch dressing and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Preparation takes around 15 minutes, and cooking requires 30 minutes, making the total time about 45 minutes.

Variations

• Swap farro with quinoa for a gluten-free option.
• Use roasted sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash.
• Add roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots for extra veggies.
• Replace vegan ranch with tahini dressing or balsamic glaze.
• Try using walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty crunch.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. To keep textures fresh, store toppings like pumpkin seeds separately and add just before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this bowl ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep all the components in advance and assemble when ready to serve.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Farro contains gluten, but you can substitute it with quinoa, rice, or millet for a gluten-free version.

Can I use canned pumpkin instead of roasted squash?

Canned pumpkin won’t provide the same texture. Roasted squash or sweet potatoes are better alternatives.

How do I toast pecans properly?

Spread them on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant.

What other dressings can I use besides vegan ranch?

Tahini, lemon-tahini, maple Dijon, or balsamic vinaigrette all pair beautifully.

Can I reduce the sweetness of the chickpeas and apples?

Yes, use less maple syrup or swap with a drizzle of olive oil and spices only.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work well, but tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast too.

How do I keep chickpeas crispy?

Allow them to cool completely before storing and reheat in the oven or air fryer to regain crispiness.

Can I make this nut-free?

Yes, omit the pecans and use sunflower or pumpkin seeds for crunch.

Can I serve this bowl cold?

Yes, it can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it great for meal prep.

Conclusion

The Vegan Fall Harvest Farro Bowl is a nourishing and flavorful dish that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. With roasted vegetables, sweet and savory chickpeas and apples, and crunchy seasonal toppings, it’s both wholesome and satisfying. Whether served warm or prepped ahead for easy lunches, this bowl is a perfect plant-based option for fall.

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