Starbucks Hearty Veggie and Brown Rice Salad (Copycat Recipe)
This Starbucks hearty veggie and brown rice salad is a fresh, satisfying copycat made with wholesome vegetables, hearty grains, and a bright lemon harissa dressing. Inspired by the popular Starbucks bowl many fans still miss, this homemade version delivers the same filling, balanced feel with even better flavor and texture. It’s vegetarian, meal-prep friendly, and easy to customize, making it a great option for healthy lunches or simple weeknight meals using real, feel-good ingredients.
Ingredients
- 5 cups cooked brown rice Approximately 1½ cups of dry rice
- 5 cups broccoli florets steamed or roasted
- 4 cups roasted sweet potato cubes
- 2½ cups green peas steamed
- 5 cups chopped kale
- ¾ –1 cup pomegranate arils
- ½ –¾ cup shredded Manchego cheese optional
Lemon Harissa Dressing (Makes ~1 cup)
- ½ cup sunflower butter unsweetened, creamy
- 3 tablespoons warm water plus more as needed
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 to 1½ tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon mild harissa paste
- ¾ to 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Bowl Instructions
Tip: The lemon harissa dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge while you prep the rest of the bowl components.
- Make the brown rice using a rice cooker or stovetop. Let it cool slightly while you prep the other ingredients.
- Roast or steam the broccoli until tender with a bit of bite.
- Roast the sweet potatoes until fork-tender and lightly caramelized.
- Steam the green peas just until bright and tender.
- Chop the kale into bite-size pieces.
- Prep the pomegranate arils and shred the Manchego if using.
- To serve, divide the ingredients evenly between bowls, layer as desired, and drizzle with lemon harissa dressing just before eating.
Lemon Harissa Dressing
- In a bowl or jar, whisk the sunflower butter and warm water until smooth and creamy.
- Add the lemon juice and white wine vinegar, whisking until combined.
- Whisk in the vegetable oil and maple syrup until glossy.
- Add the garlic, harissa paste, and salt, then whisk until fully incorporated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- If the dressing thickens in the fridge, add a small splash of warm water and whisk before using.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
