Description
This Sweet Potato Kale Salad is a deliciously vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that’s perfect for a light meal or a hearty side. Roasted sweet potatoes paired with fresh kale, topped with a sweet and tangy maple mustard dressing, create a balance of flavors that are sure to please. Add in some crunchy nuts and seeds for extra texture, and you’ve got a salad that’s as beautiful as it is tasty!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes 🍠
- 2 tbsp olive oil 🧴
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
- 5 cups kale, stems removed and chopped 🥬
- ½ cup roasted pecans or walnuts, roughly chopped 🌰
- ¼ cup pomegranate seeds (optional but adds a pop of color!) 🍽️
For the Maple Mustard Dressing:
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 🍯
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup 🍁
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 🍏
- 3 tbsp olive oil 🧴
- 1 tsp lemon juice 🍋
- Salt and pepper, to taste 🧂
Instructions
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the diced sweet potatoes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and lightly caramelized. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Maple Mustard Dressing
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or tang as desired by adding more maple syrup or vinegar. Set aside.
3. Massage the Kale
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, place the chopped kale in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt, then massage the kale for about 1-2 minutes until it softens and becomes more tender.
4. Assemble the Salad
- Once the sweet potatoes have cooled slightly, add them to the bowl with the massaged kale.
- Pour the maple mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Add Crunch and Color
- Top with the roasted pecans or walnuts and a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds (if using).
Notes
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, top the salad with grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas!
- Other Nut Options: You can use other nuts like almonds or cashews if you prefer.
- Make Ahead: Roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the dressing ahead of time for an easy, quick salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting, Tossing
- Cuisine: American