Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad

If you’re looking for a salad that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, then this Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad is just what you need. This recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite in my home. The sweet, caramelized flavor of roasted sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the earthy kale and crunchy pecans. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a festive family gathering, this salad is always a hit!

What makes this Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad truly special is how it balances flavors and textures beautifully. The creamy goat cheese adds richness, while the tangy dijon dressing ties everything together with just the right amount of zest. It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of wholesome ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this flavorful salad in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Even picky eaters will enjoy the mix of sweet and savory flavors.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! This salad stays fresh for days in the fridge.
• Flavor Explosion: Every bite is bursting with deliciousness thanks to the roasted sweet potatoes and tangy dressing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! For this Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad, we’re using simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

For the Salad Base

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bunches of kale (washed and massaged)
• 1 cup cooked quinoa – cooled
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

For the Dressing

• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative and customize it to your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap out the greens: If kale isn’t your thing, try spinach or arugula for a different flavor profile.
• Add more protein: Toss in some chickpeas or grilled chicken for an extra protein boost.
• Change up the nuts: Instead of pecans, use walnuts or almonds for added crunch.
• Mix in seasonal fruits: Fresh apples or pears can add a delightful sweetness to this salad.

How to Make Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Spread them out in an even layer. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and creates that lovely caramelization that enhances their flavor. Bake for about 25 minutes until they are tender and golden.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While your sweet potatoes are roasting, whisk together dijon mustard, lemon juice, maple syrup, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This dressing is key as it adds brightness and balance to the salad. Set it aside so the flavors can meld together.

Step 3: Assemble Your Salad

In a large bowl, combine the massaged kale with cooked quinoa, golden raisins, chopped pecans, diced red onion, and crumbled goat cheese. Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting and slightly cooled, add them to the bowl as well. Gently toss everything together so that all those vibrant colors and textures are mixed beautifully.

Step 4: Dress It Up

Drizzle your tangy dijon dressing over the salad just before serving. Give it another gentle toss to ensure every bite gets that delicious flavor. This step makes all the difference by tying all those wonderful ingredients together.

And there you have it! A delightful Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad that’s ready to enjoy any day of the week!

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad

Creating the perfect Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad is all about the little details! Here are some pro tips to help you elevate this dish and impress your family and friends.

• Choose Fresh Kale: Using fresh, vibrant kale leaves not only enhances the flavor but also ensures a satisfying crunch. Look for leaves that are deep green without any yellowing or browning.
• Perfectly Roast Sweet Potatoes: Cut your sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting to achieve that delicious caramelization and depth of flavor.
• Massage Your Kale: Taking a moment to massage the kale with a little olive oil helps break down its fibrous texture, making it tastier and easier to chew. Plus, it brings out a lovely vibrant color!
• Let It Chill: After assembling your salad, let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Don’t hesitate to tweak the dressing ingredients based on your preference. A splash more lemon juice or maple syrup can make all the difference in balancing flavors!

How to Serve Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad

This Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious! To present this dish beautifully, consider these serving ideas:

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for an aromatic touch that brightens up the dish.
• Sliced Avocado: Add creamy avocado slices on top for richness and a pop of color that complements the salad perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside grilled chicken seasoned with herbs for a protein-packed meal that balances well with the salad’s flavors.
• Quinoa Pilaf: A light quinoa pilaf with herbs and vegetables makes a perfect accompaniment, adding more texture and nutrition.
• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables for added warmth and heartiness on your plate.
• Hummus and Pita Chips: For a light snack option, serve some creamy hummus with crispy pita chips on the side—it’s great for dipping!

This delightful combination of flavors and textures in your Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad, paired with these sides, will surely create a memorable meal experience! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad is perfect for meal prepping! You can make it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while saving you time during busy weekdays.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It’s best consumed within 3 days for optimal freshness.
• Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store leftovers to maintain the salad’s crispness.

Freezing

• While it’s not ideal to freeze this salad as the texture may change, you can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes if desired.
• Let them cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating or adding back into your salad.

Reheating

• If you’ve stored roasted sweet potatoes separately, reheat them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them in a bowl covered with a damp paper towel for 1-2 minutes, checking for doneness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad.

Can I use other greens instead of kale in the Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad?

Absolutely! You can substitute kale with spinach, arugula, or mixed greens. Just be mindful that different greens have different textures and flavors.

How do I make the Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad vegan?

To make this salad vegan, simply omit the goat cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The rest of the ingredients are already plant-based!

What dressing goes well with Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad?

The tangy dijon dressing included in this recipe is perfect! However, you can also try a lemon-tahini dressing or balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.

How long does it take to prepare Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad?

This salad takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to roast the sweet potatoes, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad as much as I do! It’s not only colorful and nutritious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it at a gathering, it’s sure to impress. Dive into this delightful dish and share your experience—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!