Description
A warm and hearty salad featuring caramelized roasted sweet potatoes paired with fresh mixed greens, tangy crumbled feta, dried cranberries, and crunchy pumpkin seeds, all tossed in a simple apple cider vinaigrette. Ideal for a wholesome side or light meal.
Ingredients
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 2 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Salad
- 4 cups mixed greens or spinach
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds or pecans
Vinaigrette
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes, ensuring a hot environment for caramelization.
- Roast sweet potatoes: In a bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
- Prepare salad base: While the sweet potatoes roast, arrange the mixed greens or spinach in a large salad bowl. Add the dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds or pecans, and crumbled feta cheese to the greens.
- Make vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), and a pinch of salt and pepper until emulsified and balanced in flavor.
- Assemble salad: Once the sweet potatoes are roasted and slightly cooled, add them to the salad bowl with the greens and toppings. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- To make this salad more filling, add cooked quinoa or your favorite grain.
- For a creamier cheese option, substitute feta with goat cheese.
- Use pecans if pumpkin seeds are unavailable for added crunch and flavor.
- This salad is best served warm or at room temperature to enjoy the contrast between roasted sweet potatoes and fresh greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
