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Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad Recipe

4.5 from 69 reviews

A vibrant and nutritious Roasted Sweet Potato Kale Salad featuring tender roasted sweet potatoes, protein-rich quinoa, tangy feta, and a zesty honey-lemon dressing. This salad combines earthy, sweet, and tart flavors with a satisfying mix of textures, perfect for a wholesome lunch or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Salad Base

  • 4 cups baby kale, washed and dried
  • ½ cup quinoa, rinsed
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • ¼ cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the sweet potatoes.
  2. Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and ground black pepper on a baking sheet to ensure even roasting and seasoning.
  3. Roast Sweet Potatoes: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the sweet potatoes for 20-25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
  4. Cook Quinoa: While the sweet potatoes roast, cook the quinoa by boiling it in water, then reducing to a simmer until all water is absorbed, approximately 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork once done.
  5. Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice to create a bright and tangy dressing that balances the salad’s flavors.
  6. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, cooked quinoa, baby kale, dried cranberries, crumbled feta cheese, and walnuts if using to build layers of flavor and texture.
  7. Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients without bruising the kale.
  8. Serve: Serve the salad warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for different preferences and occasions.

Notes

  • Walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and nutty flavor to the salad.
  • You can substitute baby kale with baby spinach or mixed greens if preferred.
  • For a vegan version, omit the feta or replace it with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • To save time, quinoa can be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated.

Keywords: roasted sweet potato salad, kale salad, quinoa salad, healthy salad, vegetarian salad, autumn salad, easy side dish