Hey there, salad lovers!
Are you in the mood for something fresh and tasty? Then you’re in for a treat!
Today, I’m diving into the deliciousness of the Half Baked Harvest Sweet Potato Kale Salad.
This salad is packed with flavor and goodness, thanks to roasted sweet potatoes and wholesome kale.
And the creamy honey mustard dressing? Oh wow, it ties everything together perfectly!
Let’s get into it and whip up this yummy salad together!
Possible Ingredient Alternatives
Sweet potatoes can be replaced with butternut squash or carrots for a similar texture and nutritional profile. Cut these vegetables into thin sticks and roast as directed in the recipe. For a lower-carb option, consider using cauliflower florets, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Chickpeas can be substituted with white beans or lentils for comparable protein content and texture. For a grain-based alternative, try using cooked quinoa or farro, which will add different textures and flavors to the salad.
Kale can be swapped with other hearty greens like spinach, Swiss chard, or collard greens. These alternatives provide similar nutritional benefits and hold up well to the dressing. If using more delicate greens, add them just before serving to prevent wilting. Adjust the quantity as needed, as some greens may have different volume-to-weight ratios compared to kale.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 55-60 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2200-2500
- Protein: 60-70 g
- Fat: 160-180 g
- Carbohydrates: 230-250 g
Ingredients
For the baked vegetables:
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 can chickpeas (drained and thoroughly dried for crispiness)
- 2 sweet potatoes (sliced into 1/2-inch sticks)
- 2 tsp chipotle chili powder (for a smoky kick)
- ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- kosher salt to taste
- 3 tbsp olive oil
For the salad base:
- 1 avocado (sliced just before serving to prevent browning)
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (I prefer Athenos brand)
- 2 Persian cucumbers (diced into 1/4-inch pieces)
- 5 to 6 cups chopped kale (lacinato or curly works well)
- 1 cup mixed fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or dill)
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (I use Grey Poupon)
- 1 tbsp coarse ground mustard
- 2 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed for brighter flavor)
- 1/3 cup olive oil (a good quality extra virgin for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp champagne or apple cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp honey
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
On a baking sheet, combine the sweet potatoes, chickpeas, olive oil, sesame seeds, chili powder, paprika, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Toss all these ingredients well to ensure they’re evenly coated with the spices and oil.
Step 2: Bake Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, toss the sweet potatoes and chickpeas, then continue baking for another 20 minutes.
The goal is to have the chickpeas become crisp and the sweet potatoes tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base
While the sweet potatoes and chickpeas are baking, take a salad bowl and combine the kale, herbs, and cucumbers.
This will form the fresh, vibrant base of your salad.
Step 4: Make and Apply the Dressing
To make the salad dressing, combine all the dressing ingredients in a glass jar, whisking them together until smooth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking.
Drizzle a few tablespoons of the dressing over the kale mixture and massage it into the greens to help break down the kale and infuse flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
Once the sweet potatoes and chickpeas are done roasting, remove them from the oven and toss them into the salad bowl with the dressed kale.
Add more dressing if desired, then toss everything together to combine.
Finally, top the salad with sliced avocado and crumbled feta cheese.
Serve and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors and textures!
