## Winter Kale and Sweet Potato Salad: Your Go-To Winter Dish
Winter calls for warm, comforting dishes, but it also gives us an amazing variety of fresh produce to create some light, nourishing meals. One such recipe perfect for the chilly weather is the ‘Winter Kale and Sweet Potato Salad’. This is a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that take your winter meal from ordinary to extraordinary in just a few steps!
## Why Make This Recipe
Our Winter Kale and Sweet Potato Salad is an ideal combination of health and taste, offering a generous dose of vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. The nutrient-packed kale, hearty sweet potatoes, and the tangy dressing create a balanced dish that will keep you satiated and bring a delightful variety to your winter menu.
## How to Make Winter Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
The recipe is fairly straightforward and doesn’t require exotic ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Here’s what you need:
### Ingredients
– 2 medium sweet potatoes
– Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
– Salt (1 teaspoon)
– Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
– 1 bunch of kale
– Dried cranberries (1/4 cup)
– Feta cheese (1/4 cup)
– Toasted pecans (1/4 cup)
– 1 lemon
– Honey (1 tablespoon)
– Dijon mustard (1/2 teaspoon)
### Directions
1. **Roast Sweet Potatoes:** Preheat your oven to 400°F. Coat sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper and let them roast for 25 minutes or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
2. **Prepare Kale:** Massage the kale with olive oil and lemon juice to make it tender.
3. **Make Dressing:** Mix lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Season according to your preference.
4. **Assemble Salad:** Combine the kale, sweet potatoes, cranberries, and pecans. Drizzle dressing over it and toss gently.
5. **Serve:** Top the salad with crumbled feta cheese, and there you have it!
## How to Serve Winter Kale And Sweet Potato Salad
This salad is an amazing standalone dish; however, it can also make an excellent side to your meaty main courses. You can serve it warm to relish the roasted sweet potatoes or enjoy it chilled as a refreshing salad.
## How to Store Winter Kale And Sweet Potato Salad
You can conveniently store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Remember to separate the dressing to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
## Tips to Make Winter Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
– Choose fresh, vibrant kale.
– Peel the sweet potatoes for a smoother texture.
– Adjust the amount of Dijon mustard to your liking.
## Variations
Add grilled chicken or roasted chickpeas to make the salad a protein-rich meal.
## FAQs
– **Can I Substitute Sweet Potatoes?** Yes, you can use butternut squash or regular potatoes.
– **Will Regular Mustard Work Instead of Dijon?** Yes, but Dijon mustard gives a distinct taste to the salad.
– **Can I Use Different Types of Nuts?** Absolutely, walnuts or almonds can also be used instead of pecans.
The Winter Kale and Sweet Potato Salad is an easy, flavorful, and nutritious dish that you can enjoy all winter long. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this hearty, plant-powered salad.