Sweet Potato and Spinach Salad with Maple Dressing

This vibrant salad combines fresh spinach, roasted sweet potatoes, and a delightful maple dressing. It’s a nutritious and satisfying dish that works well as a side or a light main course.

Nutritious Sweet Potato and Spinach Salad

This vibrant salad brings together fresh spinach and roasted sweet potatoes, creating a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the tartness of dried cranberries, while sunflower seeds add a satisfying crunch.

The salad is not only visually appealing, with its array of colors, but also packed with nutrients. It features fresh spinach, sweet potato that is peeled and diced, and a generous 1/2 cup of dried cranberries. The addition of 1/4 cup of sunflower seeds enhances both the taste and texture, making this dish a wholesome choice for any meal.

Preparing the Ingredients

To start, roasting the sweet potato is essential for bringing out its natural sweetness. Toss the diced sweet potato with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until tender and caramelized. This process typically takes about 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, gather the remaining ingredients. The salad dressing is a simple yet flavorful blend of 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, whisked together with the remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper. This light dressing perfectly complements the salad’s ingredients.

Assembling the Salad

Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds. This combination not only creates a beautiful presentation but also ensures a variety of flavors in every bite.

Drizzle the prepared maple dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Ensuring that all ingredients are well-coated will enhance the overall flavor profile, making each serving a delightful experience.

Serving Suggestions

This colorful salad can be served as a side dish or as a light main course. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it an inviting option for gatherings or a healthy meal at home.

To elevate the presentation, serve the salad in a rustic bowl, allowing the colors to shine through. This dish is not only nutritious but also visually appealing, making it a perfect addition to any table setting.

Nutritional Benefits

This sweet potato and spinach salad is not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutrients. Each serving contains approximately 180 calories, 9 grams of fat, and 4 grams of protein. The combination of fresh spinach and sweet potatoes provides essential vitamins and minerals, while the cranberries and sunflower seeds contribute antioxidants and healthy fats.

With its balanced ingredients, this salad is a great choice for anyone looking to incorporate more vegetables and wholesome foods into their diet. Enjoying this dish regularly can support overall health and well-being.

Quick Tips for Preparation

To save time, consider prepping the sweet potatoes in advance. You can roast them the day before and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the salad.

Feel free to customize the salad by adding other ingredients such as nuts, cheese, or additional vegetables. This flexibility allows you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences while maintaining its nutritious profile.

Nutritious Sweet Potato and Spinach Salad

This salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with roasted sweet potatoes providing sweetness, while dried cranberries add a tart contrast. The maple dressing, made with olive oil, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar, ties everything together beautifully. This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Roast the Sweet Potato: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potato with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the fresh spinach, roasted sweet potatoes, dried cranberries, and sunflower seeds.
4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the maple dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
5. Serve: Divide the salad among plates and enjoy immediately.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 180kcal
• Fat: 9g
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 24g