Sometimes salads can be boring, but this recipe will change your mind! Roasted sweet potatoes, cranberries and pistachios provide great flavor and texture. This is a great recipe for lunches for the week and you can add some lean protein to go with it if you choose.
Ingredients:
For the dressing:
¼ cup tahini
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
Lots of freshly ground black pepper
2-3 tablespoons warm water, to thin the dressing
For the salad:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium to large sweet potato, cut into ½ inch cubes (or 2 cups cubed sweet potato)
1 bunch of Tuscan kale, stems removed and very finely chopped (or 8-10 cups chopped kale)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 avocado, sliced or diced
½ cup wasabi peas* (or roasted salted chickpeas), for crunch
For the sweet and spicy pistachios:
½ cup shelled roasted pistachios
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Sprinkle of sea salt
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Add cubed sweet potatoes onto the pan and drizzle with olive oil; toss well to coat the sweet potatoes in oil.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender, flipping halfway through.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the dressing: tahini, garlic powder, fresh lemon juice, pure maple syrup, dijon mustard, salt, pepper and water. I like to start with 2 tablespoons of water, but you may need 3 total tablespoons to achieve a creamy dressing that is easily pourable. You’ll want to be able to coat all of the kale nicely so a thinner dressing is better. Set dressing aside.
Add the finely chopped kale to a large bowl and pour the dressing over. Use a tongs to coat the kale with the dressing; toss together for a few minutes to help break down the kale. Allow the dressing to sit with the kale for 15 minutes or longer to help the kale marinate with the dressing. Add in roasted sweet potato cubes, cranberries, avocado and wasabi peas or roasted chickpeas. Give the salad a gentle toss to combine.
Finally make your sweet and spicy pistachios: place pistachio in a skillet over medium heat. Toast nuts for 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently until they turn just slightly golden then turn off heat and immediately add in maple syrup, cayenne pepper and sea salt. Stir for 15 more seconds to coat pistachios, then transfer to a piece of parchment paper to cool for a few minutes. Pistachios may stick together so try to spread them in an even layer when they are cooling.
Slightly chop once they’re a little cool and place them on the salad. Enjoy! Salad keeps well for 3-4 days. Serves 4-6.
Nutrition Information:
Serving size: 1 serving (based on 6)
Calories: 330; Fat: 18.3g; Saturated fat: 2.6g; Carbohydrates: 40.1g; Fiber: 9.3g; Sugar: 14.6g; Protein: 9g
Printable recipe available at: https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/sweet-potato-kale-salad/
