Sweet Potato Pecan Salad
As the seasons shift from winter to spring, this Sweet Potato Pecan Salad is the perfect way to embrace fresh, vibrant flavors while still enjoying cozy, nourishing ingredients. The warmth of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with crisp arugula, creamy avocado, and crunchy pecans, all brought together with a zesty apple cider vinaigrette infused with fresh ginger. This salad bridges the gap between seasons, offering a balance of hearty comfort and refreshing brightness—perfect for transitioning into lighter, more colorful meals!
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cut into cubes (20 ounces)
- 1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. paprika powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 6 cups arugula or baby spinach
- 1 avocado cubed (4 ounces)
- 1/3 cup raw pecans, roughly chopped
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp. honey or maple syrup
- 2 tsp. fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Place the sweet potato cubes on a baking tray with a drizzle of olive oil and toss with paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then toss and bake for another 15 minutes, or until tender. Alternatively, you can air fry for about 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway.
- While the sweet potato is cooking, mix the salad dressing together in a large bowl and add the onions.
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the oven and while hot, place them into the large bowl with the salad dressing, then let them cool for 5 minutes.
- Once cool, add the arugula or baby spinach and toss well.
- Divide the salad into 4 bowls, adjusting with salt and pepper to taste, then top with avocado and pecans in each bowl.
Tips and Tricks:
- Let the onions sit in the dressing for at least 5 minutes to mellow their sharpness.
- Blend the dressing for a smoother texture.
- Tossing warm sweet potatoes with the dressing helps them absorb more flavor.
Nutrition Facts:
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