Discover a vibrant fusion of flavors with this kumara tandoori salad. The sweetness of sweet potato perfectly balances the warm, aromatic spices, creating a dish that's both nourishing and satisfying. Ideal for lunch or a light dinner, this salad will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of India's culinary traditions.
While most of the ingredients in this kumara tandoori salad recipe are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up coconut oil and apple cider vinegar if they aren't already in your kitchen. These add unique flavors and health benefits, making them worth the trip to the supermarket.
Ingredients For Kumara Tandoori Salad
Sweet potato: Adds a natural sweetness and creamy texture to the salad.
Coconut oil: Used for roasting, imparting a subtle, nutty flavor.
Apple cider vinegar: Provides acidity and tang, balancing the sweetness.
Brown sugar: Enhances the caramelization of the sweet potatoes.
Kosher salt: Used to season and bring out the flavors.
Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor to the dish.
Curry powder: Brings a complex blend of spices, adding depth.
Red bell pepper: Adds a crisp, sweet crunch and vibrant color.
Red onion: Provides a sharp, savory bite.
Baby spinach: Adds fresh, leafy greens to the salad.
Olive oil: Forms the base of the salad dressing.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to the salad dressing.
One reader, Katleen Wylie says:
This kumara tandoori salad is a delightful blend of flavors! The roasted sweet potatoes are perfectly spiced, and the fresh spinach and bell pepper add a nice crunch. The dressing ties everything together beautifully. A must-try for salad lovers!
Key Techniques for Making Kumara Tandoori Salad
How to preheat the oven: Set the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to reach the temperature before placing any food inside. How to mix ingredients: Combine the sweet potato with oil, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, cumin, and curry powder in a bowl, ensuring the sweet potato is evenly coated. How to bake sweet potatoes: Place the coated sweet potatoes on a non-stick baking tray and bake them for 15 to 17 minutes. Toss them and bake for an additional 15 to 17 minutes until cooked through. How to mix salad dressing: Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, cumin, and curry powder in a large bowl and mix well. How to toss ingredients: After removing the roasted sweet potatoes from the oven, toss them in the bowl with the salad dressing while still hot. How to cool ingredients: Allow the tossed sweet potatoes to cool before adding the bell pepper and spinach. How to divide portions: Equally distribute the salad mixture between 4 plates.
How To Make Kumara (Sweet Potato) Tandoori Salad
You’ll love this delicious kumara tandoori salad made with roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned with spices and curry, and tossed in a tasty vinaigrette!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 20ozsweet potato,(2 medium) peeled, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2tbspcoconut oil,or olive oil
- 1½tbspapple cider vinegar
- 1tbspbrown sugar,or use honey for paleo
- ½tspkosher salt
- 1tspcumin
- 1tspcurry powder
- 1red bell pepper,sliced into fine strips
- ¼small red onion,finely sliced
- 4cupsbaby spinach
For Salad Dressing:
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1½tbspapple cider vinegar
- 1tsphoney
- 1tspkosher salt
- 1tspcumin
- 1tspcurry powder
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
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Mix the sweet potato with oil, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, cumin, and curry powder. Make sure the sweet potato is well coated, then place them onto a large non-stick baking tray.
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Bake for 15 to 17 minutes. Toss then bake for an additional 15 to 17 minutes, or until cooked through.
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While the sweet potato is cooking, mix the salad dressing together in a large bowl and add the onions.
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Remove the roasted sweet potatoes from the oven and while still hot, toss them into the large bowl with the salad dressing and let cool before tossing with the bell pepper and spinach.
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Divide equally between 4 plates.
Nutrition
- Calories: 276.97kcal
- Fat: 14.13g
- Saturated Fat: 6.89g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 5.56g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.96g
- Carbohydrates: 35.89g
- Fiber: 5.82g
- Sugar: 11.15g
- Protein: 3.19g
- Sodium: 503.88mg
- Calcium: 73.63mg
- Potassium: 645.37mg
- Iron: 2.25mg
- Vitamin A: 1099.28µg
- Vitamin C: 44.62mg
Expert Tip for Perfecting Kumara Tandoori Salad
To ensure the sweet potato cubes roast evenly and develop a nice caramelized exterior, spread them out in a single layer on the baking tray, making sure they are not overcrowded. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece, promoting even cooking and browning.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe
Pre-chop vegetables: Chop the red bell pepper and red onion in advance and store them in the fridge.
Batch roast sweet potatoes: Roast a larger batch of sweet potatoes and use leftovers for other meals.
Use pre-washed spinach: Save time by using pre-washed baby spinach.
Make dressing ahead: Prepare the salad dressing a day before and store it in a sealed container.
Quick oven preheat: Start preheating the oven while you gather ingredients to save time.
Substitute Ingredients For Kumara (Sweet Potato) Tandoori Salad Recipe
sweet potato - Substitute with butternut squash: Both have a similar sweetness and texture when roasted, making them interchangeable in salads.
coconut oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil has a mild flavor and similar fat content, making it a good alternative for roasting vegetables.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar has a similar acidity and can provide a comparable tangy flavor.
brown sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and depth of flavor, and it dissolves easily in dressings.
kosher salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a similar texture and salinity, making it an appropriate replacement.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a warm, earthy flavor that can mimic the taste of cumin in spice blends.
curry powder - Substitute with garam masala: Garam masala has a complex blend of spices that can provide a similar depth of flavor to curry powder.
red bell pepper - Substitute with yellow bell pepper: Yellow bell peppers have a similar sweetness and crunch, making them a good alternative.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor and can provide a similar texture and taste in salads.
baby spinach - Substitute with arugula: Arugula has a peppery flavor and similar leafy texture, making it a good substitute in salads.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and similar fat content, making it a suitable alternative for salad dressings.
honey - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar has a similar sweetness and consistency, making it a good substitute in dressings.
Presentation Tips for a Stunning Kumara Tandoori Salad
Use a large white plate: The simplicity of a large white plate will allow the vibrant colors of the sweet potato, red bell pepper, and baby spinach to stand out, creating a visually appealing presentation.
Create a base layer with spinach: Arrange the baby spinach in a circular pattern on the plate, leaving a small gap in the center. This will act as a fresh, green bed for the rest of the salad.
Layer the roasted sweet potatoes: Place the roasted sweet potato cubes in the center of the spinach bed. Ensure they are evenly distributed to create a balanced look.
Add the red bell pepper and onion: Scatter thin slices of red bell pepper and red onion over the sweet potato and spinach. The contrasting colors will add visual interest and a pop of brightness.
Drizzle the dressing artistically: Using a small spoon, drizzle the salad dressing over the entire dish in a zigzag pattern. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the visual appeal.
Garnish with microgreens: Add a small handful of microgreens on top of the salad for an extra touch of elegance and a burst of freshness.
Finish with a sprinkle of spices: Lightly dust the plate with a pinch of cumin and curry powder around the edges to tie the flavors together and add a final touch of sophistication.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Kumara Tandoori Salad
Oven: Used to bake the sweet potatoes at 400 degrees F until they are cooked through.
Large non-stick baking tray: Provides a surface for roasting the sweet potatoes evenly without sticking.
Mixing bowl: Used to mix the sweet potatoes with oil, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, cumin, and curry powder.
Measuring spoons: Essential for accurately measuring out the oil, vinegar, brown sugar, salt, cumin, and curry powder.
Knife: Needed to chop the sweet potatoes, red bell pepper, and red onion.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the vegetables.
Large bowl: Used to mix the salad dressing and toss the roasted sweet potatoes with the other salad ingredients.
Tongs: Useful for tossing the sweet potatoes and salad ingredients together.
Plates: For serving the salad.
Spatula: Helps in tossing the sweet potatoes on the baking tray to ensure even cooking.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Kumara Tandoori Salad
- Let the kumara tandoori salad cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to freeze the salad, it's best to freeze the roasted sweet potatoes separately from the rest of the ingredients. Once cooled, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw the sweet potatoes in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat them in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
- Prepare the salad dressing and toss it with the spinach, bell pepper, and onion just before serving to maintain the freshness and crispness of the vegetables.
- Avoid freezing the entire assembled salad, as the spinach and other vegetables will become wilted and soggy upon thawing.
How To Reheat Leftover Kumara Tandoori Salad
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the leftover kumara tandoori salad on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method will help to restore the texture of the roasted sweet potatoes and enhance the flavors of the spices.
For a quick and easy reheat, use your microwave. Place the desired portion of kumara tandoori salad in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the salad is heated to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as the spinach may wilt and become soggy.
If you prefer a fresher taste, consider reheating only the sweet potatoes using either the oven or microwave method mentioned above. Once heated, toss the warm sweet potatoes with fresh baby spinach, red bell pepper, and a drizzle of the reserved salad dressing. This will give your leftover salad a new lease on life and maintain the crisp texture of the raw vegetables.
For a quick stovetop reheat, place the leftover kumara tandoori salad in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Stir frequently, until the salad is heated through and the sweet potatoes are slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. If the salad seems dry, add a splash of water or extra olive oil to help moisten it and prevent sticking.
Interesting Trivia About Kumara Tandoori Salad
A random fact about this kumara tandoori salad recipe is that sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient is essential for maintaining good vision, a healthy immune system, and proper functioning of the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Is Making Kumara Tandoori Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
This kumara tandoori salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The primary ingredients like sweet potato, red bell pepper, and baby spinach are affordable and widely available. The use of coconut oil and apple cider vinegar adds a unique flavor without breaking the bank. Overall, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $12-$15. Considering the nutritional value and flavor profile, I would rate this recipe an 8 out of 10.
Is This Kumara Salad Recipe Healthy?
This kumara tandoori salad recipe is a healthy and flavorful dish that incorporates several nutritious ingredients. The sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and potassium. The spinach adds additional fiber, iron, and vitamins K and A. The bell peppers provide vitamin C and antioxidants, while the onions offer prebiotics and sulfur compounds that support gut health. The dressing contains heart-healthy olive oil and apple cider vinegar, which may help regulate blood sugar levels.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this salad, consider the following suggestions:
- Add a source of lean protein, such as grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas, to make the salad more satiating and balanced
- Include additional vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or shredded carrots for added fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Sprinkle some chopped nuts or seeds, such as almonds or pumpkin seeds, over the salad for healthy fats and a crunchy texture
- Reduce the amount of oil used in the dressing and replace some of it with Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-rich alternative
- Experiment with different spices and herbs, like ginger, garlic, or cilantro, to boost flavor and antioxidant content without adding extra calories
Editor's Opinion: Why I Love Kumara Tandoori Salad
This kumara tandoori salad recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The roasted sweet potatoes, seasoned with cumin and curry powder, provide a warm, earthy base. The apple cider vinegar and brown sugar add a tangy sweetness that complements the spices. Fresh baby spinach and crisp red bell pepper offer a refreshing contrast, while the red onion adds a subtle bite. The dressing, with its blend of olive oil, honey, and spices, ties everything together beautifully. It's a vibrant, nutritious dish that's both satisfying and visually appealing.
Enhance Your Kumara (Sweet Potato) Tandoori Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Kumara Tandoori Salad
Why trust this Kumara (Sweet Potato) Tandoori Salad Recipe:
This recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potato with the rich flavors of cumin and curry powder, creating a delightful balance. The use of coconut oil and apple cider vinegar enhances the taste while keeping it healthy. Fresh ingredients like red bell pepper and baby spinach add a crisp texture and vibrant color. The salad dressing ties everything together with a hint of honey for sweetness. This recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a trustworthy choice for a wholesome meal.
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