Embrace the flavors of winter with this hearty salad recipe. Packed with nutrient-rich ingredients like sweet potatoes, beets, and kale, this recipe is perfect for a warming, nutritious meal that captures the essence of the season.
While most of the ingredients for this salad are pantry staples, there may be a few that aren't commonly found in your kitchen. Pomegranate arils are the sweet, juicy seeds found inside a pomegranate, and can usually be found in the produce or frozen section of your supermarket. Goat cheese is a soft, tangy cheese that adds a delicious creaminess to the salad. Lastly, if you don't have maple syrup, it can easily be purchased in most grocery store's syrup aisle.
Winter Salad Recipe Ingredients
Sweet potato: A root vegetable that's high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Beets: A type of root vegetable that's packed with essential nutrients and is a great source of fiber, folate and vitamin C.
Pomegranate arils: These are the seeds of a pomegranate, they add a juicy sweetness to the salad.
Pecans: A type of nut that adds a nice crunch and is loaded with healthy fats.
Goat cheese: A type of cheese that adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the salad.
Kale: A superfood that's high in nutrients and a great source of vitamins A, K, and C.
Cider vinegar: Adds a tangy flavor to the dressing.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that adds a hint of sweetness to balance the tangy vinegar in the dressing.
Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of tang and spice to the dressing.
Garlic powder: A convenient way to add a subtle garlic flavor to the dressing.
Vegetable oil: Used to emulsify the dressing, creating a smooth and even consistency.
One reader, Duffy Toth says:
This winter salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of roasted sweet potatoes, beets, and kale is simply divine. The dressing adds a perfect touch of sweetness and tanginess. The pomegranate arils and pecans provide a delightful crunch. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious winter dish!
Mastering the Art of Salad-Making: Key Techniques
How to roast sweet potatoes and beets: Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet. Toss the beets with remaining olive oil and place them on the same pan. Season the sweet potatoes and beets with salt and pepper, then roast in a preheated oven at 425 degrees F for 35 to 40 minutes or until tender. Once done, remove from the oven and allow them to cool. Rub the skin of the beets to remove it.
How to make the dressing: Combine cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil in a small jar. Shake well to emulsify the ingredients.
How to assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the kale, pomegranate arils, pecans, and crumbled goat cheese. Add the cooled beets and sweet potatoes to the bowl. Drizzle the salad with the prepared dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve and enjoy!
How To Make Winter Salad
We’ve gathered your favorite holiday ingredients from sweet potatoes to beets and pomegranates to pecans in our colorful and delicious winter salad recipe.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1largesweet potatopeeled and diced
- 2beetsquartered
- Salt and pepperto taste
- 2tbspolive oil
- ½cuppomegranate arils
- ½cuppecanstoasted
- 4ozgoat cheese
- 8cupskale
- ¼cupcider vinegar
- 3tbspmaple syrup
- 2tbspdijon mustard
- ¼tspgarlic powder
- ½tspsalt
- ½tsppepper
- ½cupvegetable oil
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
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Toss sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and place on baking sheet. Toss beets with remaining olive oil and place on pan.
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Season sweet potatoes and beets with salt and pepper. Roast 35 to 40 minutes or until tender.
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Remove from the oven and cool. Rub the skin of the beets to remove.
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Combine all dressing ingredients in a small jar and shake well.
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Add salad ingredients to a large bowl, including cooled beets and sweet potatoes. Drizzle with dressing and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 402.72kcal
- Fat: 33.72g
- Saturated Fat: 5.17g
- Trans Fat: 0.14g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 21.15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.70g
- Carbohydrates: 21.45g
- Fiber: 4.12g
- Sugar: 11.91g
- Protein: 6.57g
- Cholesterol: 8.69mg
- Sodium: 387.38mg
- Calcium: 95.90mg
- Potassium: 405.64mg
- Iron: 1.53mg
- Vitamin A: 354.37µg
- Vitamin C: 29.18mg
Elevate Your Salad Game with This Simple Technique
When roasting the sweet potatoes and beets, ensure to cut them into uniform sizes. This will allow for even cooking and prevent smaller pieces from burning while larger pieces are still undercooked. Additionally, tossing them in olive oil before roasting not only adds flavor but also helps to achieve a nice caramelization on the outside.
Time-Saving Hacks for Quick and Easy Winter Salads
Prep ahead: Chop and roast the sweet potatoes and beets in advance, and store them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad. This will save time on the day you plan to serve the salad.
Multi-task: While the sweet potatoes and beets are roasting, prepare the dressing and gather the remaining salad ingredients. This way, you can efficiently use your time in the kitchen.
Use pre-cut ingredients: Consider using pre-cut sweet potatoes and beets if you're short on time. Many grocery stores offer pre-cut vegetables, which can help streamline the preparation process.
Organize your workspace: Before you start cooking, make sure your kitchen workspace is organized and all necessary tools and ingredients are easily accessible. This will help you work more efficiently and save time during the cooking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Winter Salad Recipe
sweet potato - Substitute with butternut squash: Butternut squash has a similar sweet and nutty flavor, and it can be roasted or steamed to achieve a similar texture to sweet potatoes in the salad.
beets - Substitute with radishes: Radishes provide a similar crunchy texture and a slightly peppery flavor that can complement the salad well.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable alternative for roasting the vegetables and dressing the salad.
pomegranate arils - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries offer a sweet and tart flavor similar to pomegranate arils and add a pop of color and texture to the salad.
pecans - Substitute with walnuts: Walnuts have a similar rich, nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a great alternative for adding a delicious crunch to the salad.
goat cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese provides a tangy and creamy element similar to goat cheese, adding a delicious contrast to the salad.
kale - Substitute with Swiss chard: Swiss chard offers a similar hearty and slightly bitter flavor, and its leaves can be prepared in the same way as kale for the salad.
cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar provides a slightly milder acidity and a fruity flavor that can work well in the salad dressing.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey offers a natural sweetness and can provide a similar depth of flavor to the dressing for the winter salad.
dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard adds a similar tangy flavor and texture to the dressing, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
garlic powder - Substitute with onion powder: Onion powder can provide a savory and aromatic flavor similar to garlic powder in the salad dressing.
vegetable oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point, making it suitable for roasting the vegetables and creating the salad dressing.
Presentation Ideas for a Stunning Winter Salad
Elevate the plating: Arrange the roasted sweet potatoes and beets in an artful manner, creating a visually stunning and appetizing display on the plate.
Incorporate color contrast: Introduce vibrant hues by scattering pomegranate arils and toasted pecans throughout the salad, adding a pop of color and texture.
Highlight the freshness of the ingredients: Ensure the kale leaves are vibrant and crisp, and the roasted vegetables are showcased as the stars of the dish.
Emphasize the dressing: Drizzle the cider vinegar, maple syrup, and dijon mustard dressing in a delicate and precise manner, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming the dish.
Garnish with finesse: Crumble the goat cheese over the salad with precision, adding a touch of creaminess and depth to the overall presentation.
Create a harmonious composition: Pay attention to the balance and symmetry of the elements on the plate, ensuring that each component complements the others in both flavor and appearance.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Crafting the Perfect Salad
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking, roasting, and broiling various dishes.
- Baking sheet: A flat, metal pan used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods.
- Small jar: Used for mixing and storing dressings, sauces, and marinades.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients and mixing dressings or marinades.
- Tongs: Useful for flipping and tossing ingredients while roasting or grilling.
- Knife: Used for cutting and preparing vegetables, fruits, and other ingredients.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for cutting and chopping ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients for the recipe.
- Whisk: Used for blending and emulsifying dressings and marinades.
- Vegetable peeler: Essential for peeling vegetables such as sweet potatoes and beets.
- Spatula: Useful for flipping and serving roasted vegetables and other ingredients.
- Salad bowl: Used for tossing and serving the winter salad.
Preserving the Freshness: Storing and Freezing Salad Tips
- To store the winter salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The kale may wilt slightly, but the flavors will continue to meld together.
- If you want to prepare the salad in advance, store the roasted sweet potatoes and beets separately from the kale and other ingredients. Combine them just before serving for the best texture.
- The dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in a separate container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good shake before drizzling it over the salad.
- While it's not recommended to freeze the entire assembled salad, you can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes and beets for up to 2-3 months. Let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw them in the refrigerator before adding them to the salad.
- If you have leftover pomegranate arils, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months, making them a great addition to future salads or desserts.
- Leftover pecans can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month, or in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. To maintain their crunchiness, avoid freezing them.
Reviving Leftover Salad: Tips and Tricks
- The best way to reheat leftover winter salad is to separate the components and reheat them individually. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of each ingredient.
- For the roasted sweet potatoes and beets, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the vegetables on a baking sheet and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.
- If you prefer, you can also reheat the sweet potatoes and beets in a microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through.
- For the kale, place it in a large bowl and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil. Massage the oil into the leaves to help soften them and bring back their vibrant color. If the kale seems too dry, you can add a splash of water to help rehydrate it.
- If the pomegranate arils and pecans have lost their crunch, you can toast them briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes, or until they are fragrant and slightly toasted.
- To reheat the goat cheese, place it in a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 10-15 seconds, or until it is softened and slightly melted.
- Once all the components are reheated, reassemble the salad in a large bowl. If the dressing has separated or thickened, give it a good shake or whisk before drizzling it over the salad.
- Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients and coat them evenly with the dressing. Serve the reheated winter salad immediately, while the ingredients are still warm and the flavors are at their best.
Surprising Trivia About the Ingredients in This Salad
The Winter Salad Recipe is a nutritious and delicious dish that combines the earthy flavors of roasted sweet potatoes and beets with the freshness of kale and the tanginess of pomegranate arils. This salad is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a perfect choice for a healthy winter meal. Additionally, the combination of sweet potatoes and beets provides a good source of fiber and essential nutrients. This salad is not only visually appealing but also a great way to incorporate seasonal produce into your diet. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors of this winter salad!
Budget-Friendly Winter Salad: Is It Possible?
This winter salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as sweet potatoes, beets, kale, and pecans, are generally affordable and readily available. The addition of pomegranate arils and goat cheese may slightly increase the cost, but they can be optional. The homemade dressing using cider vinegar, maple syrup, and dijon mustard adds flavor without breaking the bank. Overall, this recipe rates a solid 8 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly and nutritious option.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy?
This winter salad recipe is generally healthy, offering a variety of nutritious ingredients:
- Kale is a superfood packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Sweet potatoes and beets provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals
- Pomegranate arils offer antioxidants and vitamin C
- Pecans are a good source of healthy fats and protein
- Goat cheese provides protein and calcium
However, there are a few aspects that could be improved:
- The dressing contains a significant amount of oil, which adds calories and fat
- The maple syrup in the dressing adds sugar to the salad
To make this salad even healthier, consider these suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of oil in the dressing by half and replace it with water or additional vinegar to maintain the consistency
- Use a light drizzle of the dressing instead of coating the entire salad to reduce the overall calorie and fat content
- Swap the maple syrup for a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit to reduce the sugar content
- Add more variety to the salad by incorporating other nutrient-dense ingredients such as:
- Sliced apples for added fiber and crunch
- Quinoa or wild rice for protein and complex carbohydrates
- Grilled chicken or tofu for an extra protein boost
- Massage the kale with a small amount of olive oil and lemon juice to make it more tender and easier to digest
Editor's Take: Why This Winter Salad Recipe Stands Out
This winter salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The roasted sweet potatoes and beets add a comforting warmth, while the pomegranate arils provide a burst of freshness. The creamy goat cheese and crunchy pecans offer a satisfying contrast, and the kale serves as a hearty base. The cider vinegar and maple syrup dressing ties everything together with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Overall, this salad is a beautiful representation of the season and would make a stunning addition to any winter meal.
Enhance Your Winter Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Winter Salad
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Winter Salad
Why trust this Winter Salad Recipe:
This recipe features sweet potato and beets roasted to perfection, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The addition of pomegranate arils and pecans adds a burst of sweetness and crunch, while the creamy goat cheese balances the dish. The homemade dressing, made with cider vinegar, maple syrup, and dijon mustard, ties everything together beautifully. With the use of fresh and wholesome ingredients like kale, this salad offers a nutritious and satisfying meal that's perfect for the winter season.
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