This Sweet Potato and Feta Salad is a tasty mix of sweet and salty. With roasted sweet potatoes, creamy feta cheese, and fresh greens, it’s both colorful and healthy!
Honestly, this salad makes me feel fancy without any extra effort! It’s great as a side or even as a light meal. Plus, who doesn’t love that yummy feta? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the base of the salad, providing sweetness and creamy texture. If you have a sweet potato allergy, you can substitute with regular potatoes or even roasted carrots for a similar vibe.
Mixed Salad Greens: A combination of greens adds not just nutrition but also a variety of flavors. If you prefer, you could use kale or romaine lettuce to change the texture and taste.
Feta Cheese: It adds a creamy, tangy flavor that really elevates the dish! If you’re looking for a non-dairy option, try using crumbled goat cheese or a dairy-free feta alternative.
Pumpkin Seeds: They provide a nice crunch and are packed with nutrients. If you can’t find them, sunflower seeds or even chopped walnuts or pecans can be great sources of crunch.
Dried Cranberries: They introduce a pleasant sweetness to the salad. Feel free to swap them for raisins, or for an extra fresh twist, use diced apples or pomegranate seeds.
How Can I Make the Perfect Dressing?
Creating a delicious dressing is key to bringing the salad together. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a base of acidic ingredients like lemon juice and apple cider vinegar for a fresh taste.
- To balance the acidity, add honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. Adjust according to your taste!
- Whisk in olive oil to create a smooth dressing. This will help blend all the flavors together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and feel free to add herbs like oregano or thyme for a flavor boost.
- Always taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. This way, you can tweak it to your liking!
Following these steps will ensure your dressing perfectly complements the sweet potato and feta! Enjoy your delightful salad!
Sweet Potato and Feta Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as baby spinach, arugula, and spring mix)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas), toasted
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
- 1 small shallot or green onion, finely chopped
For Roasting Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Time Needed
This delicious salad takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and 25 minutes for roasting, making a total of around 40 minutes before it’s ready to serve!
Instructions
1. Prepare and Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, and, if you like, ground cumin for extra flavor. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they turn tender and have a nice caramelized edge. Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
2. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, toasted pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries or raisins (if you’re using them), and the chopped shallot or green onion. Gently mix everything together without crushing it.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Season the dressing with a little salt and pepper to taste. You want it to be tangy yet balanced!
4. Combine Everything:
Add the roasted sweet potatoes into the salad bowl with the greens and mix very gently. Drizzle your homemade dressing over the salad and toss everything carefully to coat it well, but be sure to not mush the sweet potatoes.
5. Serve with Feta:
Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. Serve immediately as a fresh, vibrant side or a light main dish. Enjoy the delightful mix of flavors and textures!
This Sweet Potato and Feta Salad is not only colorful but offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and crunchy—a hit for any meal!
Can I Use Other Greens in This Salad?
Absolutely! While mixed salad greens are great, you can substitute with arugula, kale, or even romaine for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure whatever you use is fresh!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to avoid wilting the greens.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! You can make this salad vegan by omitting the feta cheese and replacing honey with maple syrup in the dressing. You’ll still have plenty of flavors with the roasted sweet potatoes and the dressing!
What Can I Add for Extra Protein?
If you’re looking to boost the protein content, consider adding chickpeas, grilled chicken, or even black beans to the salad. These options pair well with the other flavors and make it a heartier meal!