Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Feta Salad with Maple Dressing is the perfect blend of sweet and savory, making it a delightful addition to your meal repertoire. This salad is simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy days or leisurely weekends alike. With fresh ingredients and a delicious dressing, it offers a refreshing and nutritious dish that everyone will love.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 250
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 150mg
Why Make Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Feta Salad with Maple Dressing
This Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Feta Salad with Maple Dressing is not just delicious—it’s packed with nutrients as well. Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, while cranberries add a touch of sweetness and are rich in antioxidants. The feta cheese provides a creamy contrast, and the dressing enhances the salad’s taste without overwhelming it. Plus, this salad can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
How to Make Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Feta Salad with Maple Dressing Step by Step
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
4 cups mixed greens or arugula
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
3 tbsp olive oil (for dressing)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Directions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender. Let cool slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. In a large salad bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes, greens, cranberries, feta, and nuts. Drizzle with maple dressing and toss gently to coat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Feta Salad with Maple Dressing
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a hearty meal. You can also serve it alongside a warm quinoa dish for added texture. For a light lunch, enjoy it on its own with whole-grain bread for a satisfying crunch.
How to Store Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Feta Salad with Maple Dressing
You can store any leftovers of this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If the salad shows any signs of sogginess due to dressing, consider storing the dressing separately and drizzling it on just before serving. Reheating is not recommended, as the salad is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. For long-term storage, you can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes, but it’s better to keep the assembled salad fresh.
Expert Tips for Cooking Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Feta Salad with Maple Dressing
- Use fresh cranberries during the fall season for an even more vibrant flavor.
- Consider roasting extra sweet potatoes to add to your salads throughout the week.
- Experiment with different nuts, like almonds or pistachios, for varied crunch and flavor.
- Adjust the maple syrup in the dressing to match your sweetness preference.
- Always taste and adjust the seasonings before serving to ensure the perfect balance.
Delicious Variations of Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Feta Salad with Maple Dressing
Try adding roasted beets for an earthy twist or some sliced orange for a citrusy zing. For a spicier version, add a touch of chili flakes in the dressing or toss in some jalapeños. If you want a vegetarian option, simply leave out the nuts for a lighter texture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Feta Salad with Maple Dressing
What is the best way to prepare sweet potatoes for roasting?
Peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes helps them cook evenly and allows for a lovely caramelization during roasting.
Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and dressing ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble the salad right before serving to maintain freshness.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy it without any modifications!
Conclusion
We encourage you to try making this Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Feta Salad with Maple Dressing. Its flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility are sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy a delicious, healthy dish that becomes a new favorite!
Sweet Potato, Cranberry & Feta Salad with Maple Dressing
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 4 cups mixed greens or arugula
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Maple Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil (for dressing)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt & pepper to taste for dressing
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
- Let cool slightly.
Dressing Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Mixing Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, greens, cranberries, feta, and nuts.
- Drizzle with maple dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.
