Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 2 sweet potatoes, cut into matchsticks
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and patted dry
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• 1-2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 5-6 cups shredded kale
• 1 cup mixed herbs (e.g., basil, dill, parsley)
• 2 Persian cucumbers, chopped
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon stone ground mustard
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons champagne or apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes and Chickpeas:

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
   • On a baking sheet, toss the sweet potatoes and chickpeas with olive oil, sesame seeds, chipotle chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Spread them out evenly.
   • Roast for 20 minutes, then toss everything and continue roasting for another 20 minutes, until the chickpeas are crisp and the sweet potatoes are tender.

2. Prepare the Salad:

   • In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded kale, mixed herbs, and chopped cucumbers.

3. Make the Dressing:

   • In a glass jar or bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, stone ground mustard, honey, tahini, lemon juice, and champagne or apple cider vinegar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • Massage a few tablespoons of the dressing into the kale mixture.
   • Toss in the roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas.
   • Add more dressing as needed and toss to combine.
   • Top with sliced avocado and crumbled feta cheese.

5. Serve:

   • Enjoy the salad immediately, or refrigerate it for up to a day. If storing, keep the avocado and feta separate until ready to serve to avoid sogginess.

Tips:

• Texture: For extra crunch, you can sprinkle additional sesame seeds or nuts on top before serving.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to use any herbs you have on hand or prefer.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Adjust the chipotle chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness.

This salad is perfect as a hearty main course or a substantial side dish, packed with a mix of textures and flavors!