🛒 Ingredients
🥔 Roasted Sweet Potatoes:
✅ 2 sweet potatoes, cubed or sliced into rounds
✅ 2 tbsp salted butter or olive oil
✅ 2 tsp smoked paprika
✅ 1 tsp chipotle chili powder 🌶️
✅ 1/4 tsp cinnamon
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
🥬 Salad Base:
✅ 4 cups shredded kale
✅ 3 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
✅ 1 1/2 cups pomegranate arils
🍊 Orange Cider Dressing:
✅ 6 thick-cut slices of bacon, chopped (omit for vegetarian) 🥓
✅ 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
✅ 1 shallot, thinly sliced 🧅
✅ 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
✅ 1 tbsp honey 🍯
✅ 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves 🌿
✅ 1 tbsp orange zest 🍊
✅ 1 tbsp grated ginger
✅ Salt & black pepper, to taste
✅ Chili flakes, to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- On a baking sheet, toss sweet potatoes with butter or olive oil, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread into an even layer and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until soft and caramelized on the edges.
2️⃣ Make the Dressing
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Wipe the skillet clean and add olive oil and shallots. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Remove from heat and stir in apple cider vinegar, honey, thyme, orange zest, grated ginger, salt, and chili flakes. Let cool slightly.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
- Place kale in a large salad bowl.
- Pour the warm dressing over the kale and massage for 1-2 minutes until softened.
- Top with roasted sweet potatoes, toasted sesame seeds, and pomegranate arils.
- Sprinkle crispy bacon on top (if using).
4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite protein or as a hearty side dish.
🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Salad
✔ Massage the kale—this breaks down tough fibers, making it more tender and flavorful.
✔ Use high-quality apple cider vinegar—it enhances the bright citrusy dressing.
✔ For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add toasted pecans or almonds for crunch.
✔ Make it a meal—add grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or quinoa for extra protein.
🍷 Perfect Pairings
🍷 Drink: Pair with a dry Riesling or a citrusy sparkling water.
🥖 Side Dish: Serve with crusty sourdough bread or a bowl of warm soup.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Skipping the kale massage—it makes a huge difference in texture and taste!
🚫 Overcrowding the baking sheet—spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer for even roasting.
🚫 Forgetting to let the dressing cool—if too hot, it can wilt the kale too much.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Roast the sweet potatoes and prep the dressing in advance. Store separately and assemble before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature.
Q: Can I use a different green?
A: Absolutely! Try baby spinach, arugula, or Swiss chard for a milder flavor.
🥗 Enjoy your Roasted Sweet Potato & Kale Salad! Let me know if you need any tweaks. 😊
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