Embrace the comforting flavors and nutrient-dense ingredients of the Kale Salad & Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Savory Tahini Dressing. This dish celebrates the harmonious blending of the hearty and earthy tones of kale with the natural sweetness and satisfying texture of roasted sweet potatoes. Drizzled with a creamy and richly flavored tahini dressing, which brings a savory and nutty depth to the plate, the salad is a symphony of taste and health benefits.
Kale, the mainstay of this recipe, is well-known for its impressive nutritional profile, loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. When paired with the caramelized edges of spiced, roasted sweet potatoes, it creates a delightful contrast that is both appealing to the palate and pleasing to the eye.
The tahini dressing—a smooth concoction made from sesame seed paste—compliments the robust components of the salad. It often includes garlic, lemon juice, and herbs that provide the perfect balance of zing and umami.
This versatile salad stands out as a crowd-pleaser whether served as an enticing starter or as a substantial main course that fits into various dietary lifestyles, from vegan to gluten-free. Its diverse textures, ranging from the chewy tenderness of the massaged kale to the crunch of toasted nuts or seeds added for garnish, ensure each bite is unique.
Rich in flavors, healthful benefits, and visual allure, the Kale Salad & Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Savory Tahini Dressing is a testament to wholesome indulgence and culinary creativity, making it a coveted addition to any dining table.
Kale Salad & Roasted sweet potatoes with Savory Tahini Dressing
Kale Salad & Roasted sweet potatoes with Savory Tahini Dressing
Equipment
- 1 oven
Ingredients
ROASTED VEGETABLES
- 1 medium zucchini sliced into 1/4 inch rounds
- 1 medium sweet potato sliced into1/4 inch rounds
- 1 cup red cabbage shredded
- 1 tbsp melted coconut oil (or sub water or use our method for oil-free
- vegetables)
- 1 Pinch kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp homemade or store-bought curry powder
For DRESSING
- 1/3 cup tahini
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder or more to taste
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos or to taste
- 1 Pinch kosher salt
- 1 large clove garlic minced
- 1/4 cup water to thin
For SALAD
- 6 cups mixed greens kale mixed greens, romaine and more
- 3 tbsp hemp seeds
- 4 small radishes thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado cubed
- 2 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 batch Crispy Baked Chickpeas optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375F and arrange sweet potatoes, zucchini and cabbages on a baking dish. Add curry powder, oil and to the veggies and toss until well coated.
- Roast in the preheated oven until tender and slightly golden brown, for about 20 minutes
- While the veggies are roasting, combine the dressing ingredients tahini, coconut aminos, garlic powder and salt to a medium mixing bowl and whisk until well combined. Add water to thin and then whisk until smooth and creamy
- Taste and the make adjustment to suit your taste. Set aside
- Arrange the greens, avocado, hemp seeds, and radishes to a large mixing bowl. Add the lemon juice and gently toss. Top with roasted veggies and baked chickpeas if you want and then serve with dressing.
- Serve immediately. Keep leftover in the fridge, use within 3 days. Store the leftover dressing in a separate container and keep in the fridge, use within a week, leftover roasted chickpeas should be store in a separate container and keep in at room temperature so that the crispiness will be restored.
Cooking Tips about Kale Salad & Roasted sweet potatoes with Savory Tahini Dressing
- Kale Preparation: Begin by washing the kale leaves and thoroughly drying them. Remove any tough stems and tear or chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces. To tenderize the kale and make it easier to eat, massage the leaves with a bit of olive oil.
- Sweet Potato Roasting: Cube sweet potatoes into even sizes for consistent roasting. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and any preferred spices before roasting in a preheated oven until they are fork-tender and have caramelized edges.
- Tahini Dressing: Create the savory tahini dressing by whisking together tahini paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the consistency with water – it should be pourable but not too thin. Taste and add more lemon or salt if needed.
- Dressing Application: Drizzle the tahini dressing over the kale before adding the other salad components. This allows the leaves to absorb some of the dressings and become more flavorful.
- Balancing Flavors: The natural sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes balances well with the savoriness of the tahini dressing. For added brightness, consider including a splash of apple cider vinegar or extra lemon juice in the dressing.
- Texture Contrast: Add elements like toasted nuts, seeds, or crispy chickpeas on top of the salad for a satisfying crunch.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Incorporate seasonal vegetables or fruits, such as sliced apples in the fall or strawberries in the spring, to bring freshness and variety to the salad.
- Serving Warm or Cold: The salad can be served with warm sweet potatoes straight from the oven or with cool sweet potatoes, depending on the desired temperature and texture contrast.
- Garnish: Garnish your salad with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an additional layer of taste and a visual pop.
- Make Ahead: Both the roasted sweet potatoes and tahini dressing can be made ahead of time and refrigerated. Assemble the salad when you’re ready to serve for easy meal prep.
Serving suggestions about Kale Salad & Roasted sweet potatoes with Savory Tahini Dressing
- As a Main Course: With its combination of nutrient-dense kale, filling sweet potatoes, and rich tahini dressing, this salad can stand on its own as a satisfying main dish for lunch or dinner.
- Side Dish for Protein: Pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or tofu for a complete meal. The savory tahini dressing complements a variety of proteins.
- Warm or Cold: The roasted sweet potatoes can be served warm, straight from the oven, or chilled, depending on your preference and the season. Both ways offer a delicious experience.
- Potluck Offering: This salad is an excellent choice for potlucks. It holds up well, and the mixing of flavors can make it even more delightful after sitting for a bit.
- Meal Prep: Since both the roasted sweet potatoes and the dressing can be made in advance, this salad is ideal for meal prep. Store the components separately and assemble when you’re ready to eat.
- In a Wrap: Take a whole-grain wrap, smear some extra tahini dressing down as a base, and then add the kale salad and sweet potatoes for a portable lunch option.
- Outdoor Events: Because of its hearty ingredients, this salad travels well for picnics or outdoor concerts where it can be enjoyed amidst nature.
- Add a Grain: For an even more filling meal, serve it over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or farro.
- Layer in a Mason Jar: Create individual portions by layering the salad in mason jars, which are perfect for on-the-go eating and look great for a casual gathering.
- Appetizer Portions: Serve smaller servings as a starter at a dinner party, plated elegantly for a touch of sophistication.
Top 5 FAQs about Kale Salad & Roasted sweet potatoes with Savory Tahini Dressing
- What are the main components of the Kale Salad & Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Savory Tahini Dressing? The main components include nutritious kale leaves, cubed and roasted sweet potatoes, and a creamy tahini dressing that often contains lemon juice, garlic, and other seasoning for added flavor.
- How can I best prepare the sweet potatoes for this salad? Cube the sweet potatoes into even sizes for consistent roasting. Season them with olive oil, salt, and your choice of spices, then roast in a preheated oven until they’re fork-tender and have caramelized edges.
- What is tahini, and how do I make the savory dressing with it? Tahini is a paste made from ground sesame seeds. For the dressing, whisk together tahini paste, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Adjust the consistency with water to make it pourable but not overly thin, and season to your taste.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time, and how should I store it? Yes, you can prepare both the roasted sweet potatoes and the tahini dressing in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, assemble the salad to ensure the kale remains fresh and crunchy.
- Is the Kale Salad & Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Savory Tahini Dressing suitable for special diets? This dish is vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for those with such dietary preferences. It can also be customized with additional ingredients like nuts, seeds, or herbs based on personal taste or dietary needs.
In conclusion, the Kale Salad & Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Savory Tahini Dressing is a culinary delight that beautifully marries taste and nutrition. The dish masterfully showcases the hearty kale, enhanced by the gently massaged preparation technique, and pairs it with the mellow sweetness of oven-roasted sweet potatoes, which come alive with caramelized edges. The savory tahini dressing, with its creamy texture and depth of flavor from ingredients like garlic and lemon juice, drapes over the salad, uniting the diverse elements into one coherent and delicious whole.
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