Can I make this apple sweet potato and kale salad ahead of time?

Yes! This apple sweet potato and kale salad is perfect for meal prep. Unlike other salads, kale is sturdy enough to be dressed a few hours in advance, and the roasted potatoes hold up well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What is the best apple for apple sweet potato and kale salad?

Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji apples are best for this salad because they provide a sweet-tart flavor and maintain a crunchy texture even after being tossed with the dressing.

How do I make kale less bitter for this salad?

The secret is 'massaging' the kale. By rubbing the leaves with a little olive oil and salt for a few minutes, you break down the tough cell walls, making the kale much softer and significantly less bitter.

Can I add protein to this apple sweet potato and kale salad?

Absolutely. Grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or even a hard-boiled egg make excellent protein additions to this apple sweet potato and kale salad.

apple sweet potato and kale salad: 7 reasons you'll love it

Name: Apple Sweet Potato and Kale Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large bunch Lacinato kale, stems removed and chopped; 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces; 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady), sliced thinly; 1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped; 1/3 cup dried cranberries; 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for roasting and dressing); 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp pure maple syrup; 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Ingredients

Scale

1 large bunch Lacinato kale, stems removed and chopped
2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady), sliced thinly
1/2 cup pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
1/3 cup dried cranberries
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for roasting and dressing)
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet.
Step 2: Roast the sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are tender and caramelized on the edges. Let them cool slightly.
Step 3: Place the chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with a teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Use your hands to massage the kale for 2-3 minutes until it becomes dark green and tender.
Step 4: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard to create the dressing for your apple sweet potato and kale salad.
Step 5: Add the roasted sweet potatoes, sliced apples, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries to the bowl with the massaged kale.
Step 6: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve immediately or let sit for 20 minutes for the flavors to develop.

Notes

Massage the kale well to ensure a tender texture. You can add goat cheese for extra creaminess.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 315 kcal
Sugar: 14g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg