Roasted Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
User Reviews
5
Roasted Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
Description
Roasted Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad features the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes contrasted by the nutty quinoa and the crisp, tart apple pieces. Adding chopped walnuts introduces crunch, while dried cranberries contribute bursts of tangy sweetness. The salad is finished with a maple-orange dressing that melds citrus zest, juice, maple syrup, olive oil, and cinnamon into a flavorful yet smooth coating. Roasting the sweet potatoes until tender and lightly crisp creates a pleasing texture that complements the fluffy quinoa.
The salad is assembled by mixing the warm quinoa with the maple-orange dressing to absorb the flavors before folding in the remaining ingredients. The combination of textures from soft sweet potato, chewy quinoa, and crunchy nuts, alongside the fruity touches, makes it satisfying and well-rounded. It can serve as a nutritious meal component or a flavorful side dish.
This salad stores well and can be made ahead, allowing the dressing to fully meld with the ingredients over time. The addition of goat cheese adds creaminess and tang, which can be adjusted based on preference.
Ingredients
- 2 cups quinoa uncooked
- 1 large sweet potato chopped and roasted
- ¼ cup red onion sliced (about 1 loosely packed )
- 1 cup walnuts chopped
- 1 apple peeled and chopped, honey crisp
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 4 goat cheese
For the maple-orange dressing
- 1 Tbsp orange zest
- 1 whole orange juiced (1/2 cup of juice)
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 Tbsp pure maple syrup
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon to taste
- 1 tsp kosher salt or to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Chop the sweet potato into ½” cubes (I leave the peel on).
- Spread the sweet potato chunks on a baking sheet and drizzle them with enough olive oil to coat them. Sprinkle salt and pepper over everything.
- Roast in the oven for 30 minutes or until the sweet potato is cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside.
- While the sweet potato is roasting, bring 4 cups of water to a boil and add the quinoa. Return to a full boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until all of the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Fluff quinoa with a fork.
- Whisk together all of the ingredients for the maple-orange dressing in a small bowl.
- In a large serving bowl, add the cooked quinoa and pour all of the maple-orange dressing over the quinoa. Toss together.
- Add the remaining salad ingredients and toss everything together.
- Consume the best quinoa salad ever.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 345 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1Serving | |
| Calories | 345kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 44g | 15% |
| Protein | 9g | 18% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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