Description
This Sweet Potato Salad with Chickpeas, Roasted Walnuts, and Maple Syrup is a vibrant, hearty dish perfect for any season. The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes and maple syrup pairs beautifully with crunchy walnuts and protein-rich chickpeas, creating a satisfying blend of flavors and textures in a wholesome salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Legumes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 cups mixed salad greens
Nuts and Oils
- 1 cup walnut halves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Seasonings and Dressing
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Sweet Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare Walnuts: In a separate bowl, toss the walnut halves with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of salt. Arrange them on the same or a separate baking sheet.
- Roast Ingredients: Place the baking sheet(s) with sweet potatoes and walnuts in the preheated oven. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring or turning the walnuts halfway through to ensure even roasting. The sweet potatoes should be tender and the walnuts golden and fragrant.
- Make Dressing: While the sweet potatoes and walnuts roast, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl to create a flavorful dressing.
- Assemble Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, roasted walnuts, drained chickpeas, and mixed salad greens. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all components evenly.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the salad immediately for the best texture or chill before serving to enjoy a refreshing cold option.
Notes
- For added freshness, consider tossing in some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- This salad also pairs well with a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for extra creaminess, though this will affect the vegan status.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
