There’s something so invigorating about a fresh salad, especially when it combines color, flavor, and nourishment in every bite. Imagine a vibrant bowl filled with tender roasted sweet potatoes and crunchy chickpeas, all nestled on a bed of freshly massaged kale. As the warm scents of paprika and cumin waft through the air, you’re instantly transported to a cozy kitchen brimming with love and healthy indulgence.
This Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad is that perfect answer to the mundane fast food routine. It’s a meal that celebrates the beauty of plant-based ingredients while being packed with nutrients. Each ingredient works harmoniously, creating a dish that is delightfully creamy yet light, making it a perfect choice for any occasion—be it a summer picnic or a lunch break at your desk. Trust me, once you whip this up, you’ll find yourself craving its rich flavors and stunning textures more often than you’d think!
Why will you love Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad?
Colorful Presentation: This salad is a feast for the eyes with vibrant sweet potatoes and lush green kale.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vitamins and plant-based protein, it’s a healthy choice you’ll feel good about.
Crisp and Creamy: Enjoy a delightful contrast between the crunchy chickpeas and creamy dressing, making each bite satisfying.
Quick and Simple: Whip it up in under an hour for a speedy yet hearty meal that fits into any busy schedule.
Versatile Delight: Perfect as a stand-alone meal or a vibrant side dish, this recipe adapts to any gathering or occasion!
Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
• Sweet Potatoes – Adds natural sweetness and heartiness; use orange or purple varieties for best flavor.
• Chickpeas – Provides protein and a satisfying texture; canned or cooked from scratch works well.
• Kale – The base of the salad; curly kale works best, but lacinato (dinosaur) kale is also suitable.
• Olive Oil – Used for roasting and dressing; substitute with avocado oil if desired.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential for seasoning to taste.
• Chili Flakes – Optional for heat; omit for a milder salad.
• Fresh Parsley – Adds freshness and color; substitute with cilantro for a different flavor.
For the Dressing
• Cashews – Create a creamy texture for the dressing; can substitute with almonds or sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
• Roasted Garlic – Offers a mellow sweetness; use fresh minced garlic for a sharper taste.
• Almond Milk – Lightens the dressing; substitute with any plant-based milk.
• Nutritional Yeast – Optional for a cheesy flavor; can omit if unavailable.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds tanginess to the dressing; substitute with yellow mustard for a different flavor.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish; lime juice can be used as a substitute.
• Ground Cumin – Enhances depth and warmth; substitute with coriander for a milder flavor.
• Paprika – Adds smokiness; use smoked paprika for a richer taste.
Feel free to explore the delightful flavors that make up Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad!
How to Make Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
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Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) with the fan setting on. This creates the perfect environment for roasting those sweet potatoes and chickpeas until golden brown and delicious.
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Toss sweet potatoes and chickpeas on a baking tray with olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, and salt. Spread them evenly and roast for 30-35 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and chickpeas are crunchy.
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Blend the dressing ingredients (cashews, roasted garlic, almond milk, nutritional yeast, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper) until smooth and creamy. This rich dressing ties the salad together perfectly.
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Massage the kale in a mixing bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Do this for a few minutes until the leaves soften and become more flavorful.
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Combine the massaged kale with the creamy dressing, tossing gently to ensure every leaf is evenly coated in that luscious goodness.
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Mix in the roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas. Top it all off with fresh parsley, a crack of black pepper, and optional chili flakes for a little kick before serving.
Optional: Top with nuts for an added crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad components are perfect for meal prep! You can roast the sweet potatoes and chickpeas up to 3 days in advance. Simply toss them in olive oil, cumin, paprika, and salt, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the dressing, blend all ingredients and refrigerate it overnight; just give it a quick stir before use, as it may thicken. The kale can also be massaged and stored separately for a couple of days to soften further, retaining freshness. When you’re ready to serve, just combine everything, and enjoy a delicious salad that’s just as vibrant as when it was freshly made!
What to Serve with Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad?
Elevate your meal experience with delightful accompaniments that enhance every bite of this vibrant salad.
- Grilled Tofu: Tender and smoky, grilled tofu adds a protein-rich element that complements the creamy dressing beautifully. Imagine the satisfying crunch of your salad with the savory taste of grilled tofu.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Earthy and nutty, quinoa pilaf acts as a hearty foundation that pairs perfectly with the salad’s creaminess and adds additional texture. It’s a satisfying way to elevate your plate.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide an added layer of flavor that can harmonize with the spices in the salad. Think sweet caramelization that brings richness to your meal!
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado enhances the salad’s textures while adding healthy fats. Their rich, buttery flavor blends seamlessly with the dish.
- Chickpea Curry: Hearty and flavorful, a mild chickpea curry makes a fantastic vegetarian addition, introducing warmth and spices that round out your meal.
- Lemon Herb Dressing: A fresh lemon herb dressing drizzled on the side can enhance the kale’s brightness, offering a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
- Sparkling Water with Lime: To drink, sparkling water infused with a splash of lime brings a zesty, refreshing note, cleansing your palate between bites of the creamy salad.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine can elevate the meal with its acidity, complementing the rich creamy notes of your salad.
- Dark Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a light dark chocolate mousse captures sweetness without being heavy, offering a delightful end to a nourishing meal.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad on the side offers refreshing sweetness and adds a burst of color and nutrition, complementing your plate beautifully.
How to Store and Freeze Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy dressing will continue to meld with the salad, enhancing the flavors!
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the entire salad, as kale may lose its texture. However, you can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas separately for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw the roasted components in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven or skillet until warm.
Freshness Tip: For the best flavor experience, consume your Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad fresh, as the kale can wilt over time.
Variations & Substitutions for Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
Feel free to customize this delightful salad to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!
- Nut-Free: Swap cashews for sunflower seeds or tahini in the dressing for a nut-free alternative.
- Add Grains: Stir in cooked quinoa or farro to boost fiber and protein, creating a heartier dish for lunch.
- Different Greens: Use baby spinach or arugula as a base instead of kale, offering new flavors and textures.
- Extra Crunch: Toss in diced apples or sliced almonds for a fresh crunch, balancing the creaminess beautifully.
- Variety of Sweet Potatoes: Experiment with purple or Japanese sweet potatoes for a change in color and sweetness.
- Zesty Twist: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors even further.
- Creamy Avocado: Include sliced or cubed avocado for a rich, buttery texture that complements the other ingredients.
- Elevate the Heat: Mix in jalapeños or a dash of sriracha to introduce a spicy kick, perfect for heat lovers!
Each variation opens up a world of flavor, making this salad a delightful journey every time you prepare it!
Expert Tips for Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
• Choose Quality Kale: Opt for fresh, vibrant kale; wilted or yellowing leaves won’t soften well and can ruin the creamy dressing experience.
• Roast Evenly: Cut sweet potatoes and chickpeas into uniform sizes to ensure they roast evenly. Trust me, consistency is key for a perfect bite!
• Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick after blending, add a splash more of almond milk until you reach your desired creaminess.
• Cool Before Mixing: Allow roasted vegetables to cool slightly before combining with the kale; this maintains the crispness of the chickpeas and sweet potatoes.
• Flavor Boost: For more depth, add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or seeds on top of your salad for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
• Kale Massage: Don’t skip the massage! It transforms the kale, softening it and helping it absorb all that delicious dressing. Enjoy your Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad!
Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad Recipe FAQs
What kind of sweet potatoes should I use?
Absolutely! I recommend using orange or purple varieties for the best flavor and sweetness. These types tend to cook beautifully and provide a delightful contrast against the savory elements in the salad.
How long can I store leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad might lose some vibrancy over this time, but the flavors will continue to meld, making it a tasty option for a couple of days!
Can I freeze the salad?
It’s best not to freeze the salad as a whole since the kale can turn mushy. However, you can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas separately for up to 3 months. Just let them cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers.
What if I have a nut allergy?
No worries! You can easily substitute the cashews in the dressing with sunflower seeds or tahini for a nut-free version. This will still give you a creamy texture without the added allergens, and it allows you to enjoy the same deliciously creamy experience!
How do I know if the kale is fresh enough for the salad?
Very! Look for bright green leaves that are firm and crisp. If you spot yellowing or wilting, it’s best to select another bunch. Fresh kale will not only taste better, but it will also hold up nicely when massaged and dressed.
What should I do if my dressing is too thick?
If you find that your dressing is a bit too thick after blending, simply add a splash of almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired creaminess. This will help maintain that luscious texture that makes this salad so irresistible.
Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) with the fan setting on.
- Toss sweet potatoes and chickpeas on a baking tray with olive oil, ground cumin, paprika, and salt. Spread them evenly and roast for 30-35 minutes until fork-tender and crunchy.
- Blend the dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Massage the kale in a mixing bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt until the leaves soften.
- Combine the massaged kale with the creamy dressing, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
- Mix in the roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas, top with fresh parsley, black pepper, and optional chili flakes before serving.