New Year Paleo Salad (Printable)
A nutrient-packed salad with kale, roasted sweet potato, beet, avocado, nuts, and a tangy dressing.
# List of ingredients:
→ Greens
01 - 4 cups mixed baby kale and spinach
→ Roasted Vegetables
02 - 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced (approx. 150g)
03 - 1 medium beet, peeled and diced (approx. 120g)
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
05 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (2.5 ml)
06 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (1.25 ml)
→ Fresh Vegetables & Fruit
07 - 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (80 g)
08 - 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced (approx. 100g)
09 - 1 small avocado, sliced (approx. 100g)
→ Nuts & Seeds
10 - 1/3 cup pecans, roughly chopped (35 g)
11 - 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (20 g)
→ Dressing
12 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (45 ml)
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (15 ml)
14 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (15 ml)
15 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (5 ml)
16 - 1 teaspoon honey (5 ml) (optional; omit for Whole30)
17 - Pinch of salt and pepper
# Steps:
01 - Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
02 - Toss the diced sweet potato and beet with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized. Allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - In a large bowl, combine the baby kale and spinach. Layer the roasted sweet potato and beet on top, then add cucumber slices, pomegranate seeds, avocado, pecans, and pumpkin seeds.
05 - Drizzle the prepared dressing over the assembled ingredients and toss gently to ensure even coating.
06 - Present immediately for optimal freshness and texture.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It tastes like a celebration, not a cleanse, thanks to the sweet roasted vegetables and tart pomegranate bursts.
- Everything can be prepped ahead so you just toss and serve when hunger hits.
02 -
- Let the roasted vegetables cool for a few minutes before adding them to the greens or the heat will wilt everything into a sad pile.
- Slice the avocado at the last second and toss gently or it turns to mush and makes the salad look sloppy.
03 -
- Wear gloves when handling the beet or your hands will look like you committed a crime scene for the next two days.
- Whisk the dressing again right before pouring because the oil and vinegar love to separate when you turn your back.