Name: Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 bunch curly kale, stems removed and chopped; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for massaging kale); 1/2 cup cooked quinoa (optional, for added protein); 1/4 cup dried cranberries; 1/4 cup roasted pepitas or chopped almonds; 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced; Feta cheese, crumbled (optional); 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 1/2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing is a vibrant, nourishing dish that brings together warm roasted sweet potatoes, hearty kale, and crunchy toppings, all tossed in a luscious, tangy-sweet dressing. It’s perfect as a light lunch, a wholesome side, or a satisfying vegetarian main. This salad offers a delicious balance of texture, flavor, and nutrition in every bite.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)olive oilsalt and pepperground cinnamon (optional)kale (de-stemmed and chopped)lemon juice (for massaging kale)quinoa (cooked, optional for added protein)dried cranberrieschopped pecans or walnutsgoat cheese or feta (optional)

for the creamy honey mustard dressing:

mayonnaiseDijon mustardhoneyapple cider vinegarolive oilsalt and pepper

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cinnamon if desired. Spread in an even layer and roast for 25–30 minutes until golden and tender, flipping halfway through.

While the sweet potatoes roast, place chopped kale in a large bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Massage with your hands for 1–2 minutes until the leaves are tender and dark green.

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the salad by adding roasted sweet potatoes, cooked quinoa (if using), cranberries, nuts, and cheese to the kale.

Drizzle with the honey mustard dressing and toss gently to coat.

Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 as a main or 6 as a side.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Swap sweet potatoes for roasted butternut squash or carrots.

Add sliced apples or pears for extra sweetness.

Use spinach or arugula in place of kale for a different green base.

Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.

Top with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch.

storage/reheating

Store salad and dressing separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat sweet potatoes and quinoa if desired before tossing with kale.
The dressing will keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 1 week.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cut kale?

Yes, just be sure to remove any tough stems and massage it well.

Is the dressing dairy-free?

Yes, this dressing is naturally dairy-free.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, but for best texture, add the dressing just before serving.

What can I use instead of mayo?

Greek yogurt or vegan mayo works well as a substitute.

Can I serve this warm?

Absolutely—serve with warm sweet potatoes and quinoa over the kale for a cozy version.

How do I keep kale from being too tough?

Massaging it with lemon juice and salt softens the texture and reduces bitterness.

Conclusion

Sweet Potato Kale Salad with Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing is a wholesome, flavorful dish that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy elements, it’s sure to become a staple in your salad rotation. Whether you’re meal-prepping, entertaining, or just craving something nourishing, this salad hits the spot every time.