Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad

This powerful, nutrient-dense salad is a great addition to any summer meal. Use it as a side at your next gathering or put this hearty salad to work as a main dish for a summer picnic. Beautiful contrasting flavors and colors make this sweet potato salad perfect for adding pop and zest to your table.

Roasting the Sweet Potatoes

• Best Types: Pick Red Garnet or Jewel for a sweet, creamy texture.
• Cut Small: Chop into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking.
• Roast Right: Spread out on a big pan to stop steaming. Crowding makes them mushy.
• Cool: Let them cool fully before adding to the Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad.

How to make Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad

Ingredients

• 1 large sweet potato, cubed
• 5 oz baby spinach
• 3/4 cup cooked quinoa
• 3 thin slices of red onion
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries
• ¼ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
• ½ cup Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Bleu Cheese Crumbles
• ¼ tsp powdered sage
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp neutral oil
• salt & pepper to taste

 Creamy Lemon Thyme Dressing:

• 1/3 cup Follow Your Heart Original Vegenaise
• 1 ½ tsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• salt & pepper to taste

Directions

1. Peel and cut the sweet potato into cubes. Add them to a bowl and toss with oil, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt & pepper. Spread them onto a baking sheet and bake at 375° F for 20 minutes or until nicely browned and fork tender. Set aside.
2. Make the dressing by combining the Vegenaise, lemon juice, herbs, salt & pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Assemble the salad in a large bowl or platter. Layer or mix together the spinach, onion, cranberries, walnuts, bleu cheese, warmed quinoa and roasted sweet potato.
4. Serve tossed with the dressing or on the side.

Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad Variations

• Add Meat: Top with grilled chicken, flank steak, or rotisserie chicken for more protein.
• Swap Herbs: Use cilantro or green onions instead of basil for a new flavor.
• More Toppings: Add seeds, nuts, feta, or goat cheese for extra texture and flavor.
• Add Fruit: Toss in diced apples for a sweet crunch.

Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad Storage

Keep Separate: Don’t add dressing or avocado if you won’t eat it all in one go. The salad (without dressing or avocado) stays fresh for 3 days in the fridge.

Source: Follow Your Heart  https://followyourheart.com/