Nourishing Winter Salad: A Sweet Potato & Cranberry Nutrient-Rich Comfort Dish

Looking to add more colorful, nutrient-dense foods to your winter meal rotation? This warm-meets-cold sweet potato and cranberry salad combines the comfort of roasted root vegetables with fresh, zesty ingredients for a perfectly balanced dish that supports your health goals.

Why We Love This Winter Salad

This vibrant salad isn't just delicious, it's packed with nutrients that support optimal health. Sweet potatoes provide beta-carotene and fiber, while cranberries offer antioxidants and immune-supporting vitamin C. The addition of pumpkin seeds brings essential minerals and healthy fats, making this salad a powerhouse of nutrition.

Ingredients You'll Need

For the Salad Base

• 3-4 large sweet potatoes, cut into chunks
• 1/3 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• Cumin, salt, and pepper to taste

For the Maple Dijon Dressing

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Salt, pepper, and oregano to taste

Simple Steps to Create Your Salad

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil
2. Spread sweet potato chunks on the sheet with cranberries and pumpkin seeds
3. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and cumin
4. Roast for approximately 40 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender
5. While roasting, whisk together all dressing ingredients
6. Once cooled, combine roasted ingredients with diced red onion and feta
7. Toss with dressing and refrigerate

Making It Your Own

This versatile salad can be customized to meet your specific health needs. Need more protein? Add grilled chicken or chickpeas. Want to make it dairy-free? Skip the feta or substitute with your favorite plant-based alternative.

Meal Prep Champion

One of the best features of this salad is its meal prep potential. Make a batch on Sunday, and you'll have a nutrient-rich side dish ready for several days. The flavors actually develop and improve over time, making it perfect for busy weekday meals.

Remember, incorporating colorful, seasonal vegetables into your diet is key to achieving optimal health. This winter salad helps you do exactly that while bringing joy to your taste buds.

Looking for more healthy, seasonal recipes? Stay tuned to our blog for weekly inspiration on your journey to optimal health!