Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Candied Walnuts and Sage Vinaigrette

Your favorite fall flavors now come in a healthy salad with roasted sweet potatoes, dried cherries, candied walnuts, and a sage balsamic vinaigrette.

By now I am sure most of you have seen the new Star Wars trailer. If not, do it now. I may have freaked out just a little bit when I saw it and now already cannot wait for next Christmas – the finale of Mockingjay and new Star Wars! But there are exciting movies to see this year as well. I already saw Mockingjay Part 1 and up next is the finale of the Hobbit. The winter holidays rock, don’t they? To make up for the colder temperatures we get stuffed with amazing food, decorate cookies, see pretty lights, and get to snuggle in front of a cozy fire and/or movie.

But today’s recipe is not for decorated cookies or even a hot beverage to drink while enjoying wintry activities. It does have some of those comforting flavors that come out this time of year though and shockingly enough it is in the form of a salad. Roasted sweet potatoes are tossed in a mixed greens salad with dried cherries, candied walnuts, and a sage vinaigrette. I got to bust out my white balsamic vinegar for this vinaigrette but you could definitely use regular if you cannot find white. Different color, same taste.

One year ago: Quick Turkey Noodle Soup

Two years ago: Gluten-Free Ooey Gooey Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake

Three years ago: Pecan Chocolate Chip Gooey Butter Cake

Four years ago: Matzo Ball Soup

ROASTED SWEET POTATO SALAD WITH CANDIED WALNUTS AND SAGE VINAIGRETTE

Serves 4

SALAD

2 sweet potatoes (about 1 lb.), diced

1/2 Tbsp olive oil

1/2 tsp dried rosemary

1/2 tsp dried sage

1/2 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup whole walnuts

1 Tbsp unsalted butter

2 Tbsp granulated sugar

4 cups salad greens

1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped (I used Stoneridge Orchards chili lime cherries)

VINAIGRETTE

1 Tbsp finely minced fresh sage (or 1 tsp dried)

2 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar (regular will also work,)

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

2 tsp pure maple syrup

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with the oil and seasonings. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread evenly on prepared baking sheet. Roast for 30-40 minutes, stirring halfway through. Should be fork-tender.
3. While the potatoes roast, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the walnuts and sugar. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes. Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has coated the walnuts, spread evenly on foil or wax paper to separate and cool.
4. To make the vinaigrette, in a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients.
5. Just before serving, toss the salad greens, dried cherries, sweet potato, and candied walnuts together. Drizzle with vinaigrette and enjoy.

Source: Salad adapted slightly from Pinch of Yum. Vinaigrette adapted slightly from Oh My Veggies.