Roasted Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad
This vibrant salad combines caramelized roasted sweet potatoes, fluffy quinoa, fresh greens, and a zesty lemon-honey dressing. It’s nutrient-rich, naturally gluten-free, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. The mix of warm and cool ingredients gives it great texture and flavor balance.
⏳ Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 25–30 minutes
Total: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 cup uncooked quinoa (about 3 cups cooked)
2 cups baby spinach or mixed greens
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas) or chopped walnuts
¼ cup dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)
1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt & pepper, to taste
ℹ️ Instructions
1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
2. Cook the Quinoa
1. Rinse quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness.
2. Add to a pot with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt.
3. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed.
4. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and let cool slightly.
3. Make the Dressing
1. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
4. Assemble the Salad
1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, spinach, feta, pumpkin seeds, cranberries, and parsley.
2. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve
Serve warm or chilled. Great on its own or alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Notes & Tips
Meal prep: Store dressing separately and toss before eating.
Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or boiled eggs.
Extra flavor: Sprinkle with a pinch of za’atar or sumac before serving.
Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this vegan?
Yes — use maple syrup instead of honey and swap feta for avocado or vegan cheese.
Q: Can I serve it hot?
Yes, it’s delicious warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
✅ Nutritional Information
Calories: ~360
Protein: 10g
Carbs: 50g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 10g