Autumn Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
Capture the essence of fall with this vibrant, nutrient-dense salad that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and tangy notes. Featuring cinnamon-roasted sweet potatoes, crisp orchard apples, and toasted pumpkin seeds over a bed of massaged kale and arugula, this dish is finished with a stunning maple-miso vinaigrette. It is a hearty and sophisticated meal that serves as a satisfying center-table masterpiece for weeknight dinners or festive fall gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting and Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Ingredients
3 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1 bunch kale, stems removed and chopped
2 cups arugula
1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp white miso paste
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp maple syrup
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 teaspoons maple syrup, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt.
Spread the sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
While the potatoes roast, place the chopped kale in a large bowl and massage with a little olive oil or citrus juice to soften the leaves.
In a small jar, whisk together the white miso, apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 3 tablespoons olive oil to create the vinaigrette.
Add the arugula to the kale, top with the cooled roasted sweet potatoes, apple slices, and toasted pumpkin seeds.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently.
Notes
Ensure you massage the kale thoroughly to remove bitterness and improve the texture. You can prep the roasted sweet potatoes and dressing up to 24 hours in advance to make assembly quick. Add any protein of choice like chickpeas for extra satiety.