Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Fluffy quinoa with crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta, and lemon oregano vinaigrette.
Save Pin Warm caramelized roasted sweet potato cubes tossed with tender baby spinach, toasted pecans, creamy crumbled feta cheese, and maple cider dressing.
Wholesome, mindful eating never has to mean sacrificing deep culinary flavor, and this Roasted Sweet Potato & Baby Spinach Salad with Pecans & Feta proves it with every bite. Bringing together sweet potatoes, and cut into 3/4-inch cubes, baby spinach leaves and crumbled greek feta cheese for an energizing, nutrient-dense meal, it satisfies hearty appetites in just 30 min without leaving you feeling weighed down.
Toss sweet potato cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet; **roast at 400Β°F (200Β°C) for 20 minutes** until caramelized and fork-tender.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast pecan halves for **3 minutes** until fragrant and crunchy.
Whisk remaining 2 tbsp olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
In a large salad bowl, combine baby spinach, warm roasted sweet potatoes, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta. Drizzle with dressing, toss gently, and serve immediately.
1. Build Deep Flavor from the Fond: When browning ingredients, scrape up the caramelized golden bits (fond) from the pan bottom with a splash of liquid. That concentrated brown crust is where true savory umami lives. 2. Grate Cheese Fresh from the Block: Pre-shredded cheeses are treated with anti-caking starches that impede smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheese dissolves seamlessly into velvety sauces without graininess. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Adding the sweet potatoes while still warm from the oven slightly wilts the spinach, unlocking sweet earthy flavors.
Excellent for weekly meal prep! Portion into glass meal prep containers and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Enjoy chilled or reheat in a microwave or toaster oven until warm throughout.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? A: Yes! It holds up exceptionally well without wilting or losing flavor over 4β5 days in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I adjust the macronutrients for low-carb or keto? A: Yes, simply increase the leafy greens or healthy fat portion and scale down high-carb starches.
Tried this Roasted Sweet Potato & Baby Spinach Salad with Pecans & Feta? Share your tips, substitutions, or question with fellow home cooks!
Have you made this Roasted Sweet Potato & Baby Spinach Salad with Pecans & Feta? Share your experience, cooking tips, or tweaks below.