During the cold months, I love this Winter Sweet Potato Salad with Candied Walnuts. It’s hearty, pretty and oh so delicious.
It’s snowing outside and wow is pretty. I wish you guys could see it. The air is filled with big white snow flakes floating about creating swirling clouds. As much as the cold isn’t always fun, this winter scene outside my window is pretty darn magical.
This week has been a full week. Starting off with a date with a fun morning date with my toddler lots of fun library trips and dance parties in front of the fireplace in between, ending in both girls getting sick.
It’s been one of those weeks when my girls remind me that I am human and only have 2 hands. Some days it truly felt like I didn’t sit for hours, running between kid taking care of their needs. And although it’s been really really really tough to find time to blog, I am doing my best to make time.
Also this week I have been going through a bit of a pumping boot camp.
My milk supply has been dangerously low, to the point that I am barely producing any at all. The crazy part about this is that I use to over produce about 2 months ago! Where did all of it go?! I have no clue!
So I’ve been pretty preoccupied with this. Not that there is anything wrong with switching to formula at all (we have already given Beany formula on certain occasions) but because I can’t understand how I went from having so much to all of a sudden almost none at all.
My pumping boot camp as like to call it, is a combination of research, advice and different eating habits. Basically I have stopped working out (for the time being), increased my consumption of galactogogue foods and herbs, decreased my caffeine intake, increased water and started pumping more often and for longer.
Happy to say, it’s slowly working!!! YAY! Still not producing as much as my Bean eats but slowly getting there! Fingers crossed I can keep seeing results.
So about this gorgeous delicious salad. It’s been keeping me happy and going all week. It’s easy to throw together even when I’m running around the house. It’s hearty enough to keep me full for hours and it’s super tasty and pretty.
It all starts with a base of fresh greens. Arugula and spinach. One mild and the other with a peppery bite. Next pile on the nicely roasted sweet potatoes. Then up are the deep red tart dried cherries followed by the addicting candied walnuts. Top the whole thing with a hearty drizzle of the balsamic vinaigrette.
Ta-DA…. My Winter Sweet Potato Salad with Candied Walnut Salad.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced small (about 3-4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 tablespoon butter (replace with coconut oil if vegan)
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ garlic powder
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Toss the sweet potatoes in a large bowl with the olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes. Stir the potatoes and continue to bake until fork-tender, an additional 10-15 minutes. Let cool completely while you prepare the rest of the salad.
- For the candied walnuts, melt butter in a medium saucepan and add the walnuts and sugar. Stir continuously over medium heat for about 5 minutes. When the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has coated the walnuts, transfer to foil or wax paper. Separate walnuts and let cool.
- For the dressing, combine the vinegar, mustard, and garlic in a small bowl. Add the oil slowly, whisking constantly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- To assemble, layer greens, followed by sweet potatoes, cherries, and nuts. Season the salad with salt and pepper. Drizzle dressing and toss before serving.
Notes
If bringing this salad to a dinner party or traveling with it, pack greens, roasted sweet potatoes, and dressing all separately. Nuts and cherries can be packed together. Then toss together when ready to serve.
Originally posted 2018-01-18 06:00:00.
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