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Quinoa Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato, Kale & Pesto Vinaigrette

Quinoa Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato, Kale & Pesto Vinaigrette

A vibrant Quinoa Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato, Kale & Pesto Vinaigrette packed with nutrients and flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • oven
  • Medium saucepan
  • blender
  • large serving bowl
  • Baking Sheet

Ingredients
  

Salad

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced about ¾ pound total
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1.75 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cups curly kale, stemmed and finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup sunflower seeds, roasted and salted *
  • cup fresh basil, thinly sliced

Pesto dressing

  • 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves, firmly packed
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley leaves, firmly packed
  • 0.5 cup olive oil
  • 0.25 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • to taste Pepper

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Transfer the sweet potatoes to the prepared baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and arrange in a single layer. Bake for 10 minutes, then toss and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until tender and browning. Set aside to cool.
  • Combine the rinsed quinoa and broth in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then decrease heat to maintain a simmer, cover, and cook until the quinoa has absorbed all the liquid, about 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
  • To make the vinaigrette, combine all dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor and process until mostly smooth, with small pieces of herbs still visible.
  • Transfer the chopped kale to a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with a dash of salt and massage the kale until it is darker in color and more fragrant, about 15 seconds.
  • Add the sweet potatoes, quinoa, kale, sunflower seeds and sliced basil to the bowl. Drizzle with about ⅓ cup dressing and gently toss until evenly coated. Taste and mix in more dressing if desired.
  • Serve the salad at room temperature or cold. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg
Keyword healthy salad, Kale Salad, Pesto Vinaigrette, Quinoa Salad, Roasted Sweet Potato, vegan recipe
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