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–+ servings

Warm Roasted Sweet Potato and Pecan Autumn Salad

Vibrant caramelized roasted sweet potato cubes tossed while warm with crisp baby spinach, toasted crunchy pecans, tart dried cranberries, and creamy crumbled goat cheese, finished with a luscious warm maple Dijon apple cider vinaigrette. The ultimate festive fall and holiday harvest salad!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Autumn Dinner, Holiday Side, Salad, Side Dish, Thanksgiving
Cuisine: American, Harvest Comfort Food

Ingredients
  

Caramelized Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  • 3 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cut into uniform ¾-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup promotes deep caramelization
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Harvest Salad Base & Mix-Ins
  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach or mixed baby greens washed and dried thoroughly
  • ¾ cup raw pecan halves lightly toasted in a dry skillet
  • ½ cup dried cranberries or dried cherries
  • 4 oz creamy goat cheese (chèvre) crumbled; or feta cheese
Warm Maple Dijon Cider Vinaigrette
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil high quality cold-pressed
  • 2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar raw unfiltered
  • 1 ½ tablespoon pure maple syrup grade A amber
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard smooth or coarse-ground
  • 1 small clove garlic finely grated
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

Roast the Sweet Potatoes
  1. Preheat & Prep Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and optimal browning.
  2. Season & Spread: Place the cubed sweet potatoes on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon maple syrup. Sprinkle with chopped rosemary, cinnamon, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss well with your hands until every cube is glossy, then arrange in a single layer with space between cubes.
  3. Roast Until Golden: Roast for 22 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through with a spatula, until the edges are golden-brown and blistered and the centers are fork-tender. Remove from oven and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes so they are warm, not scalding.
Toast Pecans & Whisk Vinaigrette
  1. Toast Pecans: In a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, add the pecan halves. Toast for 3 to 4 minutes, tossing frequently, until fragrant and lightly deepened in color. Immediately transfer to a plate to cool slightly.
  2. Whisk Vinaigrette: In a small mason jar or bowl, combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously or whisk until emulsified into a smooth, creamy dressing.
Assemble & Serve
  1. Assemble Salad: In a large, wide serving bowl or platter, arrange the crisp baby spinach leaves. Scatter the warm roasted sweet potato cubes evenly over the greens (their gentle heat will slightly wilt the tender spinach, releasing sweet aromatics).
  2. Garnish & Dress: Top with toasted pecan halves, tart dried cranberries, and crumbled creamy goat cheese. Drizzle the warm maple Dijon vinaigrette generously over the entire salad. Toss gently just before serving, or serve immediately while the potatoes are pleasantly warm!

Notes

Make-Ahead Tips: Roast the sweet potatoes up to 2 days in advance and keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the potato cubes in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes to restore their crisp exterior before assembling the salad with fresh greens and dressing.

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