Warm Winter Salad

This Warm Winter Salad is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for colder days when you crave something fresh yet filling. Combining roasted root vegetables like sweet potatoes and carrots with earthy greens like kale or spinach, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying. Toasted nuts, creamy goat cheese, and a tangy balsamic dressing add layers of texture and flavor, making it an ideal dish for lunch or dinner. The warmth of the roasted veggies brings out the sweetness in the vegetables, while the dressing ties everything together with a burst of acidity and a hint of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups kale or spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
• 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss the sweet potatoes, carrots, and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the vegetables evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
4. While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the dressing by whisking together the balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl.
5. In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale or spinach with the warm roasted vegetables, allowing the greens to wilt slightly from the heat.
6. Top the salad with crumbled goat cheese, toasted nuts, and dried cranberries.
7. Drizzle the balsamic dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the flavors.
8. Serve immediately while still warm, and enjoy the cozy flavors of this wintery salad!