Winter Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
Winter Salad Recipe with Maple Dijon Dressing has winter flavors using sweet potato, pecans and pomegranate seeds tossed in a festive maple dressing!
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 382kcal
Ingredients
Salad
- 12 cups leafy green lettuce mix
- 4 ounces white cheddar cheese cubed
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 small Granny Smith apple diced
- ½ cup pomegranate arils
- ½ cup toasted pecans
- Optional: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 16 ounces sweet potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and Black Pepper amount as desired
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425˚F.
- On an aluminum-foil or parchment paper lined sheet pan, toss together sweet potatoes, olive oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt and black pepper. Spread in an even layer. Bake 30-35 minutes, tossing in between. Allow to cool completely before adding to the salad.
- For the dressing, in jar or small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, dijon mustard, maple syrup, orange juice, olive oil, salt and black pepper. Once well emulsified, taste for balance of flavors and adjust if desired.
- On a large serve tray or on individual salad plate, layer lettuce, cheddar cheese, red onion, apple, pomegranate arils and pecans. Add chicken on top (if using), followed by the cooled roasted sweet potatoes.
- When it's time to serve, drizzle dressing over the top or serve on the side.
Video
Notes
Tips and Substitutions
- Incorporate Whole Grains: Whole grains like quinoa, farro, or wild rice add heartiness to your salad. They're also excellent sources of protein and fiber, making your salad more filling and nutritious.
- Leafy Greens: Instead of a leafy greens mix, you can use sturdy greens like kale or spinach. They hold up well against hearty ingredients and stay crisp in dressings.
- Fruit Substitutes: Instead of or in addition to the apple and pomegranate arils in this salad, you can use pears or orange segments.
- Protein Variations: Opt for proteins like grilled shrimp, salmon, or even leftover roasted turkey from holiday meals for variety. These proteins add richness and warmth to your salad.
- Cheese Options: Goat cheese, feta, Gorgonzola, or blue cheese are other bold cheeses that work great for this salad.
- Dressing Tweaks: Experiment with different vinegar bases (like apple cider vinegar) or infused oils (such as walnut oil) can create unique dressings. Adjust the sweetness or acidity based on personal preference.
Nutrition
Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 17g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 470mg | Potassium: 523mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 8911IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 157mg | Iron: 2mg
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