There’s something incredibly satisfying about digging into a fresh, vibrant salad that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. When I first tried Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad, it sparked a delightful culinary revelation. The sweetness of caramelized sweet potatoes paired with the nutty crunch of chickpeas creates a beautiful harmony of flavors. Add in the creamy garlic dressing, and you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds—if not thirds!
After a long day, it’s easy to fall into the routine of ordering takeout, but this dish transforms simple ingredients into a wholesome masterpiece that’s ready in no time. Each bite bursts with nutrition, and the combination of spices elevates even the most mundane dinner into a gourmet experience. Whether you’re sharing it with friends on a sunny afternoon or enjoying a quiet night in, this salad is sure to impress. Let’s dive into crafting this deliciously satisfying dish that will leave you—and your taste buds—feeling content!
Why will you love Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad?
Vibrant, delicious flavors: The combination of sweet potatoes and chickpeas creates an irresistible medley that’s rich in both taste and texture.
Creamy dressing: The garlic-infused dressing ties everything together, making each bite entirely satisfying.
Nutritious goodness: Packed with healthy ingredients, this dish is not just filling; it’s a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals to nourish your body.
Quick prep: With its straightforward instructions, you’ll have a gourmet salad ready in no time, perfect after a busy day.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s palate.
Indulge in this delightful recipe and experience the joy of home-cooked meals!
Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad Ingredients
For the Salad
- Sweet potatoes – the star of this dish, adding sweetness and heartiness to every bite.
- Chickpeas – offering a nutty flavor along with a good source of protein to keep you satisfied.
- Kale – this leafy green is packed with nutrients, adding a vibrant color and wonderful texture.
- Olive oil – a drizzle enhances the natural flavors while helping to roast the sweet potatoes to perfection.
- Chilli flakes – optional, but they add a spicy kick if you’re looking for some heat!
- Fresh parsley – a handful adds freshness and a burst of color to your salad.
For the Dressing
- Roasted garlic – this adds an incredible depth of flavor to the creamy dressing.
- Almond milk – serves as a creamy base while keeping it dairy-free and light.
- Nutritional yeast – optional, but it imparts a cheesy flavor without the dairy, enhancing the overall taste.
- Mustard – brings a tangy zest that brightens the dressing.
- Lemon juice – a squeeze of freshness; it lifts the whole salad and balances the richness.
- Salt – just a pinch brings all the flavors together beautifully.
Get ready to create a delightful and nourishing salad with these fresh ingredients, perfect for a cozy meal or a gathering with friends!
How to Make Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
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Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) on a fan setting. This ensures that the sweet potatoes roast evenly and achieve that delightful softness.
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Combine sweet potato chunks and chickpeas in a baking tray, then drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Toss well and roast for 30-35 minutes until sweet potatoes are golden brown and tender.
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Blend the dressing by placing all dressing ingredients into a powerful blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a luscious sauce that takes the salad to the next level.
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Massage the kale in a large mixing bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and salt. This helps to soften the kale, making it tender and enjoyable. Pour the dressing over the kale and gently mix it in using your hands.
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Toss the roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas with the massaged kale. Add everything to a serving bowl and finish with chopped parsley, a crack of freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of chilli flakes for an optional spicy kick.
Optional: Garnish with extra roasted garlic for added flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad?
Transforming a simple meal into a feast is easy with delightful pairings that elevate this salad to delicious new heights.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf enriches the texture, adding wholesome grains that complement the salad beautifully. It’s the perfect side to round out your meal.
- Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken: Juicy grilled chicken infused with lemon and herbs provides a savory contrast to the salad’s sweet elements, making it satisfying and wholesome.
- Garlic Toast: Crunchy bread brushed with garlic and olive oil brings wonderful flavor and a satisfying crunch, ideal for scooping up the salad.
- Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their crispy exterior and tender inside offer a lovely contrast to the creamy salad, enhancing both flavor and nutritional value.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices lend richness to your plate, pairing perfectly with the zesty dressing and adding healthy fats to satisfy your hunger.
- Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc elevates your meal experience, providing a crisp and refreshing backdrop to the vibrant flavors of the salad.
- Lemon Almond Cake: For dessert, a slice of light lemon almond cake mirrors the lemony notes in the dressing, creating a cohesive dining experience that delights the senses.
- Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous with fresh herbs adds vibrant flavor and texture, making it an easy and tasty complement to your fresh salad.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad in advance is a brilliant way to save time during busy weekdays! You can roast the sweet potatoes and chickpeas up to 3 days ahead; simply refrigerate them in an airtight container. For the dressing, blend the ingredients and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days—this allows the flavors to develop beautifully. To keep the kale fresh, massage it with olive oil and salt just before serving, as this helps maintain its crispness. When you’re ready to serve, toss everything together, adding fresh parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a meal that’s just as delicious as when freshly made.
How to Store and Freeze Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
Fridge: The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the kale crisp.
Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze the salad as the texture of the kale and sweet potatoes may change upon thawing. Enjoy it fresh for the best flavor!
Reheating: If you have leftover roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas, you can reheat them in the oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 10 minutes before tossing with the chilled kale and dressings.
Preparation Tip: To keep the ingredients fresh longer, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving your Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad.
Helpful Tricks for Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
- Roast for Perfection: Ensure your sweet potatoes and chickpeas are evenly spread on the tray for consistent roasting; crowded ingredients steam rather than roast.
- Kale Massage: Take your time when massaging the kale. This step breaks down the tough fibers, making it more tender and delicious—don’t skip it!
- Dressing Consistency: If your dressing is too thick, add a little more almond milk until it reaches your desired creaminess for your Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad.
- Chickpea Variations: Feel free to swap chickpeas for other legumes like black beans for a different flavor while maintaining a great texture.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Enhance the dressing with a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for a delightful twist that complements the salad beautifully.
Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad Variations
Elevate your salad experience with these delightful twists that invite your culinary creativity!
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Spicy Kick: Add more chilli flakes or finely chopped jalapeños for an extra dose of heat. Your taste buds will enjoy a fiery explosion!
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Nut-Free: Substitute cashews with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a crunchy texture and nut allergy-friendly option. Perfectly satisfying!
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Grain Boost: Toss in cooked quinoa or farro for added fiber and a heartier meal. It transforms your salad into a filling dish packed with grains.
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Herb Medley: Experiment with fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or dill instead of parsley for a unique flavor profile. Each herb sings a different note!
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Sweet Twist: Add diced apples or dried cranberries to introduce a sweet contrast to the savory components. This will add brightness and surprise to every bite!
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Creamy Variation: Substitute almond milk with coconut yogurt for a creamy richness that enhances the flavor. It brings a tropical essence to the dish!
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Cheesy Flavor: Sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese on top for a tangy burst that complements the salad beautifully. A delightful way to enrich the textures!
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Smoky Flavors: Incorporate smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a warm, smoky depth in taste that adds a twist to the original recipe. Perfect for those cozy evenings!
Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad Recipe FAQs
What type of sweet potatoes should I use?
Absolutely, I recommend using medium to large sweet potatoes that are firm to the touch without any dark spots or blemishes. Organic sweet potatoes often have a richer flavor, so if you can find them, they’re a great choice!
How should I store the salad?
You can store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, add the dressing only right before serving to avoid soggy kale, keeping it crisp and fresh.
Can I freeze the salad?
It’s best not to freeze this salad, as both the kale and roasted sweet potatoes will lose their desirable texture upon thawing. Instead, enjoy it fresh for that delightful crunch! If you have leftover roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas, you could freeze those components separately for up to 3 months. Just reheat them in the oven at 190°C (375°F) before tossing with kale and dressing.
What if my roasted chickpeas don’t get crispy?
No worries! If your chickpeas are still a bit soft, ensure they’re evenly spread out on the baking tray next time to prevent steaming. You can also give them an extra 5 to 10 minutes in the oven. For an added crunch, consider using canned chickpeas that are well-drained or even roasting them separately!
Is this salad suitable for dietary restrictions?
Very! This salad is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan depending on your choice of dressing. If you have nut allergies, you can substitute almond milk with oat or soy milk, and leave out the cashews from the salad. Just remember to check your dressing ingredients if you’re unsure!
Deliciously Ella’s Creamy Kale and Sweet Potato Salad Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F) on a fan setting.
- Combine sweet potato chunks and chickpeas in a baking tray, then drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Toss well and roast for 30-35 minutes until sweet potatoes are golden brown and tender.
- Blend the dressing by placing all dressing ingredients into a powerful blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Massage the kale in a large mixing bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and salt. This helps to soften the kale.
- Pour the dressing over the kale and gently mix it in using your hands.
- Toss the roasted sweet potatoes and chickpeas with the massaged kale. Add everything to a serving bowl and finish with chopped parsley and optional chilli flakes.