Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Sweet Potato Kale Power Salad

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A vibrant, nutrient‑packed salad combining massaged kale, fluffy quinoa, sweetly spiced sweet potatoes, protein‑rich black beans, and a creamy avocado‑lime dressing—perfect fuel any time of day.

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa

1 bunch kale, ribs removed and chopped into small, bite‑sized pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil (for kale)

Juice of 1 lime

½ teaspoon salt (for kale)

2 medium sweet potatoes (~1½ lbs), peeled and diced into ¼‑inch cubes

2 tablespoons olive oil (for potatoes)

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1½ teaspoons salt (for potatoes)

1 (14 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained

⅓ cup crumbled feta (optional, omit for vegan)

¼ cup pepitas (pumpkin seeds)

2 ripe avocados, sliced or cubed

Juice of 2 limes

2 tablespoons olive oil (for avocado sauce)

1 medium jalapeño, seeded and chopped

1 handful cilantro leaves

½ teaspoon ground coriander (optional)

Salt, to taste

Instructions

Cook quinoa: rinse 1 cup quinoa and combine with 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then cover and simmer for ~15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Set aside to cool.

Cook sweet potatoes: heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced sweet potatoes, cumin, paprika and salt; stir to coat. When sizzling, add ~¼ cup water, cover and reduce heat. Cook ~10 minutes until tender. Uncover and increase heat slightly, cooking until edges caramelize (~3–7 minutes). Set aside to cool.

Massage kale: place chopped kale in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with ½ tsp salt and squeeze with your hands until leaves darken and soften. Whisk 2 Tbsp olive oil and juice of 1 lime; drizzle over kale and toss to coat.

Make avocado sauce: in a blender or food processor, combine avocados, juice of 2 limes, 2 Tbsp olive oil, jalapeño, cilantro, coriander (if using), and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Assemble salad: add cooled quinoa to the kale and toss to combine. Divide between four bowls. Top with sweet potatoes, black beans, a dollop of avocado sauce, crumbled feta (if using), and pepitas.

Serve immediately, or refrigerate components separately for make‑ahead meals.

  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main course