| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 246 | 12g | 3g | 30g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 5g | 6g | 0.4g |
As a die-hard fan of comfort food and a true Midwesterner at heart, it brings me immense joy to share one of my personal favourites- the Purple Yam and Spinach Salad. It might seem like an unusual choice amidst a plethora of golden corn casseroles and hearty beef stews, but trust me, this vibrant, nutritious salad packs a punch of taste and texture that is unparalleled.
The Perfect Blend of Midwestern Comfort and Farm-Fresh Goodness
There has always been a certain wholesomeness associated with the heartland’s fresh produce. This salad, abundant with the deep purples of yams, the vibrant greens of spinach, and the bold reds of onions, mirrors the colourful canvas of a farm in the heartland. The addition of crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds lends a creamy-crunchy contrast that’s impossible to resist. This dish, although not a conventional choice for a Midwestern recipe, does reflect the heartland’s ethos of using fresh ingredients to create homey, comforting dishes.
A Dish Packed With Health and Taste
What I particularly admire about this Purple Yam and Spinach Salad recipe is that it doesn’t compromise on nutrition for the sake of taste. Both purple yams and spinach are powerhouse ingredients, brimming with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The sweet, tangy dressing made from oranges, honey, olive oil, and Dijon mustard not only adds to the flavour fest, but also contributes additional health benefits. A versatile dish, it’s perfect as a standalone, light lunch or as a striking side paired with a piece of grilled steak or chicken.
If you enjoy dishes like a classic Beet and Spinach Salad, or a wholesome Roasted Yam and Quinoa Salad, you’ll find the Purple Yam and Spinach Salad equally enticing. Its vibrant colors, contrasting textures, and nutrient-rich ingredients make it a dish worthy of your home kitchen and, perhaps, even your family gatherings. After all, what’s a better way to champion the farm-to-table cause than by sharing a table with those you hold dear, digging into a colourful, wholesome, and downright delicious dish?
What You’ll Need
- 3 small purple yams
- 6 cups of fresh spinach
- 1 red onion
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup of sliced almonds
- 2 oranges
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and dry your purple yams, then prick them all over with a fork. Layout the yams on a baking tray and roast in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes or until they’re tender.
Step Two
While your yams are roasting, you can prepare your spinach. Rinse 6 cups of fresh spinach under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Once the spinach is clean, let it dry and then place it in a large salad bowl.
Step Three
Next, peel and slice the red onion. Once the yams are done, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool. When they’re cool enough to handle, peel the yams and cut them into small, bite-sized pieces. Add the yam pieces and sliced onion to the bowl with the spinach.
Step Four
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, and Dijon mustard until well blended. Squeeze in the juice from the two oranges and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to your preference, then drizzle this dressing over the spinach, yams, and red onions.
Step Five
Add the crumbled feta cheese and sliced almonds to the salad. Toss everything together until the ingredients are well combined and the salad is evenly coated in the dressing. Serve your Purple Yam and Spinach Salad immediately and enjoy.
