Healthy Recipes Healthy Lifestyle Diets Anti-Inflammatory Anti-Inflammatory Sweet Potato Salad 5.0 (8) 7 Reviews This sweet potato salad is packed with anti-inflammatory foods like cherries, kale, avocado and, of course, sweet potatoes, which are packed with antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals to help keep inflammation at bay. Don’t skip the step of massaging the dressing into the kale! It helps soften it and also helps the greens absorb more of the flavor from the sweet-tart dressing. By Julia Levy Julia Levy Julia Levy has been working in recipe publishing for almost a decade, but testing recipes for as long as she's been able to wield a spoon. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Published on May 17, 2024 Tested by Craig Ruff Tested by Craig Ruff Craig Ruff was first exposed to professional food service while working for an event center at the business school he was attending. There, he was responsible for maintaining the kitchen for caterers. He has been a lifelong cook, and followed his passion through culinary school and to working in restaurants. Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Save Rate PRINT Share Close Photo: Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Active Time: 30 mins Total Time: 40 mins Servings: 4 Nutrition Profile: Gut Healthy Anti-Inflammatory Nut-Free Soy-Free High-Fiber Vegetarian Egg-Free Gluten-Free Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients Roasted Sweet Potatoes 2 pounds sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1/3-inch-thick half-moons (about 6 cups) 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/8 teaspoon salt Dressing 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons cider vinegar 1 tablespoon tahini 2 teaspoons orange marmalade 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon salt Salad 8 cups packed stemmed and torn curly kale 1/2 cup lightly packed torn fresh mint leaves 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved 1 medium avocado, sliced 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese or creamy goat cheese 1/4 cup unsalted roasted pepitas Directions To prepare sweet potatoes: Place a large rimmed baking sheet in a cold oven; preheat to 425°F. Toss potatoes, 2 tablespoons oil, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a large bowl until evenly coated. Spread in an even layer on the preheated baking sheet. Roast, stirring once, until browned and tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool to room temperature on the pan, about 10 minutes. Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Meanwhile, prepare dressing: Whisk oil, vinegar, tahini, marmalade, mustard and salt together in a small bowl until combined. (Alternatively, combine in a jar and shake well.) Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling To prepare salad: Combine kale and mint in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons dressing; massage the leaves until they are softened, about 2 minutes. Add the roasted sweet potatoes, cherries and the remaining dressing; toss to combine. Divide among 4 plates; top with avocado, feta (or goat cheese) and pepitas. Photographer: Stacy k. Allen, Props: Christina Brockman, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling Nutrition Information Serving Size: 3 1/2 cupsCalories 496, Fat 30g, Saturated Fat 5g, Cholesterol 6mg, Carbohydrates 50g, Total Sugars 15g, Added Sugars 2g, Protein 10g, Fiber 10g, Sodium 423mg, Potassium 1,079mg Frequently Asked Questions Are sweet potatoes good for you? Despite their name, sweet potatoes are in a different plant family than regular potatoes. They offer a wealth of nutrients, including carbohydrates, a little bit of plant protein, fiber, potassium and vitamins C and A. Sweet potatoes have been linked with supporting heart, gut and eye health. What makes this salad anti-inflammatory? All of the plant-based ingredients in this salad offer anti-inflammatory benefits, including the sweet potato, kale, cherries, avocado, mint and pepitas (pumpkin seeds). What should I serve with Sweet Potato Salad? This sweet potato salad would go well with grilled or fried chicken, pork or even grilled tofu. It also goes well with veggie dishes, including Balsamic-Parmesan Sautéed Spinach, Honey-Roasted Beets and Garlic-Butter Green Beans. How do you massage kale? It’s time to get your clean hands a little oily, as you’ll be playing with your food. Coat the kale with dressing, then gently squeeze the leaves. Massaging kale like this will help break down the leaves and allow the dressing to penetrate. It won’t take long, and you’ll know you’re done when the leaves are a bit darker, softer and smaller. Additional reporting by Carrie Myers, M.S. and Linda Frahm EatingWell.com, May 2024 Rate It Print