If you’re like us, you’re always looking for a way to bring some freshness to the traditionally rich and hearty comfort meals that come with the holidays! Picture this: a winter salad that's not just a side dish, but a star on your holiday table. Imagine roasted sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, and a maple vinaigrette. This winter salad is sweet, salty, tangy and the perfect way to get your greens!
Alternatively, make it a beautiful, simple, healthy meal by adding your protein of choice (leftover turkey or prime rib perhaps?). This salad pairs beautifully with a glass of Grand Klasse Syrah or chilled Skål Sparkling Rosé.
Ready to give it a try? Let us know what you think!
Winter Salad with Roasted Sweet Potato, Bacon, and Maple Vinaigrette
Recipe by Tanya Miller
Serves: 4-6
Suggested wine pairing: 2021 Syrah Grand Klasse Reserve, 2021 Skål Sparkling Rosé
INGREDIENTS:
For salad:
~ half a bag of mixed greens
~ half bag of arugula
~½ c pecorino grated + more for garnish
½ c roasted pecans chopped - we used Trader Joe’s Sweet & Spicy
12 oz pkg of bacon
½ c purple cabbage, shaved or thinly sliced
4 green onions, thinly sliced
~½ c pomegranate arils
For sweet potatoes:
1 med-large sweet potato, peeled and chopped into and ½ inch cube
1 tsp garlic salt
¾ tsp Montreal seasoning
1 tsp Aleppo pepper or dash of cayenne
1 tsp dried thyme
½-1 tsp rubbed sage
1 ½ Tbsp olive oil
For dressing:
3-4 Tbsp maple syrup
2-3 Tbsp balsamic - depending on the sweetness of your vinegar
3 tsp whole grain mustard (or to taste)
1-2 Tbsp of pecorino, grated
¾ tsp salt
Pepper to taste
¼ c extra virgin olive oil
Flaky salt to finish
INSTRUCTIONS:
For sweet potatoes & bacon: Preheat oven to 400°. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Pile the cubed potatoes in the center of the pan and toss with olive oil. Cut bacon into 4 pieces per slice. Sprinkle salts and spices over potatoes, toss thoroughly to coat. For maximum flavor, add bacon pieces and toss together. Spread out evenly and roast for approx 25-30 min, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on the bacon after the halfway mark.
While the bacon and potatoes roast, make the dressing: combine all dressing ingredients except olive oil, whisk thoroughly. Drizzle olive oil in slowly while continuing to whisk.
Prep salad ingredients: cheese, cabbage and green onions, pomegranate arils, and pecans. This can all be done ahead of time for easy, last minute assembly!
Let the potatoes cool slightly (they can also be served at room temp). In a large bowl or on a platter, add all the ingredients except the bacon and flaky salt and toss together with the vinaigrette, tasting as you go. You will likely not need all the vinaigrette. Then add the bacon, flaky salt, pepper and extra pecorino (if desired), and toss.
Serve immediately with 2021 Syrah Grand Klasse Reserve, 2021 Skål Sparkling Rosé and enjoy!
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