Colorful Baby Spinach Salad with Chickpeas and Roasted Sweet Potatoes: A Healthy and Nourishing Meal
Are you looking for a healthy and delicious salad recipe that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body? If yes, then try out this Fresh Baby Spinach Salad with chickpeas, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and roasted sweet potatoes seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and basil. This salad is perfect for a quick and light lunch or a side dish for dinner.
Why This Salad is Good for You:
This healthy spinach salad is packed with nutrients that can help you maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The baby spinach leaves are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals like iron and calcium. Chickpeas provide a good source of protein and fiber, which can help you stay fuller for longer. The cranberries and pumpkin seeds add a pop of color and a boost of antioxidants, while the roasted sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
How to Prepare This Salad:
Preparing this salad is a breeze and can be done in just a few simple steps. Start by roasting the sweet potato cubes with olive oil and a mix of herbs until tender and lightly browned. In a large bowl, mix the baby spinach, chickpeas, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds. Once the sweet potatoes are ready, add them to the bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss everything gently to combine. And voila, your healthy and colorful Baby Spinach Salad with Chickpeas and Roasted Sweet Potatoes is ready to be enjoyed.
Healthy Lunch Ideas for a Balanced Lifestyle:
Eating healthy and nourishing meals doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. This salad is just one example of how easy it is to prepare healthy meals under 30 minutes. Here are some other healthy lunch ideas that you can try to maintain a balanced lifestyle:
Grilled chicken and vegetable skewers
Quinoa and vegetable stir-fry
Avocado and tomato sandwich on whole-grain bread
Lentil soup with whole-grain crackers
Colorful Baby Spinach Salad with Chickpeas and Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
5 oz. baby spinach
1 cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
1 medium-sized sweet potato, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried rosemary
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the sweet potato cubes with 1 tbsp olive oil, dried rosemary, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Spread the sweet potato cubes on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
Mix the baby spinach, chickpeas, dried cranberries, and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl.
Add the roasted sweet potato cubes to the bowl and drizzle with the remaining olive oil.
Toss the salad gently to combine all the ingredients.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to prepare:
To make this Fresh Baby Spinach Salad with chickpeas, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and roasted sweet potatoes, start by preparing the sweet potato cubes. Toss them with olive oil, dried herbs, salt, and pepper and roast them in the oven until tender and lightly browned. In the meantime, mix the baby spinach, chickpeas, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds in a large bowl. Once the sweet potatoes are ready, add them to the bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss everything gently to combine.
Preparation time:
The preparation time for this Fresh Baby Spinach Salad with chickpeas, cranberries, pumpkin seeds, olive oil, and roasted sweet potatoes is around 30 minutes.
Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
FAQs:
Q: Can I substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes?
A: Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes with regular potatoes, but the flavor will be different.
Q: Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs?
A: Yes, you can use fresh herbs, but you will need to adjust the quantities as fresh herbs are more potent than dried herbs.
Q: How long can I store this salad in the refrigerator?
A: You can store this salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Eating healthy and fresh meals is important to maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. This Colorful Baby Spinach Salad with Chickpeas and Roasted Sweet Potatoes is a great option for those who are looking for a quick and easy meal that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. It's packed with nutrients, flavor, and color and can easily adapt to your taste preferences. We hope you enjoy this recipe and find it helpful in your wellness journey.
Photography Credit: Alesia Kozik
The article was first published March 2023 and updated by our editors June 2023
