🥗 Roasted Sweet Potato, Feta & Candied Pecan Salad

A Mediterranean-inspired salad that’s sweet, savory, crunchy, and completely satisfying.

This beautiful salad combines caramelized roasted sweet potatoes, creamy feta, crunchy candied pecans, and fresh greens, all tossed in a light olive oil dressing. It’s perfect for lunch, holiday tables, or as a hearty side dish. The Mediterranean touch comes from extra virgin olive oil, fresh herbs, and balanced flavors.

🌿 Why You’ll Love This Salad

✅ Perfect balance of sweet & savory
✅ Great for meal prep
✅ Vegetarian-friendly
✅ Impressive yet beginner-friendly
✅ Packed with nutrients

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)

🥔 For the Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled & cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

🌰 For the Candied Pecans:

1 cup pecan halves
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1½ tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
Pinch of salt

🥗 For the Salad:

4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, or romaine)
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
¼ small red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons dried cranberries (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley or mint, chopped

🍋 Mediterranean Dressing:

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon honey
Salt & pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Spread on baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and caramelized. Let cool slightly.

2️⃣ Make the Candied Pecans

In a small pan over medium heat, add pecans, olive oil (or butter), honey, and salt. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until coated and slightly caramelized. Cool on parchment paper.

3️⃣ Prepare the Dressing

Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.

4️⃣ Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, add greens, roasted sweet potatoes, feta, onion, cranberries, and candied pecans.

5️⃣ Dress & Serve

Drizzle dressing over salad just before serving and toss gently.

🥙 Serving Ideas

Add grilled chicken for a protein boost
Serve alongside roasted salmon
Pair with lentil soup
Enjoy as a holiday side dish

🌱 Nutritional Benefits

Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber and vitamin A
Pecans provide healthy fats and antioxidants
Feta adds calcium and protein
Olive oil supports heart health

❓ Q & A

❓ Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Replace feta with vegan feta and use maple syrup instead of honey.

❓ Can I prepare it ahead of time?

Yes. Roast potatoes and make pecans in advance. Assemble just before serving.

❓ How long does it last?

Store undressed salad in fridge up to 3 days.

❓ Can I use another nut?

Yes! Walnuts or almonds work well.

❓ Is this good for weight loss?

It’s nutrient-dense and filling. Control portion sizes due to nuts and feta.

❓ Can I add grains?

Absolutely! Quinoa or farro make it even heartier.