Sweet and Savory Sweet Potato & Kale Salad

I know that I said Friday's would be recipe day but I just cannot wait until tomorrow to share with you this delicious Sweet and Savory Sweet Potato Kale Salad! (talk about a mouth full!) What I love about this salad is that it is so easy to make, yet it is the least bit boring! The tastes are sensational and will send your taste buds into a frenzy!

THE SWEET AND SAVORY SWEET POTATO & KALE SALAD.

The (sweet) sweet potato, lemony kale, earthy walnuts, and slightly salty element make this dish a perfect transition from the cool fall months into the winter season. The salad offers a balance of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats, and can be eaten for lunch or dinner!  Salads do not have to be boring so give this one a try! And feel free to improvise as you go. (ex. sub in pumpkin seeds for walnuts).

What you will need:

• 2 heavy handfuls of organic Kale
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 freshly squeezed lemon
• 1 tsp. of Celtic sea salt
• 1 medium sized sweet potato
• 1/4 cup walnuts

Directions:

1. Roast sweet potato at 400 degrees F for 40 minutes or until tender
2. In a large bowl, combine the kale and olive oil
3. Using a massaging action with your hands, start to massage the kale and olive oil for 2-5 minutes or until the leaves are softened and the leaves turn a more vibrant green. (Massaging is basically a process of breaking down the kale to make it more easy to digest since it has a particularly rough texture)
4. Toss in lemon juice and sea salt
5. Transfer kale onto a serving plate and top with walnuts and sweet potato slices or cubes( or whatever shapes make you happy!)
6. Bon appétit!

Tips:

• I like to bake my sweet potato ahead of time so that when it is dinner time I am already to go!
• For a higher carbohydrate option, add in another sweet potato
• For a higher protein option (even though kale and walnuts provide adequate protein), add in another protein of your choice
• See my previous post for more about the nutritional benefits of kale and why it is AMAZING!
• For Diabetics, sweet potatoes are a great alternative to white potatoes. White potatoes have a high glycemic index, which means that their carbohydrates are quickly turned into sugar, which elevates your blood sugar levels after your meal. The glycemic index of sweet potatoes is a lot lower, which is better for diabetes control, according to a 2002 article in "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition".

What is your favorite dish for fall and early winter? Share below I'd love to hear!