• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Bojon Gourmet logo

  • Recipes
  • About
    • In the Press
    • Learn with Me
    • Work With Me
    • Portfolio
  • Cookbook
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Cookbook
  • In the Press
  • Learn with Me
  • Work With Me
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home / fall

    Quinoa, Kale and Sweet Potato Salad

    Published Jan 6, 2012

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    overhead shot of sweet potato salad

    When I was quite young, my grandmother took me out to lunch at an LA diner. As she ordered, the waitress asked if she would like a "super salad" with her entree. I imagined a giant salad, sporting a cape and tights, flying to our table in order to rescue a drowning steak or abused mashed potato.

    grains in a jar

    But I never got to meet this salad, because my grandma replied, "I'll have the soup."

    chopped sweet potato in a bowl

    If there were an election for a super salad (and wouldn't that be much more fun than the actual upcoming election?) I would nominate this guy. He's full of good-for-you ingredients: iron-rich kale, protein-packed quinoa, creamy roasted sweet potatoes, sweet-tart dried cranberries, omega-full nuts, extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice. He's gluten-free and vegan. He is equally delicious warm, chilled, or at room temperature. He may not be well-traveled, but he does travel well – to work, a picnic, a potluck.

    sweet potato on a baking tray

    I find the clean, straightforward flavors of this salad a welcome relief after the spicyboozybuttery holidaze; we've had it three times in the past couple of weeks. Toasty cumin and crunchy pecans contrast tart lemon juice, creamy sweet potatoes, and chewy dried cranberries. Multi-colored quinoa ends up a mix of tender white grains and red and black flecks that pop in your mouth. A brief soak and thorough rinse rid the quinoa of any bitterness, leaving feather-light grains with nutty-sweet flavor.

    sweet potato and kale in a bowl

    Not only is this salad superb for you, it tastes super good, too.

    salad mixed in a bowl

    Happy 2012.

    kale salad in a bowl

    More Salad Recipes:

    • Creamy Sesame Soba Noodle Salad
    • Winter Citrus Salad with Walnuts, Dates & Rose
    • Green Goddess Potato Salad
    • Roasted Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad with Chile and Lime

    *Bojon appétit! For more Bojon Gourmet in your life, follow along on Instagram,  Facebook, or Pinterest, purchase my gluten-free cookbook Alternative Baker, or subscribe to receive new posts via email. And if you make this quinoa, kale and sweet potato salad recipe, I’d love to know. Leave a comment and rating below, and tag your Instagram snaps @The_Bojon_Gourmet  and  #bojongourmet.*

    5 from 2 votes

    Quinoa, Kale and Sweet Potato Salad

    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    A delicious, hearty and healthy salad packed full of flavor.
    Alanna Taylor-Tobin
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes
    Total: 55 minutes
    Servings: 6 meal-sized servings.

    Ingredients

    • 2 medium-large sweet potatoes (1 1/2 pounds, jewel), scrubbed, cut into 1" chunks
    • 5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided use
    • sea salt
    • 1 cup quinoa (preferably multi-colored)
    • 1 large bunch kale (preferably black/dino kale)
    • 1 tablespoon cumin seed
    • juice of 1 lemon (or more, to taste)
    • freshly ground black pepper
    • 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
    • 2/3 cup dried cranberries
    • 2/3 cup toasted pecans, broken up or coarsely chopped

    Instructions

    • Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400º.
    • Toss the sweet potatoes in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Spread evenly on a sheet pan and roast until soft and golden, about 40 minutes, flipping the potatoes once halfway through cooking. Remove and let cool slightly (or completely).
    • Meanwhile, place the quinoa in a fine mesh sieve set over a bowl or large measuring cup. Fill the bowl with water to cover the quinoa and soak for 5-10 minutes. Remove from the soaking water and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Drain well. Place the soaked, rinsed and drained quinoa in a medium saucepan and add 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Bring the quinoa to a simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the quinoa steam until the water is gone and the white quinoa is tender (the red and black quinoa will retain more crunch). Remove from the heat, leave the lid on and let steam 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
    • Meanwhile, remove the ribs from the kale with a sharp paring knife. Stack 3 or 4 leaves on top of one another, roll them up the long way, and slice crosswise very thinly. Repeat with the remaining kale leaves. Place the leaves in a colander and set in the sink. Bring a large tea kettle of water to a boil, and pour the boiling water all over the kale to wilt it. Rinse the kale with cool water to stop the cooking. Squeeze dry and place in a very large bowl.
    • Toast the cumin seed in a small skillet over a medium flame, shaking frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Let cool, then grind in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
    • Add the sweet potato cubes and quinoa to the kale, then add the cranberries, toasted and ground cumin, remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and juice of 1 lemon and gently toss to combine. Add the pecans and parsley just before serving.
    • The salad can be eaten warm, at room temperature, or chilled for a day or two. When chilled, the flavors get muted, so you may want to add an extra squeeze of lemon juice and a bit of salt and/or pepper to bring up the flavors.

    Notes

    I love the way multi-colored quinoa ends up mostly tender, with flecks of red and black grains that retain a bit of crunch when cooked. And it looks pretty, too. If you can't find any, use any color quinoa you like (red and black quinoa may need extra water and cooking time to soften).
    This salad is equally good warm, room temperature, or chilled. It keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge, though I find the flavors to be brightest when the salad is warm and freshly made.
    Fromage-philes will enjoy a bit of goat cheese crumbled over the warm version, or feta when it's chilled.
    Nutritional values are based on one of six servings.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 382kcalCarbohydrates: 43gProtein: 7gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 45mgPotassium: 529mgFiber: 5gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 9080IUVitamin C: 41.6mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 3.3mg
    Making this? I'd love to see!Tag your snaps @The_Bojon_Gourmet and #bojongourmet!

    Quinoa, Kale and Sweet Potato Salad

    I love the way multi-colored quinoa ends up mostly tender, with flecks of red and black grains that retain a bit of crunch when cooked. And it looks pretty, too. If you can't find any, use any color quinoa you like (red and black quinoa may need extra water and cooking time to soften). This salad is equally good warm, room temperature, or chilled. It keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge, though I find the flavors to be brightest when the salad is warm and freshly made. Fromage-philes will enjoy a bit of goat cheese crumbled over the warm version, or feta when it's chilled.

    Makes about 6 meal-sized servings

    2 medium-large sweet potatoes (1 1/2 pounds, jewel), scrubbed, cut into 1" chunks
    5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided use
    sea salt
    1 cup quinoa (preferably multi-colored)
    1 large bunch kale (preferably black/dino kale)
    1 tablespoon cumin seed
    juice of 1 lemon (or more, to taste)
    freshly ground black pepper
    1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped
    2/3 cup dried cranberries
    2/3 cup toasted pecans, broken up or coarsely chopped

    Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400º.

    Toss the sweet potatoes in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Spread evenly on a sheet pan and roast until soft and golden, about 40 minutes, flipping the potatoes once halfway through cooking. Remove and let cool slightly (or completely).

    Meanwhile, place the quinoa in a fine mesh sieve set over a bowl or large measuring cup. Fill the bowl with water to cover the quinoa and soak for 5-10 minutes. Remove from the soaking water and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Drain well. Place the soaked, rinsed and drained quinoa in a medium saucepan and add 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt. Bring the quinoa to a simmer, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let the quinoa steam until the water is gone and the white quinoa is tender (the red and black quinoa will retain more crunch). Remove from the heat, leave the lid on and let steam 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork.

    Meanwhile, remove the ribs from the kale with a sharp paring knife. Stack 3 or 4 leaves on top of one another, roll them up the long way, and slice crosswise very thinly. Repeat with the remaining kale leaves. Place the leaves in a colander and set in the sink. Bring a large tea kettle of water to a boil, and pour the boiling water all over the kale to wilt it. Rinse the kale with cool water to stop the cooking. Squeeze dry and place in a very large bowl.

    Toast the cumin seed in a small skillet over a medium flame, shaking frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Let cool, then grind in a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.

    Add the sweet potato cubes and quinoa to the kale, then add the cranberries, toasted and ground cumin, remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and juice of 1 lemon and gently toss to combine. Add the pecans and parsley just before serving.

    The salad can be eaten warm, at room temperature, or chilled for a day or two. When chilled, the flavors get muted, so you may want to add an extra squeeze of lemon juice and a bit of salt and/or pepper to bring up the flavors.

    top down shot of sweet potato salad

    You might also like...

    « Double-Malted Hot Chocolate
    Persimmon Galettes »

    Get new recipes by email

    Please wait...

    Thanks for subscribing!

    the cover of the award-winning cookbook, Alternative Baker

    Hungry for more?

    Alternative Baker celebrates the unique tastes and textures of 14 gluten-free flours, from buckwheat flour to almond flour to sorghum and coconut! This cookbook will fill your kitchen with sweet treats that burst with flavor every month of the year.

    Learn more and find out where to buy →

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Dania Patricia Maxwell says

      March 20, 2012 at 8:15 pm

      I made this for a potluck and it was DELICIOUS! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        March 22, 2012 at 7:43 am

        You're welcome! So glad you liked it.

        Reply
    2. Barb says

      June 07, 2012 at 2:26 am

      Hello! Just found your blog through my sister (who highly recommended this recipe). I, too, made it for a potluck and there was not one lick left! I'm making it again right this second. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        June 07, 2012 at 4:17 am

        Right on - thanks for commenting! Who's your sister?

        Reply
    3. mojomomx2 says

      August 31, 2012 at 4:57 am

      I brought this to a book club meeting tonight. My husband is the cook in the house so everyone was surprised I actually made this. I had fun putting it together everyone loved it! I will definitely be making this again. I'm not even sure how I found your site but you are saved in my favorites. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        August 31, 2012 at 5:21 am

        Thank you for the kind words! I'm so glad that everyone enjoyed the salad, and I'm particularly happy that you enjoyed making it. : )

        Reply
    4. Anonymous says

      February 07, 2013 at 5:15 am

      I made this last week and my mom and I loved it! I've been telling my friends and they want to make it too ;)

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        February 07, 2013 at 6:46 am

        So glad to hear it! :)

        Reply
    5. Anonymous says

      February 19, 2013 at 1:10 am

      Just made and served to a dinner party of vegetarians. We all loved it. Worth the effort!

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        February 19, 2013 at 6:47 am

        Right on! So glad you guys liked it. Thanks so much for commenting. :)

        Reply
    6. Kimberly Sciabica says

      March 20, 2013 at 7:44 pm

      This is wonderful! I have made it 3 times already and am about to make it again. It is destined to become a staple in our house, as my hubby has many food intolerances but can eat every ingredient in this dish. Thank you so much for the detailed instructions which ensure success in the textures of this dish. It is really flavorful warm, but also tastes great cold from the fridge the next day. I'm so glad I found your site; I am looking forward to trying more vegetarian recipes soon!

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        March 20, 2013 at 10:33 pm

        Kimberly - I'm so glad you and your husband like the salad! Thank you for the kind words, and please keep us posted on the recipes you try!

        Reply
    7. Anonymous says

      March 26, 2013 at 6:14 am

      Hi, what can I use instead of Kale?

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        March 26, 2013 at 5:16 pm

        This recipe's pretty loose, so you can really use whatever you like.

        Reply
      • Anonymous says

        May 11, 2013 at 9:25 am

        I just made this with English baby spinach which I wilted the same way as kale.

        Reply
    8. Joyce says

      May 28, 2013 at 5:08 pm

      Hi Alanna! I love your blog :). And I really want to try this recipe, but here's the thing: I hate cumin. I know, I'm very weird. Any suggestion for a still-interesting spice replacement?

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        May 29, 2013 at 6:47 am

        Thanks, Joyce!! You can totally make this without the cumin, I don't even think you'd need to add anything. Though you could try sprinkling a little za'atar (http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/zaatar-recipe.html) or harissa dressing (https://bojongourmet.com/2013/04/spring-tabbouleh-with-harissa-and.html) over the top. You could try adding a fresh herb - a touch of sage might give it that deep, musky note that the cumin has, otherwise cilantro or mint or both - or try a bit of ground cinnamon, ginger, turmeric and/or coriander. I'd recommend making the salad as is, sans cumin, then seeing if you think it needs anything more. :)

        Reply
    9. Susan says

      June 09, 2013 at 3:50 pm

      Holy smokes. This was delicious. Made for a dinner party at a friends last night and it was a hit. The only thing I did different was add a touch of red pepper flakes for a little extra kick. Thank for a recipe I'll be using again!!!

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        June 09, 2013 at 5:05 pm

        I'm so glad you guys liked it! Chile flakes sound like a delicious addition. :)

        Reply
    10. Ivy Thaxton says

      June 16, 2013 at 12:23 am

      I love this recipe. I've made it twice and my family loves it. I am a person who doesn't like cumin as well so when preparing the quinoa i put a tablespoon of "glory vegetable broth" while simmering. This is my new favorite salad:)

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        June 16, 2013 at 1:44 am

        Hi Ivy, I'm so glad you like the salad! Vegetable broth/bouillon sounds like a brilliant substitution for the cumin to add some savory flavor. Thanks so much for sharing your variation!

        Reply
    11. Chris @ Shared Appetite says

      January 06, 2014 at 7:08 pm

      This looks so delicious! Trying it this week. Thanks for the kale inspiration :)

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        January 06, 2014 at 7:22 pm

        Thanks, Chris! Let me know how you like it. :)

        Reply
    12. Lauren says

      May 02, 2014 at 6:31 am

      This salad is an amazing combination and so flavorful! I've made this many times for company and everyone always wants the recipe. Grinding my own spices is new to me but you've made me a believer! Thank you for the delicious recipe!

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        May 02, 2014 at 4:38 pm

        Hi Lauren- thanks for the note! I'm so glad you like the salad, and have taken to grinding your own spices. That's fantastic! This dish is a favorite of mine, as well. :)

        Reply
    13. Maikki says

      August 20, 2014 at 1:26 pm

      Hi! I mentioned this post as an inspirational source for my "Sweet potato salad with millet, roasted grapes and dukkah" (http://maikinmokomin.blogspot.fi/2014/08/egyptin-makuja-bataattihirssi-salaatti.html). Thanks for such an inspiring blog and awesome recipes! :)

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        August 21, 2014 at 4:30 am

        Omg that sounds and looks amazing! Thank you so much for the shout out - I'm so glad you're enjoying this space. :)

        Reply
    14. Fern Kahdemann says

      September 12, 2014 at 8:50 pm

      You are an AWESOME person for posting this recipe, it Rocks!!!!! Thank you so much for posting this. I have no food allergies but I Love good food and this tops it. Thanks again.

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        September 12, 2014 at 11:13 pm

        Oh thank you so much for the kind words!! I'm so glad you gave this recipe a go and like it!

        Reply
    15. Connie Hall says

      October 07, 2015 at 6:27 pm

      The best kale recipe so far! I saw it on Pinterest and had a sweet potato so why not try it. I am so glad I did. Thank you so much for sharing.

      Reply
    16. Karimeh says

      February 15, 2016 at 1:57 pm

      This is delicious! This is great post-excessive eating recovery food.

      Reply
    17. Arceli P. Meja says

      January 21, 2018 at 9:25 pm

      Hello.....
      Its was so delicious perfect salad for all occasion....
      Thanks a lot for sharing your recipe....

      Plz can i have more new recipe .....
      More power.....Goodluck....

      Cely

      Reply
    18. Arceli P. Meja says

      January 21, 2018 at 9:26 pm

      Thanks a lot.....

      Reply
    19. chris says

      March 15, 2019 at 11:28 pm

      is this recipe featured in any cooking books?

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        March 15, 2019 at 11:31 pm

        Not that I know of - why do you ask?

        Reply
        • chris says

          March 17, 2019 at 11:18 am

          this recipe is great! many times if the recipe makes it into a cook book there are other recipes in the book that are similar or just as good. i will definitely be checking out the rest of the site too. thanks!

          Reply
          • Alanna says

            March 18, 2019 at 3:02 pm

            Ah true! I do have a cookbook but it's all baking recipes. :)

            Reply
    20. Jeneen says

      May 06, 2020 at 3:39 am

      This dish is so delicious! You can eat it hot Or cold.

      Reply
      • Alanna says

        May 10, 2020 at 3:18 pm

        I love it both ways too! So glad you're enjoying it. :)

        Reply

    Leave a comment and rating Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Rate this recipe after you've made it:




    Primary Sidebar

    Welcome

    Alanna Taylor-Tobin smiling and holding her cookbook, Alternative Baker

    I'm Alanna, a recovering pastry chef-turned food photographer, stylist, videographer, and award-winning cookbook author. The Bojon Gourmet is a celebration of the sweet, savory, and occasionally boozy recipes that I create in my San Francisco kitchen. About →

    Get new recipes by email

    Please wait...

    Thanks for subscribing!

    the front cover of Alternative Baker, a cookbook by Alanna Taylor-Tobin, winner of the IACP Cookbook Awards

    My cookbook, Alternative Baker, contains 100+ recipes featuring corn, oat, chestnut, almond, buckwheat, sorghum, and other gluten-free flours. Find out where to get your copy! →

    Fresh from the blog

    Asparagus Crustless Quiche (gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free & paleo options)

    Gluten-Free Madeleines

    Gluten-Free Scones

    Coconut Flour Cake (Paleo)

    Footer

    Instagram

    Cherry recipe du jour because #cherryseason: roast Cherry recipe du jour because #cherryseason: roasted cherry ice cream sandwiches with GF double chocolate buckwheat cookies 😋

Here fresh cherries are roasted in sugar and bourbon, pitted and chopped, and mixed with more bourbon. This process releases water and condenses flavor, making a chunky compote that stays soft when frozen into a vanilla ice cream base. 

When sandwiched between these super-chocolatey cookies, the effect is downright addictive. And just the thing for the warm weather we’re currently having in California!☀️

Bojon appétit! 

https://bojongourmet.com/roasted-cherry-ice-cream-sandwiches-with-salted-double-chocolate-buckwheat-cookies-gluten-free/

#chocolatelovers #icecream #icecreamsandwich
    Serving up some cherry ins-PIE-ration 🍒 this hu Serving up some cherry ins-PIE-ration 🍒 this hump day. 

This GF cherry pie combines my fave flaky GF pie crust with fresh sweet cherries kissed with GF whiskey and spices. Sublime served warm with a scoop of ice cream on top! 

https://bojongourmet.com/spiced-bourbon-cherry-pie-gluten-free/

#cherrypie #glutenfreepie #cherryseason🍒 #gfbaking
    Next up for 🍒 week: gluten-free cherry clafouti Next up for 🍒 week: gluten-free cherry clafoutis! 

This French baked custard studded with juicy cherries infused with brandy or whiskey sits somewhere between a dutch baby and a pudding cake. Fresh cherries meet vanilla scented almond flour batter in this easy peasy summer dessert. Bliss!

For dairy-free, replace the milk and cream with full-fat coconut milk and use vegan butter. 

Bojon appétit! 🍒

#clafoutis #cherryseason #f52farmstand #howisummer #glutenfreebaking 

https://bojongourmet.com/gluten-free-cherry-clafoutis/
    It’s cherry season in California so I’m sharin It’s cherry season in California so I’m sharing a few favorite ways to use them from TBG this week. 🍒

Up first: tart cherry Eton mess with poppyseed almond meringues

These lightly caramelized meringues have a delightful crunch against tangy whipped yogurt and tart cherry compote. Pretty much my dream dessert right here! 

Use sweet cherries if sour cherries aren’t available. Use rich coconut yogurt instead of dairy to make this DF. 

#cherryseason🍒 #glutenfreedessert #f52farmstand #sourcherries 

https://bojongourmet.com/tart-cherry-eton-mess-poppy-seed-almond-meringues/
    Sharing the recipe for these GF almond flour madel Sharing the recipe for these GF almond flour madeleines today in honor of my mom Madeline! 
*sponsored

These look fancy, but they're actually super simple to make with vanilla-flecked brown butter and a trio of @bobsredmill GF flours that work together to create a dreamy texture. Warm from the oven, these are crispy on the outside with tender middles bursting with butterscotch notes. 

Whip up a batch in under an hour to feel like you just stepped into a posh Parisian patisserie.

Recipe linked @the_bojon_gourmet 
https://bojongourmet.com/gluten-free-madeleines-almond-flour/

#glutenfreebaking #almondflour #almondflourrecipes #bakedwithbobs #bakedwithlove
    Sharing this green goddess potato salad in honor o Sharing this green goddess potato salad in honor of #earthday (which is literally every day because this is where most of us spend every second of our lives!) 

At the start of the pandemic, Jay and I started going hiking and forest bathing every week. We always pack lots of snacks and take plenty of time to immerse ourselves in our surroundings. We often spend hours sitting on a blanket, watching the birds and lizards, the way the light plays off of the water, listening to the sound of the breeze and birdsong. I guess it’s actually closer to extreme picnicking than hiking! 

This herbaceous potato salad is one of our favorite lunches to pack. It has protein from jammy boiled eggs, crunchy veggies, creamy potatoes, and a kicky dressing. 

Throw some in a to-go container packed in a cooler and you’ll have a nourishing meal anywhere you like. 

Enjoy this beautiful planet! 🌏🌲🍃

Recipe linked @the_bojon_gourmet 

https://bojongourmet.com/green-goddess-potato-salad-updated/

#greengoddess #picnicdate #potatosalad #f52farmstand #vegetarianrecipes

    Navigation

    • Recipe Finder
    • Cookbook
    • About
    • In the Press

    Get new posts in your inbox

    Please wait...

    Thanks for signing up!

    This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use. To find out more, see our Privacy Policy.

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    More Bojon

    • Learn with Me
    • Work With Me
    • Portfolio

    Copyright © 2022 The Bojon Gourmet | Site by Jaime Asatsuyu Hammack