introduction
This Harvest Salad With Maple Dressing pairs warm sweet potato and kielbasa with crisp apple and fresh spinach. It is quick to make and full of fall flavor. For another warm salad idea, try a Christmas salad with honey mustard dressing from this recipe.
why make this recipe
This salad is easy and filling. It mixes cooked and fresh ingredients for a nice contrast. It works for a weeknight dinner or a simple lunch.
how to make Harvest Salad With Maple Dressing
You cook the potatoes and onions, brown the kielbasa, then mix everything with apples, bacon, and spinach. Whisk a quick maple dressing to finish.
Ingredients :
- 1 large sweet potato
- 1/2 cup coarsely sliced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup sliced turkey kielbasa sausage
- 1/2 large Honeycrisp apple
- 2 tablespoons crumbled bacon
- fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 cup light sour cream
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon water
- pinch of cinnamon
- salt to taste
Directions :
- Heat oil in a large skillet.
- Add potatoes and onions and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from pan and set aside.
- Add kielbasa to pan and sauté until browned.
- Add sweet potatoes and onions back into the pan with a little butter (optional) and sauté everything over medium-low heat for another 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add raw apples and bacon to the skillet and stir to mix.
- Tear the spinach into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, toss the spinach with everything in the skillet.
- Whisk all ingredients for the dressing (sour cream through cinnamon).
- Serve dressing over each individual salad.
how to serve Harvest Salad With Maple Dressing
Serve the salad warm so the sweet potato and kielbasa are cozy with the cold spinach. Put dressing on top just before eating.
how to store Harvest Salad With Maple Dressing
Store leftovers in two parts. Keep the cooked mix in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the spinach and dressing separate if possible.
tips to make Harvest Salad With Maple Dressing
– Cut the sweet potato into even pieces so it cooks fast.
– Use a nonstick pan to avoid sticking.
– Taste the dressing and add a little salt if needed.
variation (if any)
You can swap turkey kielbasa for chicken or smoked tofu. Use pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this vegetarian? A: Yes. Use smoked tofu or a plant-based sausage instead of kielbasa and skip the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon.
Q: Can I roast the sweet potato instead of sautéing? A: Yes. Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until tender, then add to the skillet.
Q: How do I make the dressing thinner? A: Add a little more water or a splash of milk and whisk until you reach the texture you like.
Conclusion
For a similar fall salad idea with a maple vinaigrette, see Autumn Harvest Salad with Maple Vinaigrette.