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Late Winter Glow Salad: A Nourishing Bowl of Love
Nothing says I love you more than a home-cooked meal filled with vibrant, wholesome ingredients. This Late Winter Glow Salad is the perfect way to show yourself and your loved ones some extra care during these chilly months.
With a balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, this salad brings warmth and nourishment to your table. It features roasted sweet potatoes, shaved Brussels sprouts, juicy Honeycrisp apple, protein-rich chicken, toasted pecans, tart cranberries, and creamy goat cheese, all tossed in a simple yet flavorful balsamic vinaigrette.
Whether you’re making this as a cozy meal for two or meal-prepping for the week, this salad is packed with fiber, antioxidants, healthy fats, and lean protein, everything your body needs to feel its best.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
✔️Gut-Friendly: Brussels sprouts and mixed greens support digestion and a healthy microbiome.
✔️Heart-Healthy: Olive oil, pecans, and hemp seeds provide nourishing fats that support cardiovascular health.
✔️Blood Sugar Balance: Sweet potatoes and apples add natural sweetness without spiking blood sugar, especially when paired with protein and healthy fats.
✔️Perfect for Midlife Wellness: Every ingredient works together to reduce inflammation and support vibrant energy.
How to Make It
This salad comes together with just a few simple steps: roasting the sweet potatoes and chicken, toasting the pecans, mixing up a quick balsamic dressing, and tossing everything together. The result? A delicious, nutrient-packed meal that feels as indulgent as it is healthy.
Late Winter Glow Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed (about 1.5 lbs)
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups Brussels sprouts, shaved or thinly sliced
1 Honeycrisp apple, diced
4 cups mixed greens (such as baby kale, arugula, or spinach)
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
1/2 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
1/2 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened if possible)
1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta (optional)
2 tbsp hemp seeds (for extra protein and healthy fats)
For the Balsamic Dressing:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4’tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Roast the sweet potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized. Let cool slightly.
2. Roast the chicken: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, season chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes. Let rest before shredding or dicing.
3. Toast the pecans: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant. Remove from heat.
4. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together all dressing ingredients until emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine shaved Brussels sprouts, mixed greens, apples, chicken, roasted sweet potatoes, and cranberries. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat.
6. Finish with toppings: Sprinkle toasted pecans, goat cheese (if using), and hemp seeds on top. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
*Pair this salad with a warm cup of herbal tea or bone broth for an extra nourishing meal.
*Serve it as a side dish with a cozy winter soup or roasted salmon.
*Meal prep it ahead of time, just keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
This Late Winter Glow Salad isn’t just a meal, it’s a love letter to your body, filled with everything it needs to thrive. So, whether you’re making it for yourself, your partner, or a friend, let each bite remind you that food is a beautiful way to show love. 💞
Let me know if you try it! I’d love to hear how you liked it!
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