Roasted Sweet Potato and Zucchini Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

This Roasted Sweet Potato and Zucchini Salad is a delightful combination of roasted vegetables, crispy bacon, and a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing. The addition of dried cranberries and sliced almonds provides a wonderful contrast in textures and flavors, making this salad a unique and tasty side dish or light meal.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut in half
  • 2 zucchini, ends trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 2 yellow squash, ends trimmed and cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 8 brussels sprouts, ends trimmed
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons sliced almonds

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Place the sweet potato halves, zucchini pieces, yellow squash pieces, and brussels sprouts on a baking sheet. Lightly splash with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Roast the Vegetables: Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. Cook the Bacon: While the vegetables are roasting, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Take out from the pan and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
  5. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, and dried sage until well combined.
  6. Assemble the Salad: Once the vegetables are done roasting, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Cut the sweet potato halves into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the roasted vegetables, crispy bacon, dried cranberries, and sliced almonds.
  7. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
  8. Serve: Serve the salad warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Conclusion

This Roasted Sweet Potato and Zucchini Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is a delicious and unique twist on a traditional vegetable salad. The roasted vegetables, combined with crispy bacon and a sweet and tangy dressing, make for a satisfying and flavorful dish. Perfect for any occasion, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the harmony of roasted flavors and the delightful crunch of almonds and cranberries in every bite!