Sweet potatoes and pears are great together! And tossed with walnuts, arugula, optional blue cheese, and a simple vinaigrette, they become a salad that’s full-flavored, lightly crunchy, and a little sweet. Try it as a side dish for chicken or chops, or as a meatless entree on a bed of grains or beans.
Serves 6 to 8
1 1/4 Pounds orange- or yellow/white-fleshed sweetpotatoes, or a combination, cut into 3/4-inch dice |
5 Tablespoons olive oil, divided |
3/4 Teaspoon salt, divided, or more to taste |
3/4 Teaspoon pepper, divided, or more to taste |
3 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar |
1 1/2 Teaspoons honey |
1 Teaspoon Dijon-style mustard |
2 pears, cored and cut into 3/4-inch dice |
4 scallions, sliced |
1/2 Cup chopped walnuts, toasted |
1/2 Cup crumbled blue cheese (optional) |
2 Cups arugula leaves (about 1 ounce) |
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, 1 tablespoon of the oil, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper. Transfer the mixture to a large rimmed baking sheet and roast until the sweet potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
In a small bowl, combine the vinegar, honey, mustard, remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, vinaigrette, pears, scallions, walnuts, and blue cheese, if using. Gently stir in the arugula and more salt and pepper to taste.