Halloumi, Roast Sweet Potato, Walnut & Apple Salad
Salad for the soul!
Who doesn't love a roast sweet potato & halloumi combo?
CrunchY, sweet, soft, warm, TANGY salty - this salad has it all!
I made this salad when my head wanted salad but my heart wanted stodge! It's also a great one for people who aren't classic salad-eaters like my husband who couldn't get enough of this. It smells great, which makes it very hard not to pick at the ingredients before putting it all together. My friend told me her husband won't eat salads unless it's one I've made - I was touched! You have to make salads extra interesting for people who normally think salads are rabbit food.
more than a salad!
MY BABY LOVED IT
My one year old also loved his version of this salad as I put suitable bits on his picky plate in the process. I'm always surprised what my picky children will eat so I usually try them with a less seasoned version of all the things I'm eating just in case I find something they unexpedtedly eat in the process - I thought he would eat the sweet potato and halloumi, but no - he devoured lettuce leaves & roast onions - who knew?!
worth a teeny bit of effort, minimal prep time required!
It's slightly more effort than a cold salad, but the actually the hands on time is minial, so it's easy to get the veggies roasting in the oven and get a few jobs done (or just relax!) in between. The quantities aren't at all critical with it being a salad, but if you're trying to stick to the nutritional values below and/or stick to a budget then be conscious to roughly stick to the topping amounts as stated in the recipe.
For a nut-free version, swap the nuts for toasted seeds.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF THE INGREDIENTS
It's widely known that raw fruits & vegetables have a massive range of health benefits, but here's a few for this salad, just to make you feel even better when you shovel it into your mouth!
MIXED BABY LEAVES - Thought to aid in controlling anxiety, lower colesterol levels, and be good for healthy bones.
WALNUTS - Little nutrent power houses. Rich in antioxidants, a super plant-source of Omega-3s and though to be good for male reproductive health - apparently walnuts get sperm moving, so it won't only be us dancing around after eating this!
APPLE - Great source of fibre and vitamin C.
OLIVE OIL (Extra virgin & organic if possible) - There's a reason the mediterranean diet is supposed to be so healthy, and olive oil is probably a big factor. It's packed with antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory properties and is thought to be good for the heart and protecting again arthritis-related inflammation.
SWEET POTATO - Another 'superfood' loaded with antioxidants and thought to be good for the gut.
HALLOUMI - Source of protein and calcium (although eat in moderation as also high in fat and salt, so not for everyone)
RED ONION - Apparently has more benefits than I ever realised (which is good becuse I love it, but I know not everyone does). Red onion is also considered a 'superfood', with immune-system boosting antioxidants and one in particulat that kills bacteria and is thought to protect the gut form ulcers and cancers.
ROSEMARY - Powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties.
Now for the recipe!
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