Fall is here so that means loading up on in-season produce such as pomegranate seeds and sweet potatoes! Serve this as a side dish and pair with a quality source of protein such as grilled chicken, wild salmon, or sautéed organic tofu. Enjoy this nutrient-dense fall recipe that is gluten-free, dairy-free, pegan, and vegetarian!
This recipe features two of my favorite fall foods–sweet potatoes and pomegranate seeds. The combination of both ingredients makes for vibrant color and a mouthwatering flavor that will leave you coming back for seconds, thirds and maybe fourths!
Pomegranate Super Powers
For such a small, tiny seed pomegranates pack in a lot of flavor, crunch and nutrients. Pomegranates contain a unique nutritional composition of some of the most powerful polyphenols found in food. Studies show that the antioxidants found in pomegranates, such as ellagic acid and anthocyanins are associated with decreased blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Get these nutritional benefits by purchasing a whole pomegranate and digging out the seeds yourself. It’s a messy process because juices might splatter so don’t wear your favorite shirt in the kitchen! I typically buy a few pomegranates and dig out all of the seeds at once, place them in a large tupperware and store in the refrigerator for the week. This makes it convenient to add pomegranate seeds to any dishes like trail mix, paleo porridge, salads, smoothies, chicken, etc.
Sweet Potato Magic
Sweet potatoes are another fall favorite because they are yummy, colorful and filled with nutrients! Swap out your white potatoes and bring in sweet potatoes (or even purple potatoes) to get more plant-based phytonutrients. It’s obvious that they have a much higher nutrient content than white potatoes because sweet potatoes and purple potatoes both have a deep pigment underneath the skin of the potatoes. Just remember that sweet potatoes are higher in carbohydrates/sugar content compared to broccoli or cauliflower because they are a starchy vegetable. When eating any starchy vegetables it’s always best to pair with a lean source of protein and a healthy fat. This recipe contains healthy fats from olive oil and avocado and plant-based protein from the black beans. You may want to pair this dish with an extra source of lean protein such as grilled chicken or ground turkey or wild salmon! And bam–you have yourself a balanced, vibrant, nutritionally exceptional meal!
In the last 2.5 years I’ve helped 20,000 people incorporate blood sugar balancing meals into their weeks to drastically improve their health. My blood sugar balancing recipe formula helps really move the needle with your health and all recipes are also easy and delicious. If you are ready to feel stronger, healthier, and more consistent in the kitchen, join us for The Being Collective 28 Day Challenge. You’ll get 4 weeks of simple and anti-inflammatory meal plans with meal prep instructions, live group coaching calls with Brigid and our team of Registered Dietitians, a 4 week course with our most transformative frameworks and strategies to use food as medicine, 24/7 access to an exclusive support group, and more! Join our next round here.
Pomegranate Sweet Potato Salad
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup green onion, minced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 can black beans
- 1 cup pomegranate seeds
- Dash of sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Dice the sweet potatoes and mix with 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, a dash of salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Evenly spread out the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Add the baked sweet potatoes to a large bowl and combine with pomegranate seeds, black beans, avocado, cilantro, and green onion.
- Top the salad with juice from one lime, 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, a dash of salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Mix ingredients together and place in the refrigerator to allow the potatoes to cool.
Nutrition Facts
Pomegranate Sweet Potato Salad
Serves: 4 servings
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 553.3 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 20.1g | 30.8% | |
| Saturated Fat 2.8g | 10% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol 0mg | 0 | |
| Sodium 583.4mg | 24.3% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 84.5g | 28% | |
| Dietary Fiber 22.7g | 88% | |
| Sugars 16.5g (Added sugar: 0g) | ||
| Protein 14.2g | ||
| Vitamin A 97% | Vitamin C 32% | |
| Calcium 15% | Iron 24% | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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