Sweet Potato, Haloumi & Smoky Chickpea Salad

This salad loves your skin. It contains nourishing nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids as well as powerful plant chemicals and antioxidants that may help to prevent the appearance of ageing and promote a healthy, vibrant glow.

The key ingredients that make this salad magic for your skin are the sweet potato, turmeric, spinach, chia oil and apple cider vinegar although every ingredient is beneficial and plays an important role regardless.

READ MORE: 4 foods for healthier skin

Sweet potato is rich in beta-carotene, the plant version of vitamin A which helps protects your skin  and helps with repair . Spinach is also rich in beta-carotene as well as vitamin C and it also helps you detoxify thanks to its dark leafy green properties.

Turmeric and apple cider vinegar are alkalising and turmeric is one of the most potent anti-oxidants out there, protecting you from free radical damage and keeping youth on your side.

Last but not least, chia oil is one of the best plant-based sources of omega-3 fatty acids and will help to keep your skin soft and hydrated. You can find chia oil at your local health food store and is highly recommended for those needing added omega-3 fats in their diet.

Nourish yourself from the inside, out with this salad and feed your skin what it needs to stay soft, strong and radiant.

Serves 4 as a main, 6 as a side dish

Gluten-free, vegetarian

Ingredients

Sweet potato, haloumi & smokey chickpea salad

• 1 medium (around 450g) sweet potato, washed
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• salt and pepper
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• salt and pepper
• 120 g baby spinach, washed
• 10 g dill, roughly chopped
• 180 g haloumi, cubed

Golden turmeric dressing

• 100 g greek yoghurt
• 2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tbsp chia oil
• 1/2-1 tbs apple cider vinegar, depending on your taste
• salt and pepper

How to make

• Heat your oven to 180 degrees and line two baking trays with baking paper
• Prepare the chickpeas by tossing them in smoked paprika, turmeric, coconut oil, salt and pepper and then spread them out onto one of the prepared baking trays. Place this tray into the oven and let them start roasting
• Prepare your sweet potato by thinly slicing it into half discs (cut the sweet potato in half lengthways and then cut into thin slices or use a mandolin). Toss the slices in coconut oil, salt and pepper and roughly spread them out onto the other prepared baking tray then place this tray in the oven with the chickpeas. Set your timer to 15 minutes and let the sweet potato and chickpeas cook, tossing both half way through. Keep an eye on the chickpeas, and don’t overcook them
• While your chickpeas and potato are cooking, prepare the dressing by mixing all of the ingredients together in a jar and adjust to taste. Place the spinach and dill in a large mixing bowl and set aside. Then cook the haloumi in a hot fry pan until golden brown
• Once all your components are ready to go, assemble the salad by tossing everything together and then coating it in dressing. You can also just dress the spinach and dill and place the sweet potato, chickpeas and haloumi on top of the salad to be mixed in individually

Roberta's tips

• Store this salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It will not store as well if it is dressed so if you are planning on storing some then keep the dressing separate and use it as needed

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Roberta of Naturo Medico is a Naturopathic Practitioner who specialises in preventative care and women’s health. From her Melbourne-based clinic, Roberta sees women of all ages wanting to meet their own health goals and assists them on their path with personalised treatments specific to their needs.

Alongside practice, Roberta shares healthful and nutrient-rich recipes with her readers who inspire her to continue educating on what health and wellbeing means and how it can be achieved.

Follow @naturomedico on Instagram for more healthy eating inspiration!