Delicious Chopped Salad with Air-Fried Japanese Sweet Potato Croutons
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- The Importance of Chopped Salads
- Japanese Sweet Potato Croutons: A Game Changer
- The Best Type of Sweet Potato to Use
- How to Make Japanese Sweet Potato Croutons
- Air Frying vs. Broiling
- The Perfect Chopped Salad Recipe
- The Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Salad
- Dressing Up the Salad: Vinegar Options
- Serving and Storing the Chopped Salad
Introduction
Today, I'm going to show you how to make an amazing chopped salad with air-fried Japanese sweet potato croutons. Hi everyone, I'm Tammy from the blog Nutmeg Notebook, and I teach people how to cook following a whole food plant-based no oil diet. I'm super excited to share this chopped salad recipe with you. Every time I post it on Instagram or Facebook, I receive a lot of questions about it. This salad is perfect for fall and would even be a great addition to Thanksgiving dinner. So, let's dive into the delicious world of chopped salads and learn how to make this mouthwatering dish!
🥗 The Importance of Chopped Salads
Chopped salads are not just your regular bowl of greens. They are a game changer. If you've never had a chopped salad before, you don't know what you're missing out on. Chopping the salad releases the juices in the vegetables, creating a burst of flavor in every bite. Unlike traditional salads, where you may get a big piece of one ingredient in each forkful, a chopped salad ensures you get a mix of all the flavors and textures in each mouthful. Trust me, once you try a chopped salad, you'll never want to go back to ordinary salads again.
🥔 Japanese Sweet Potato Croutons: A Game Changer
What makes this chopped salad extra special are the Japanese sweet potato croutons. These little gems will bring your salad to a whole new level of deliciousness. Japanese sweet potatoes have a unique flavor and texture. They are purplish on the outside and have a creamy color on the inside. When baked and refrigerated, their starch undergoes a transformation that results in an incredibly tasty crouton. These croutons add a wonderful caramelized sweetness to the salad, complementing the fresh and crunchy vegetables perfectly.
🍠 The Best Type of Sweet Potato to Use
In California, these sweet potatoes are called Japanese sweet potatoes, while some Trader Joe's stores sell them as mira sake sweet potatoes. If you can't find them under these names, don't worry. In some parts of the country, they are known as jersey yams. If your local grocery store doesn't carry them, ask the produce manager if they can order them for you. You might also find them in health food stores, food co-ops, or Asian markets. The effort to find these sweet potatoes is worth it, as they bring a unique and delicious flavor to the salad.
💡 Highlights:
- Chopped salads are a game changer for salad lovers, ensuring a mix of flavors and textures in every bite.
- Japanese sweet potato croutons add a caramelized sweetness to the salad, elevating it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
How to Make Japanese Sweet Potato Croutons
Making Japanese sweet potato croutons is straightforward, and you have two methods to choose from: air frying or broiling. Both methods yield excellent results; it just depends on your kitchen setup and personal preference. Let's dive into each method and discover how you can create these mouthwatering croutons.
🌬️ Air Frying vs. Broiling
To air fry the Japanese sweet potato croutons, start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the preheating step is not necessary for all air fryers, we recommend doing it for the best results. While the air fryer is heating up, dice the Japanese sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Once the air fryer is ready, place the sweet potato cubes on the air frying rack, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook the croutons at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. The air fryer caramelizes the natural sugars in the sweet potatoes, creating a delightful contrast of crispy exterior and soft interior.
If you don't have an air fryer, don't worry; you can still enjoy these fantastic croutons by broiling them. Simply place the diced sweet potatoes on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper. Set your oven to broil, and place the baking sheet on the top rack. Keep a close eye on the sweet potatoes while broiling, as individual ovens vary in temperature and cooking time. The goal is to achieve a golden brown and crispy texture. Once finished, these flavorful croutons are ready to take your chopped salad to a whole new level.
🥗 The Perfect Chopped Salad Recipe
Now that you know the secret to amazing Japanese sweet potato croutons, let's dive into the perfect chopped salad recipe. This salad is packed with fresh and nutritious ingredients that will satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and energized. It's a great everyday salad, but it's also festive enough to impress your guests during the holiday season. So, let's gather our ingredients and start chopping!
✨ Ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce
- Red cabbage
- Spinach
- Broccoli slaw
- Carrots
- Grape tomatoes
- Small apple
- Mandarin oranges
- Pomegranate seeds
Pros of Chopped Salads:
- Bursting with flavors and textures in every bite.
- Can be personalized with your favorite vegetables and fruits.
- Provides satiety with the addition of starch-rich Japanese sweet potato croutons.
- Easy to batch prep for a week's worth of meals.
Cons of Chopped Salads:
- May require additional time and effort to chop the ingredients.
- Fresh ingredients should be used promptly to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
To make the salad, start by chopping the lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and broccoli slaw into bite-sized pieces. Wash and halve the grape tomatoes to prevent any splattering during the chopping process. Dice the small apple and segment the mandarin oranges, capturing their juices for added flavor. Feel free to customize the salad by adding other fruits or vegetables of your choice. Lastly, sprinkle the vibrant pomegranate seeds on top to add a festive touch.
💡 Highlights:
- The perfect chopped salad recipe is a colorful and nutritious blend of fresh vegetables, fruits, and Japanese sweet potato croutons.
- Chopping the ingredients ensures a burst of flavors and textures in every mouthful.
Dressing Up the Salad: Vinegar Options
This salad doesn't need a heavy dressing to shine. A drizzle of high-quality vinegar is all it takes to enhance the flavors of the ingredients without overpowering them. Here are two options for dressing your chopped salad:
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Napa Valley Naturals Grand Reserve Balsamic: This thick and syrupy balsamic vinegar is a perfect choice for those who prefer a sweet and tangy flavor. Drizzle some of this balsamic over the salad, toss it well, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.
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California Balsamic Simply Lemon: If you're looking for a lighter and refreshing option, the California Balsamic Simply Lemon is an excellent choice. This vinegar adds a zesty lemony tang to the salad, complementing the citrus and apple flavors. Drizzle about two tablespoons over the salad, toss it well, and savor the vibrant and refreshing taste.
🥗 Serving and Storing the Chopped Salad
This chopped salad is a perfect side dish for any meal or a delicious standalone lunch. If you're hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or a gathering, consider doubling the recipe and serving it in a large bowl. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors will be a hit among your guests.
If you're preparing the salad in advance or taking it to work, it's essential to store it properly to maintain its flavors and crispiness. We recommend keeping the dressing separate until you're ready to eat to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy. Pack the salad in an airtight container or cooler with some ice packs to keep it fresh and crisp. When you're ready to enjoy your chopped salad, drizzle the dressing, toss it well, and indulge in its vibrant flavors.
💡 Highlights:
- This chopped salad can be served as a refreshing side dish or a satisfying standalone lunch.
- If preparing in advance, store the salad and dressing separately to maintain its freshness.
- Pack the salad in an airtight container or cooler with ice packs to keep it fresh and crisp.
FAQ:
Q: Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of Japanese sweet potatoes?
A: While regular sweet potatoes can be used as a substitute, Japanese sweet potatoes provide a unique flavor and texture that elevates the salad.
Q: Can I make the Japanese sweet potato croutons in advance?
A: Yes, you can make the croutons in advance and store them in an airtight container. However, for optimal flavor and texture, it is recommended to consume them within a day or two.
Q: Can I customize the salad with additional ingredients?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, fruits, or even nuts and seeds to customize the salad according to your taste preferences.
Q: Can I use a different type of vinegar for dressing?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of vinegar to find the flavor profile that suits your taste buds. Just ensure it complements the other ingredients in the salad.
Q: How long does the chopped salad stay fresh?
A: When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the chopped salad can stay fresh for up to five days. Just remember to dress it right before serving for optimal freshness.
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