Charred Kumara and Beetroot Salad with Manuka Vinaigrette
A vibrant salad featuring smoky charred kumara (sweet potato) and roasted beetroot, dressed with a tangy Manuka honey and mustard vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired salads ready in about 35 minutes pairs divided olive oil, mixed salad greens, Manuka honey into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium (about 400g), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes kumara (sweet potato)
- 2 medium (about 300g), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes beetroot
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 tbsp Manuka honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Toss 2 medium peeled and cubed kumara and 2 medium peeled and cubed beetroot with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Step 2: Spread the kumara and beetroot cubes on the grill or grill pan and cook for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until nicely charred and tender.
- Step 3: Meanwhile, whisk together 1 tablespoon Manuka honey, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to make the vinaigrette.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens with the grilled kumara and beetroot. Drizzle with the Manuka vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds over the salad and serve immediately for a smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor experience.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Charred Kumara and Beetroot Salad with Manuka Vinaigrette take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Charred Kumara and Beetroot Salad with Manuka Vinaigrette?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep divided olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Kumara and Beetroot Salad with Manuka Vinaigrette?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Charred Kumara and Beetroot Salad with Manuka Vinaigrette for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Charred Kumara and Beetroot Salad with Manuka Vinaigrette?
Mediterranean salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.