Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your perception of salads forever! Chelsea's Famous Kumara Bacon Salad is not just a dish—it's a flavor explosion that combines the sweet, caramelized goodness of roasted kumara (sweet potato) with crispy, savory bacon, creating a mouthwatering experience that will have your taste buds dancing. This New Zealand-inspired recipe proves that salads can be both nutritious and incredibly satisfying, making it the perfect meal for those who crave bold flavors and exciting textures.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: New Zealand
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Kumara (sweet potato), peeled and diced
- Bacon, chopped
- Mixed salad greens
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for roasting the kumara.
- Peel and dice the kumara into roughly 2-cm cubes, ensuring they are relatively uniform in size for even roasting.
- Toss the kumara cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, coating each piece evenly.
- Spread the seasoned kumara cubes on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow proper roasting.
- Roast the kumara in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and caramelization.
- While the kumara is roasting, cook the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Prepare the dressing by whisking together olive oil and balsamic vinegar, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the kumara is roasted and slightly cooled, and the bacon is crisp, add them to the salad greens.
- Drizzle the prepared balsamic dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately while the kumara is still warm and the bacon is crisp, enjoying the blend of flavors and textures.
Tips
- Choose firm, fresh kumara with smooth skin for the best roasting results.
- Cut kumara into uniform cubes to ensure even roasting and caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet—give each kumara piece space to brown properly.
- Use high-quality bacon for maximum flavor impact.
- For extra crunch, consider toasting some pine nuts or pumpkin seeds as an optional topping.
- Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the warm kumara and crisp bacon at their peak.
- Experiment with different mixed greens like arugula or spinach for variety.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, consider using a lighter vinaigrette or lemon-based dressing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
