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Warm Sweet Potato & Brown Rice Comfort Salad

Warm Sweet Potato & Brown Rice Comfort Salad

A warm, grounding, mood-soothing salad made with roasted sweet potatoes, soft brown rice, crunchy nuts and seeds, and a cozy orange–ginger dressing. Perfect for tired evenings and gentle self-care meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 3 bowls
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Salad
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 medium sweet potato peeled and cubed
  • ½ red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp avocado or olive oil
  • Sea salt to taste
  • ½ cup chopped pecans
  • ⅓ cup pumpkin seeds
  • ½ cup dried cranberries
  • For the Cozy Dressing
  • 3 tbsp avocado or olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 –2 tsp orange zest
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 small garlic clove minced
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • Sea salt to taste

Method
 

  1. Roast the Vegetables:
  2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  3. Spread the cubed sweet potato and sliced onion on a baking tray.
  4. Drizzle with oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and toss gently.
  5. Roast for 25–30 minutes, until soft and lightly caramelized.
  6. Cook the Brown Rice:
  7. Prepare the rice according to package instructions.
  8. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
  9. Make the Dressing:
  10. In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, balsamic vinegar, orange zest, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, and salt.
  11. Adjust the flavor to your liking — more zest for brightness, more balsamic for depth.
  12. Assemble the Salad:
  13. In a large bowl, combine the warm brown rice, roasted sweet potatoes, and onions.
  14. Add the pecans, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries.
  15. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is coated.
  16. Serve:
  17. Enjoy warm for maximum comfort, or serve at room temperature.
  18. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • Add warm chickpeas or feta for a more comforting, filling bowl.
  • Swap dried cranberries for raisins or chopped dates if you prefer deeper sweetness.
  • For a brighter flavor, add a splash of lemon just before serving.

🌙 Mood Pairing Tip

This bowl pairs beautifully with quiet evenings, soft music, and a moment of rest.
It’s the ideal meal for emotional grounding, slow self-care nights, and calm, reflective dinners.