This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of California Walnuts. The opinions and text are all mine. The product mentioned in this post was sent to me as a gift to use in this recipe, thank you so much!
Ok, so raise your hand if admittedly you’re one of the hundreds (maybe even thousands) of people who skip lunch these days… I’ll wait… I know, it’s all too easy, isn’t it? Today distractions are everywhere, whether we’re on social media during lunch, or reading the news, or working while we eat (of making sure out little babies get fed first).
A lot of the time convenience trumps nutrition, and as a mom and small business owner I get it, but here at Healthy Little Vittles I try to show that it doesn’t have to be that way! It’s so much easier to run through the drive through or pick up something quick, but really that’s counterproductive because you’ll find yourself feeling sluggish and energy depleted. Not only that, but taking a break can be advantageous in itself. Take your lunch to the park, or a space that is relaxing leaving your phone and computer behind.
So I’ve partnered with California Walnuts to help encourage America to recommit to a proper lunch break during the midday hour with a recipe that can nourish the body and rejuvenate the mind. These Walnut Pear Sweet Potato Mason Jar Salads do just that! They are vegan, gluten-free and super filling with lots of nutrients and good fats to help you with a little afternoon recharge.
These Walnut Pear Sweet Potato Mason Jar Salads include:
☆ spring mixed lettuce
☆ sweet potato
☆ pear
☆ dates
☆ California Walnuts
☆ Creamy Walnut Balsamic dressing
And the extra good news is you can made a couple of these mason jar salads at a time for different days of the week! Talk about your meal planning being on fleek!
So, why walnuts? Well- I mean other than walnuts being so delicious and versatile, they are the only nut significantly high in omega-3 fatty acids. Which means not only do they give your brain a boost, they are also a fantastic plant-based heart healthy food!
Now you must be wondering if there is a certain way to layer ingredients, the answer is yes! The key to layering is you put the dressing on the bottom so it doesn’t get some of the other salad ingredients soggy as you store it overnight. Then you layer it with more dense foods, in this jar- the sweet potatoes, then add your nuts, followed by dates, lettuce, pear and vegan parmesan cheese. Then you store in your fridge overnight and grab-n-go in the morning!
So what do y’all think? Will you pledge the “Choose Lunch” campaign with us? #ChooseLunch Head on over to California Walnuts to learn what kind of luncher you are snag more delicious lunch recipes! I love to see your re-creations of my recipes so be sure to tag me on Instagram or Facebook!
If you like these Walnut Pear Sweet Potato Mason Jar Salads, be sure to check out my SPRING DETOX MASON JAR SALADS too!
Walnut Pear Sweet Potato Mason Jar Salads
Ingredients
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
Creamy Walnut Balsamic
- 1 cup walnuts (California Walnuts)
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp maple/agave syrup
- 1/4 cup dairy-free yogurt
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened dairy-free milk (walnut or oat milk)
Salad
- 5 oz spring mix salad
- 7 dates, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 pear, diced
- dairy-free parmesan cheese (opt.)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 475 degrees
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Start making your walnut balsamic dressing by first boiling your walnuts for about 15 minutes (place 1 cup of wanuts in a small saucepan and cover with water, boil for 15 mintues)
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Add your diced sweet potatoes to a large bowl with the olive oil, cinnamon, and salt and stir to combine
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Place your sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes
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Next, drain and rinse your walnuts and blend with the rest of the dressing ingredients in a food processor or high speed blender until smooth
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Next, assemble your salads. First, add your dresssing to the bottom of the jars
**NOTE: you can decide how much dressing you like to add, I added 1/2 cup per salad jar
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Split the sweet potatoes between the two jars next, then add your walnuts (I used about 1/2 cup per jar), then dates, pear, and finishing with lettuce topped with your vegan parmesan (opt.)
**NOTE: you'll want to really pack the lettuce in so you have enough "fixings" per salad ratio
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Enjoy shaken straight from the jar or poured out onto a plate!
