Roasted Broccoli & Sweet Potato Salad with Creamy Tahini Dressing (Ve)
This recipe is brought to you by Dale Pinnock, AKA the medicinal chef.
If you have never tried roasted broccoli, then humour me. It is heavenly. Paired with the tahini, it is a flavour bomb, and the power of broccoli and sweet potato combined makes this a true nutritional powerhouse too.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Sea salt and pepper
- 2 handfuls rocket or baby spinach
- ½ tin chickpeas (optional)
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds (toasted)
- 1 tbsp pomegranate seeds (optional garnish)
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp tahini
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, crushed
- 2–3 tbsp cold water
- Pinch of sea salt
Method:
- Preheat the oven to around 200°C (fan 180°C). Toss the sweet potato and broccoli with olive oil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread on a tray and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway.
- In a small bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, garlic, maple syrup, and salt. Slowly add water to reach a pourable consistency. When you first do this, it will thicken. This is temporary. Keep going with it, and it will thin out again.
- In a large bowl, lay the rocket or spinach as a base. Add the roasted vegetables and chickpeas and drizzle with the dressing.
- Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds and pomegranate, if using. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Health Benefits:
Broccoli
Is part of the cruciferous veg family and is rich in the phytochemical sulforaphane, which helps support oestrogen detoxification via liver phase II enzymes — potentially lowering the risk of hormone-sensitive conditions (Higdon et al., 2007). It has the added benefit of being rich in magnesium and B vitamins too.
Sweet potato
That vivid orange colour pigment is proved by beta-carotene, which converts to vitamin A — vital for progesterone production and egg quality. It also offers slow-release carbohydrates that support blood sugar regulation and energy during the menstrual cycle.
Tahini (made from sesame seeds)
Is a great source of calcium, magnesium, and phytoestrogens, which can help ease menopausal symptoms and support bone density.
Pumpkin seeds and chickpeas
Add further zinc, iron, fibre, and protein — a highly supportive combo for energy, immunity, and hormone synthesis.
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