Toss the cubed peeled sweet potato with oil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
Reduce oven to 350 degrees F.
Toss pepitas with cinnamon, chili powder, oil, and honey. Spread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until toasted and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
Meanwhile, make the salad dressing. Blend together honey with dijon mustard, pomegranate arils, and balsamic vinegar. Slowly drizzle olive oil while the blender is on until fully incorporated. Season with salt and pepper.
Prepare the goat cheese croutons. Heat oil in a non-stick saute pan over medium heat. Add panko, lemon zest, dried parsley, and garlic powder. Stir constantly to evenly brown the breadcrumbs. Remove from heat once the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Let cool slightly.
Cut the goat cheese into bite-size chunks. Coat the goat cheese in the lemon breadcrumbs, making sure to cover all sides.
Toss together the mesclun greens with the apples, pomegranate arils, roasted sweet potatoes, and vinaigrette. Top with the smoky pepitas and goat cheese croutons. Serve immediately.
Notes
The honey pomegranate dressing, smoky pepitas, and goat cheese croutons can all be prepared the day before.