Name: Sweet Potato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes; 1 red bell pepper; 1/2 cup red onion; 1/4 cup fresh parsley; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 4.3 from 26 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with color, texture, and flavor, look no further than this delightful Sweet Potato Salad Recipe. It’s a wonderful balance of tender, caramelized sweet potatoes combined with crisp bell peppers, bright red onions, and fresh parsley, all brought together by a tangy, smooth dressing. Perfect as a hearty side or a light meal, this salad will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion.

Sweet Potato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each one adding a unique touch that elevates this Sweet Potato Salad Recipe to a delicious masterpiece. From the natural sweetness of the potatoes to the zesty punch of apple cider vinegar, every element plays a key role.

Sweet potatoes: The star ingredient offering a sweet, creamy base when roasted to perfection.
Red bell pepper: Adds a lively crunch and vibrant red hue that brightens the dish.
Red onion: Provides a sharp, slightly sweet bite that balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
Fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, herbal note that lifts the overall flavor.
Olive oil: Used both for roasting and dressing, it adds richness and helps unify the ingredients.
Apple cider vinegar: Gives that essential tang that cuts through the sweetness with just the right acidity.
Dijon mustard: Adds depth and a subtle kick to the dressing.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors harmoniously.

How to Make Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sweet Potatoes

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes—this size ensures they roast evenly and develop that lovely caramelization everyone loves.

Step 2: Toss and Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Next, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly on the baking sheet so they roast instead of steam. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure every cube gets that golden, tender finish.

Step 3: Combine the Fresh Vegetables

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, chop the red bell pepper, slice the red onion thinly, and roughly chop the fresh parsley. Toss these vibrant vegetables together in a large mixing bowl, creating a colorful and crisp contrast for the creamy sweet potatoes.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This dressing is where the magic happens: the tang and spice perfectly complement the sweet and savory flavors of the salad.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Once the roasted sweet potatoes have cooled slightly, add them to the vegetable mixture. Drizzle the dressing over the salad, then gently toss everything together to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Serve immediately for a fresh crunch, or chill in the refrigerator for an hour or two to let the flavors meld beautifully. This step really enhances the taste, making it even more irresistible.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra fresh parsley leaves on top before serving for a pop of color and freshness. You could also add a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped walnuts for some unexpected crunch that pairs wonderfully with the tender sweet potatoes.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a well-rounded, nutritious meal. It’s also a great companion to BBQ dishes, adding a refreshing sweet and tangy twist that balances smoky flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, casual get-together, serve the Sweet Potato Salad Recipe in individual mason jars layered with mixed greens. Alternatively, use it as a vibrant filling for pita pockets or as a colorful side in a picnic spread—either way, it’s sure to impress your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Sweet Potato Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or snacking throughout the week.

Freezing

Because of its fresh vegetables and dressing, this salad is best enjoyed fresh. Freezing is not recommended as the texture and flavors can suffer significantly after thawing.

Reheating

If you’d like to enjoy the sweet potatoes warm again, remove them from the salad and gently reheat in the oven or microwave. Then mix them back with the fresh vegetables and dressing for the best experience. Avoid reheating the entire salad as the fresh veggies will lose their crispness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of potato in this salad?

While sweet potatoes are key to the flavor and texture of this Sweet Potato Salad Recipe, you can experiment with other varieties like Yukon gold for a milder taste, but the dish won’t have quite the same sweetness and creaminess.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes! This salad is completely vegan since it uses olive oil and plant-based ingredients throughout, making it a healthy and satisfying option for anyone embracing plant-based eating.

Can I add protein to make it a main course?

Absolutely! Adding grilled chickpeas, black beans, or cooked quinoa can boost the protein content, turning this salad into a filling, nutritious main dish.

What is the best way to peel sweet potatoes easily?

Using a sturdy vegetable peeler works well, but if your sweet potatoes are very fresh, you can also roast them with the skins on and then scoop out the flesh to save time and add extra nutrients.

How can I make the dressing more tangy?

If you prefer a zestier dressing, simply add a splash more apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice—it’s an easy tweak that brightens the entire salad.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With its perfect blend of sweet, tangy, fresh, and savory notes, it’s incredibly versatile and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and watch how it quickly wins over both family and friends with every delicious forkful.