Sweet Potato Salad Recipe with Honey Lemon Dressing

Bursting with color and flavor, this sweet potato salad with honey lemon dressing brings a delightful twist to your summer gatherings.

Roasted sweet potatoes mingle with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

The zesty honey lemon dressing adds a bright, tangy kick that awakens every bite.

Perfectly balanced and nutritious, this salad offers a wholesome alternative to traditional potato salads.

Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy element that complements the sweet and earthy potatoes.

Each forkful promises a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.

Serve this vibrant dish at your next picnic or potluck, and watch as it becomes the star of the meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

What You Need for Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing

• Sweet Potatoes: Hearty root vegetable perfect for caramelizing with natural sugars, select firm potatoes with smooth skin and vibrant orange color.
• Olive Oil: Helps achieve golden crispy exterior and prevents sticking, choose extra virgin for richer flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance natural sweet potato flavors, use freshly ground black pepper for more intense taste.

• Olive Oil: Creates smooth, silky dressing base that blends ingredients harmoniously.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy freshness and helps balance sweet elements.
• Honey: Provides natural sweetness and creates balanced flavor profile, local raw honey recommended.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds subtle kick and helps emulsify dressing ingredients smoothly.

• Arugula: Peppery green that adds crisp texture and nutritional boost, select fresh, bright green leaves.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy, salty cheese that complements sweet potato’s richness, choose high-quality authentic Greek variety.
• Pecans: Crunchy nutty element adding depth and protein, toast briefly to enhance natural oils and flavor.
• Avocado: Creamy element providing healthy fats and luxurious mouthfeel, select ripe but firm fruit.

Tools to Roast and Toss the Perfect Sweet Potato Salad

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting sweet potato cubes evenly and creating crispy edges.
• Knife: Sharp chef’s knife for cubing sweet potatoes and slicing avocado.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping ingredients safely.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for whisking together honey lemon dressing.
• Large Bowl: Needed for mixing and tossing salad ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise for measuring honey, mustard, and seasonings.
• Spatula or Tongs: Great for flipping sweet potatoes while roasting and tossing salad.

How to Assemble Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Zing

• Preheat the Oven

Fire up your oven to a sizzling 400F, creating the perfect roasting environment for sweet potato.

• Prepare Sweet Potato Cubes

Slice sweet potatoes into bite-sized chunks, coating them with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet, ensuring each piece has space to crisp up beautifully.

• Roast to Perfection

Pop the baking sheet into the hot oven and let the sweet potatoes transform for 25-30 minutes. Flip them halfway through to guarantee an even, golden-brown caramelization that will make your taste buds dance.

• Create the Zesty Dressing

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, bright lemon juice, sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing becomes silky smooth.

• Build Your Salad

Grab a large bowl and combine the roasted sweet potato cubes with peppery arugula, crumbly feta cheese, crunchy toasted pecans, and creamy avocado slices.

• Finish and Serve

Drizzle the honey lemon dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure every ingredient gets a delicious coating. Serve immediately and enjoy a burst of flavors and textures.

Flavor Enhancements for Honey Lemon Sweet Potato Salad

• Roast sweet potatoes and prep dressing a day in advance to save time and let flavors develop even more.
• Replace feta with dairy-free crumbled tofu or nutritional yeast for a plant-based version that keeps the creamy texture.
• Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to turn this salad into a complete and filling main course.
• Sprinkle smoked paprika or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the roasted sweet potatoes for an extra flavor kick.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with wheat sensitivities or celiac diet requirements.

Serving Roasted Sweet Potato Salad for Gatherings or Lunches

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Spread the roasted sweet potato salad on a large wooden board with extra feta and nuts scattered around for a stunning presentation that invites sharing.
• Mediterranean Mezze Companion: Pair this salad alongside grilled chicken, warm pita bread, and a dollop of tzatziki for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal that brings vibrant flavors together.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the salad with grilled shrimp, rotisserie chicken, or crispy chickpeas to transform it into a satisfying and nutritious main course that keeps you full and energized.
• Meal Prep: Store components separately in airtight containers, keeping dressing and greens separate to maintain freshness, making this an excellent option for quick lunches throughout the week.

Store Sweet Potato Salad So It Stays Fresh and Tangy

• Chop sweet potatoes and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making weekday cooking a breeze.
• Whip up the honey lemon dressing ahead of time and keep in a sealed jar in the fridge for 5-7 days, saving precious minutes during busy meal times.
• Keep roasted sweet potatoes and salad components separate until serving to maintain maximum crispness and prevent soggy greens.
• While the assembled salad doesn’t freeze well, roasted sweet potato cubes can be frozen for up to 1 month, ready to thaw and toss into future meals.

FAQs

• Why are sweet potatoes a healthy choice for this salad?

Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They provide complex carbohydrates and can help boost immune system and support eye health.

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! Goat cheese or blue cheese work great as alternatives. They provide similar tangy flavor and creamy texture that complement the sweet potatoes.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

Add grilled chicken, roasted chickpeas, or quinoa to increase protein content. These additions will make the salad more filling and nutritionally balanced.

• Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the recipe is vegetarian-friendly. By using feta cheese and nuts, it offers good protein and nutritional variety without meat. Simply ensure your feta is vegetarian-style if you’re strict about cheese production.

Vibrant Sweet Potato Salad With Honey Lemon Dressing

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired roasted sweet potato salad with honey lemon dressing combines earthy flavors and zesty notes. Fresh herbs and tangy vinaigrette elevate this colorful side dish for you to savor.

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Ingredients

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• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 cups arugula (or mixed greens)
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) crumbled feta cheese (or goat cheese)
• ½ cup (60 g) pecans, toasted
• 4 tbsps (59 ml) olive oil
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Dijon mustard
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven: Preheat to 400F (200C), creating an ideal roasting environment for sweet potatoes.
2. Season and Roast Potatoes: Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to achieve golden-brown edges and tender centers.
3. Craft Dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-blended.
4. Compose Salad: In a large bowl, layer roasted sweet potatoes, then top with arugula, crumbled feta, toasted pecans, and avocado slices.
5. Finish and Serve: Drizzle honey lemon dressing over the salad, gently toss to coat ingredients, and present immediately as a vibrant side dish or light meal.

Notes

• Maximize Potato Caramelization: Ensure sweet potatoes are completely dry before roasting to achieve crispy, golden-brown edges without steaming.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Use a rimmed baking sheet and avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation, guaranteeing perfectly roasted sweet potatoes with crisp exteriors.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese for vegan options; use gluten-free nuts if needed.
• Balance Dressing Intensity: Adjust honey and lemon ratios to personal taste, tasting and tweaking before final drizzle to control sweetness and tanginess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg