Sweet Potato Salad

This Sweet Potato Salad is a delightful burst of autumn flavors. Tender, roasted sweet potatoes are perfectly complemented by sweet cranberries. A salty feta cheese adds a wonderful tang. The vibrant colors alone make it a showstopper. It promises a dish that’s beautiful and delicious. It’s the kind of dish that brings a smile. It graces weeknight dinners. It also impresses at potlucks. This salad holds up beautifully. It’s an ideal make-ahead option for busy schedules.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Sweet Potato Salad is a winner for so many reasons. It is incredibly easy to make.

• Effortless Elegance: Roasting the vegetables is hands-off. It lets you prep other parts of your meal.
• Flavor Explosion: The sweet, savory, and tangy notes create a balanced taste.
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a unique side dish. It always gets rave reviews.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Toss it together a few hours ahead. This makes entertaining stress-free.

Sweet Potato Salad Ingredients

The magic of this Sweet Potato Salad truly comes from its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each component plays a vital role. It creates a dish that’s satisfying and incredibly flavorful.

• Sweet Potatoes: These are the star. They provide a sweet, tender base. Roasted sweet potatoes have a beautiful creamy texture.
• Red Onion: This adds a sharp, slightly sweet bite. It offers a lovely pop of color. It balances the potatoes’ sweetness.
• Dried Cranberries: They offer bursts of tartness. Their chewy texture enhances flavor.
• Feta Cheese: This brings a creamy, salty counterpoint. It elevates the salad with its distinct tang.
• Fresh Parsley: It provides a fresh, herbaceous lift. Parsley truly brightens all the flavors.
• Apple Cider Vinaigrette: This dressing ties everything together. It’s tangy, sweet, and subtly spiced. Ingredients include apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and olive oil.

Substitutions and Tips

• For a dairy-free version, simply omit the feta cheese.
• Prefer a different cheese? Goat cheese works well. Crumbled blue cheese is also a delicious alternative.
• Want more crunch? Add toasted pecans or walnuts.
• Like it spicier? Increase the cayenne pepper. A pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing is also great.
• No apple cider vinegar? Use white wine vinegar. Red wine vinegar can be substituted in a pinch.
• Exact ingredient quantities are in the printable recipe card.

How to Make Sweet Potato Salad

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to a sunny 400°F (200°C). Get a large baking sheet ready. Toss your cubed sweet potatoes and sliced red onion together. Drizzle them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season well with salt and pepper. Spread this colorful mix in a single layer. This helps them roast perfectly.

Step 2: Bake Until Tender

Bake the vegetables for about 20 minutes. They should be tender when poked with a fork. The red onion will soften nicely. Let them cool on the sheet for 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a large bowl. This brief cool-down firms them up a bit.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

While the roasted veggies cool, make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey. Add the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. Slowly stream in the 1/4 cup of olive oil. Keep whisking until it looks smooth and creamy. Season it with salt and pepper just right.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Gently toss the roasted sweet potatoes and onion with the dressing. Add the dried cranberries and feta cheese. Sprinkle in the fresh parsley. Mix everything until well combined. Each piece should have a bit of that tasty vinaigrette. Your vibrant Sweet Potato Salad is ready! Serve it warm or at room temperature.

How to Store Sweet Potato Salad

Leftover Sweet Potato Salad is delicious. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator. It stays good for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen beautifully. Freezing is not recommended. It can change the texture. Refrigerating keeps it fresh. Enjoy it for easy lunches.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet when roasting. This ensures tender, caramelized sweet potatoes.
• Taste and adjust seasoning. Do this for both the vegetables and the dressing. Combine them after.
• For a smoother dressing, use an immersion blender. A small food processor works well too.
• If making ahead, keep the feta and cranberries separate. Toss them in just before serving. This maintains their textures.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Gathering the right tools makes this Sweet Potato Salad a breeze.

• Large rimmed baking sheet for roasting.
• A large mixing bowl is needed.
• A small bowl or liquid measuring cup works for dressing.
• A whisk helps create a smooth vinaigrette.
• Measuring cups and spoons ensure accuracy.
• A sharp knife and cutting board are essential.
• A vegetable peeler is optional but helpful.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile Sweet Potato Salad is wonderful year-round. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or roasted salmon.
• It pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or some sparkling cider.
• Garnish with extra fresh parsley. A sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds adds great texture.
• Enjoy this salad as a light lunch. Serve it with hearty crusty bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Sweet Potato Salad ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! You can roast the sweet potatoes and onion. Prepare the dressing separately a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Toss everything together with cranberries and feta just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What are some good substitutions for feta cheese?

If feta isn’t your favorite, try crumbled goat cheese. A sharp, aged cheddar also works well. For a vegan option, sprinkle in some nutritional yeast. A dairy-free feta alternative is another great choice for this tasty salad.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Certainly! Roasted Brussels sprouts are fantastic in this salad. Bell peppers or cooked quinoa also make wonderful additions. Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonal vegetables. Customize this versatile Sweet Potato Salad to your liking!

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