Make Ahead

Southwestern Sweet Potato Salad

June 21, 2011
4.5
2 Ratings
  • Serves 4-6
Author Notes

I was inspired to find a good sweet potato salad after watching "America's Next Great Restaurant." I wanted a healthy alternative to traditional potato salad and also something that would hold up in the summer sun. I found this recipe on Epicurious and tweaked it a bit, steaming the potatoes, rather than bowling them, increasing the amount of lime juice, cumin and adding a yellow bell pepper and a bit of crushed red pepper for a little more kick. - rldougherty —rldougherty

Test Kitchen Notes

This warm weather salad is a "keeper" for certain. I had never thought to make a salad with sweet potatoes but this really works. The chili-lime vinaigrette is a perfect match for the sweetness of the potatoes. I used only red bell pepper (sorry) but still enjoyed the amazing colors of this lovely salad. I will make this again - thumbs up! —Lizthechef

Continue After Advertisement
Ingredients
  • The Salad
  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 4 scallions, green & white parts, chopped
  • Chili Lime Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch pepper
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper
Directions
  1. Steam cubed sweet potatoes for 9-12 minutes. Make sure to periodically check the potatoes to make sure they are not getting mushy. Once done, run the potatoes under cool water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
  2. Meanwhile, make the dressing. Mix well and taste adding more lime juice as necessary, add salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper to taste.
  3. Once the potatoes are cool, mix with the scallions, red pepper, and cilantro. Pour the dressing over until coated to your liking. The salad should be refrigerated if made in advace, but can be served at room temperature.
Contest Entries

See what other Food52ers are saying.

4 Reviews

jdp322 May 13, 2013
Great salad! I boosted the amount of cumin to spice it up and it was great! Made it twice so far. It went great with smoked ribs and the blue cheese slaw (on the site).
DianneD July 6, 2012
A great healthy alternative to traditional potato salad. I added 1 tablespoon of honey to the dressing as it seemed a little tart. Served it at a dinner party last night and it was a hit.
GiGi26 July 2, 2011
This looks really good, will be making it this afternoon.
GiGi26 July 2, 2011
What a terrific combination!! So pretty and very tasty.
I served it with grilled salmon.