This Sweet Potato Salad Recipe mixes roasted sweet potatoes, maple-Dijon dressing, toasted pecans, and soft cheese. straightforward to make and so tasty!
author’s note
This Sweet Potato Salad Stole The Show At Thanksgiving!
When I’m not hosting Thanksgiving, I’m usually the one in charge of sides and pies. My usual lineup? Apple Pie, Coconut Cream Pie, Thanksgiving Dressing, Raspberry Fluff, Sweet Potato Casserole, and a big seasonal salad.
It is satisfying to showing up with a big, flavor-packed salad, and I usually rotate between my Thanksgiving Salad, Butternut Squash Salad, or Beet and Goat Cheese Salad. But this year, I could not stop thinking about a salad I tried at a restaurant. It had dates and roasted sweet potatoes and the flavors were unreal. I walked out already dreaming up a version I could make at home.
And now it’s my new favorite fall salad. The maple dressing, sweet dates, crunchy pecans, and roasted sweet potatoes all hit so well together. It works for holiday tables or any cozy dinner, and It is satisfying to that the ingredients overlap in both the salad and the dressing. Simple, fun, and full of flavor.
Sweet Potato Salad Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swap or Tip |
|---|---|
| Sweet potatoes | Pick firm potatoes with smooth skin so they roast evenly. Yams work but are slightly wetter. |
| Maple syrup | Use pure maple syrup for the best flavor. Honey works but will taste different. |
| Dates or dried cranberries | Dates add sweet, caramel-like bites. Cranberries add tart pops. Use whichever you love more. |
| Pecans | Toast them for better flavor. Walnuts or almonds work too. |
| Goat cheese or feta | Goat cheese is tangy and creamy. Feta is sharper and crumbles more easily. |
How To Make Sweet Potato Salad Recipe
- Roast potatoes: Toss potatoes with oil, syrup, salt, and cinnamon. Roast until soft.
- Dressing: Mix oil, vinegar, syrup, mustard, salt, and pepper in a jar. Shake and chill.
- Assemble salad: Mix potatoes, pecans, dates or cranberries, and goat cheese with the dressing. Toss and serve.
Quick Tip
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning before adding it to the salad. A little extra salt or vinegar can make a big difference.
Tips For Success
- Cut evenly: Cube sweet potatoes the same size for even cooking.
- Coat well: Toss with oil and spices so every piece is covered.
- Give space: Spread out on the pan so they roast and brown well.
- Check doneness: Pierce with a fork to make sure they’re soft but still hold their shape.
- Dress last: Add dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp.
Storage
Store the undressed Sweet Potato Salad Recipe components separately in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 3 days. Dress just before serving, as the salad gets soggy once dressed.
More Sweet Potato Recipes:
Chicken
BBQ Chicken Sweet Potatoes
Soups And Stews
Farro Soup (With Sweet Potatoes)
Dinner
Sweet Potato Bowl
Dinner
One Skillet Sweet Potato Burrito BowlsWhat To Serve With This Sweet Potato Salad Recipe
This Sweet Potato Salad Recipe goes great with:
- Meats: reliable with chicken, pork, or beef.
- Fish: satisfying with some Blackened Tilapia or Baked Cod.
- Vegetarian entrees: Pairs well with grilled tofu or tempeh, or veggie stews.
- Sandwiches/burgers: Great with simple sandwiches or any burger.
- Other salads: Make it a salad spread with an Everyday Salad recipe or Quinoa Salad.
- Soups: A refreshing side following a Creamy Vegetable Soup or this famous slow cooker Chili.
