ROASTED SWEET POTATO SALAD

ROASTED SWEET POTATO SALAD

This sweet potato salad puts potato salad in a whole new light and there's so many other goodies in this fast and easy recipe with Mexican-inspired flavors. There's texture and crunch from red peppers and green onions, black beans add heartiness, corn adds sweetness and juiciness, and there's the fresh pop of cilantro. Everything is tossed with a honey-dijon mustard sauce that's sweet, tangy, and bright. The potato salad can be served warm, at room temp, or chilled and gets better the day after making it. It's a perfect clean-eating dinner and the leftovers work great in lunchboxes. It'll be a favorite at your next picnic or potluck and there's no mayo which is great for warmer months.

YIELD: serves 4 to 6 

PREP TIME: 15 minutes 

COOK TIME: 45 minutes 

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour

INGREDIENTS:

about 1 1/4 pounds sweet potatoes (about 2 jumbo), washed, peeled, and cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

one 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

3 green onions, trimmed and thinly sliced (use the white and green)

1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced small

1 cup corn (I use frozen that I allowed to thaw)

1/2 cup cilantro leaves, minced (about half of 1 bunch)

2 tablespoons honey

2 tablespoons dijon mustard

2 tablespoons lemon juice (lime juice may be substituted)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon pepper, or to taste

pinch cayenne pepper, optional and to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 400F. Line a baking sheet with a Silpat or spray with cooking spray and add the sweet potatoes in an even, flat layer. Evenly drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake for about 45 minutes, or until fork-tender and done. Halfway through baking flip potatoes to ensure even cooking. Baking time will vary based on size of potatoes, oven and climate variances, and I recommend starting to check at 30 minutes for doneness. While potatoes bake, prep and chop the remaining ingredients.

To a large bowl, add the black beans, green onions, red pepper, corn, cilantro; set aside.

To a large measuring cup or medium bowl, add the honey, dijon mustard, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, optional cayenne pepper, and whisk to combine; set aside.

After potatoes are cooked, add them to the bowl with the beans and vegetables, add the sauce, and toss to combine. Taste, check for seasoning balance (add more salt, pepper, touch of honey, lemon juice, etc.), make any necessary tweaks, and serve. Potato salad can be served warm, at room temp, or chilled and will keep airtight in the fridge for up to 5 days.