This roasted sweet potato and avocado salad is bright, colorful, and full of flavor! The sweet, tender potatoes pair perfectly with creamy avocado, making each bite a treat.
Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! I love tossing it all together and enjoying it as a light lunch or a great side dish. Add a splash of lime for an extra zing! 🌿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this salad! They’re naturally sweet and have a great texture when roasted. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, regular potatoes or butternut squash can work as a substitute.
Avocados: Creamy and nutritious, avocados bring richness to the dish. For a twist, you can use ripe mango or diced apples for a fruity touch instead.
Red Onion: Adds a nice bite to the salad. If raw onion is too strong, try using green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.
Greens: I like using kale or mixed greens, but any leafy greens will do! Spinach or arugula can also add a nice peppery flavor.
Olive Oil and Lemon Juice: These are essential for dressing the salad. If you’re looking for alternatives, avocado oil is a great substitute, and apple cider vinegar can replace lemon or lime juice for a different zing!
How Do You Get the Sweet Potatoes Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting sweet potatoes brings out their beautiful sweetness. To ensure they’re perfectly cooked, follow these easy steps:
- Cut Evenly: Make sure your sweet potato cubes are about the same size (around 1-inch pieces) so they cook evenly.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet to allow browning. If they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of roast.
- Temperature Matters: Roasting at a high temperature (425°F) gets them crispy on the outside and tender inside.
- Turn Halfway: Give them a toss halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get golden brown.
Following these tips will give your roasted sweet potatoes the perfect texture and flavor!
Roasted Sweet Potato And Avocado Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into cubes
- 1-2 ripe avocados, peeled and diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups fresh kale or mixed greens, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon or lime
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious and healthy salad will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to roast the sweet potatoes, so plan for around 40 minutes total. It’s a quick, nutritious option that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is perfect for roasting those sweet potatoes to get them crispy and tender.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ground cumin (if you like), salt, and pepper. Make sure all the sweet potato cubes are evenly coated for the best flavor.
3. Roast the Sweet Potatoes:
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through. They should be nice and tender with a little caramelization when done!
4. Prepare the Salad Base:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, chop the kale or mixed greens, dice the avocados, and slice the red onion. Combine all these ingredients in a large serving bowl to create your salad base.
5. Combine Everything:
Once the sweet potatoes are roasted and have cooled slightly, add them to the salad bowl. This will help keep the avocado fresh and prevent it from getting mushy.
6. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the juice from the lemon or lime over the salad. Toss everything together gently, being careful not to mash the avocado.
7. Final Touches:
Season with extra salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves before serving. Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful Roasted Sweet Potato and Avocado Salad!
Can I Use Other Ingredients in This Salad?
Absolutely! If you want to mix things up, try adding ingredients like cherry tomatoes, corn, or black beans for added flavor and texture. You can also swap out the kale for spinach or arugula.
What Should I Do If My Avocados Aren’t Ripe?
If your avocados aren’t ripe yet, you can speed up the process by placing them in a brown paper bag at room temperature for a day or two. If they’re too ripe, you can refrigerate them to slow down the ripening process until you’re ready to use them.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sweet potatoes and dressing can be stored separately from the avocado to prevent it from browning. Just toss everything together again when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad components ahead of time. Roast the sweet potatoes and chop the greens and onion in advance, but wait to add the avocado and dressing until you’re ready to serve. This keeps everything fresh!
