Sweet Potato Salad

Delicious sweet potato salad

Total preparation time: 50 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Sweet potatoes, with their soft flesh and sweet flavor, are the perfect ingredient for a colorful and flavorful salad. This sweet potato salad recipe is not only simple but versatile, and can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course alongside a favorite protein. It's also a great choice for a summer meal or picnic, thanks to its freshness and flavor.

The history of the sweet potato is lost in the mists of time, having been cultivated for thousands of years. This ingredient has been appreciated not only for its taste but also for its versatility in the kitchen. From sweet to savory, sweet potato never ceases to surprise.

Ingredients

- 2-3 sweet potatoes (about 500-600 g)
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 150 g goat cheese (or feta for a milder version)
- 1 bunch green onion
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar

To make sweet potato salad

1. Preparing the sweet potatoes:
Start by washing the sweet potatoes thoroughly under a cold running stream of water to remove any impurities. Then peel them with a sharp knife. Cut them into 2-3 cm cubes so that they cook evenly. These cubes will become soft and caramelized in the oven, adding extra flavor to the salad.

2. Seasoning:
In a large bowl, add the sweet potato cubes and season with salt, pepper and olive oil. Mix well so that each cube is evenly coated with oil and seasoning. The olive oil not only provides a nice taste, but also helps to caramelize the potatoes.

3. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking tray lined with baking paper, making sure they are evenly distributed without overlapping. Bake for 30-35 minutes, stirring halfway through for even browning. The potatoes are ready when they are golden and soft inside.

4. Cooling:
After the sweet potatoes have been removed from the oven, let them cool to room temperature. This step is important to avoid melting the goat cheese in the preparation.

5. Preparing the salad:
Once the potatoes have cooled, add the crumbled goat cheese and finely chopped green onions. The green onions add a crisp contrast and a hint of freshness, perfect to balance the sweetness of the potatoes.

6. Dressing:
Drizzle everything with a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar. This ingredient will add a touch of acidity, balancing the sweetness of the potatoes. Mix all the ingredients gently to combine, without crushing the cheese.

7. Serving:
Sweet potato salad is delicious served cold. You can present it on a pretty platter, garnished with a few leaves of fresh basil or parsley for an eye-catching garnish. It goes perfectly with a grilled meat or can be served as a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Practical tips

- For even more flavor, you can add spices like smoked paprika or cumin to the potato mixture before baking.
- Instead of goat's cheese, you can use feta or cottage cheese, depending on your preference.
- You can also add a few toasted nuts (almonds or pecans) for extra texture and crunch.

Nutritional benefits

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin A and vitamin C) and antioxidants, which help maintain a healthy immune system and improve vision. Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and goat's cheese provides essential protein and calcium. This salad is not just tasty, it's nutritious too.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, but the taste and texture of the salad will change significantly. Regular potatoes have a less sweet flavor and a different texture.

2. How can I store sweet potato salad?
The salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 2-3 days. It is best served cold and the flavors will intensify during storage.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment by adding olives, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes or avocado for added freshness and nutrients.

4. What drinks goes well with this salad?
A sweet potato salad pairs perfectly with a dry white wine, a fresh fruit cocktail or even flavored tonic water.

This sweet potato salad is not only a simple recipe, but a burst of flavors and textures that is sure to impress anyone who tastes it. Enjoy the cooking process and don't forget to customize the recipe to your preferences! Bon appétit!