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Crispy Smashed Sweet Potato Salad

Crispy Smashed Sweet Potato Salad
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Crispy Smashed Sweet Potato Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines the irresistible texture of crispy roasted sweet potatoes with fresh mixed greens, tangy cheese, toasted nuts, and a zesty lemon-honey dressing. Perfect as a light main, side dish, or potluck favorite, this salad balances nutrition and taste with easy preparation and wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Sweet Potatoes and Seasoning

  • 4 medium-sized firm sweet potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), chopped, about 2 tablespoons

Salad Base

  • 4 cups mixed greens
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup toasted nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)

Dressing and Toppings

  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Instructions

  1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Start by boiling or steaming whole medium-sized sweet potatoes until just tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and let cool slightly before placing them on a greased baking sheet.
  2. Smash and Season: Use the bottom of a glass or plate to gently press down on each sweet potato until it splits and flattens out but remains mostly intact. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt, pepper, and your choice of fresh herbs over the top.
  3. Crisp in the Oven: Roast the smashed sweet potatoes in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
  4. Prepare the Salad Base: While the potatoes roast, toss mixed greens, sliced red onion, and toasted nuts in a large bowl to prepare the salad base.
  5. Assemble and Dress: Once the sweet potatoes have cooled enough to handle, carefully add them to the bowl with the salad base. Crumble feta or goat cheese on top, then drizzle with lemon juice and honey or maple syrup. Toss gently to combine all flavors evenly before serving.

Notes

  • Choose medium-sized, firm sweet potatoes for optimal roasting and smashing.
  • Do not over-smash the potatoes; keep them thick enough to retain texture during roasting.
  • Roast at a high temperature to develop crispy edges without drying the sweet potatoes.
  • Toast nuts separately in a dry skillet to maximize crunch and flavor.
  • Adjust lemon juice and honey levels in the dressing to balance acidity and sweetness according to your taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: sweet potato salad, crispy smashed sweet potatoes, healthy salad, vegetarian, vegan options, gluten free

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/crispy-smashed-sweet-potato-salad/