Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad

If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate, you’ve found it in this Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad! This recipe has become one of my all-time favorites, not only because of its vibrant colors but also due to the delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender roasted sweet potatoes, fluffy quinoa, and creamy avocado come together beautifully, making this salad perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

What I love most about this Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad is how it’s packed with wholesome ingredients and can easily be customized to fit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild yet delightful, making it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat.
• Deliciously Versatile: This salad can easily adapt to what you have on hand or your seasonal favorites.
• Nutrient-Packed: It’s loaded with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll gather:

For the Salad

• 6 cups chopped sweet potatoes (2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1-1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1-1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup uncooked quinoa
• 5 cups fresh baby spinach (coarsely chopped (4.4 ounces))
• 1 large avocado (chopped)
• 1/3 cup dried sweetened cranberries
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil (optional)

For the Dressing

• 1 large lemon
• 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1-1/2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 tablespoon honey (see note 1)
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil

Variations

One of the best things about this Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad is its flexibility! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.

• Swap the greens: Use kale or arugula instead of spinach for a different flavor profile.
• Add nuts or seeds: Toss in some toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds for an extra crunch.
• Mix in roasted veggies: Try adding roasted bell peppers or zucchini for added color and taste.
• Change up the protein: Incorporate chickpeas or black beans for a heartier meal.

How to Make Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Peel and chop those sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Spacing them out on a large sheet pan ensures they roast well instead of steaming. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle on paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together so each piece is coated nicely. Roast them for about 15 minutes before flipping them over; then roast again until they reach your desired tenderness. This step brings out their natural sweetness!

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

While your sweet potatoes roast away, prepare the quinoa according to package directions. Once cooked, let it cool down—spreading it on a sheet pan helps speed things up if you’re in a hurry. Cooling is crucial as it prevents wilting when mixed with fresh ingredients later.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Zest your lemon until you have about 1 teaspoon of zest and squeeze out 3 tablespoons of juice. In a mason jar, combine all dressing ingredients—including salt and pepper to taste—and shake well until everything is mixed together. Storing it in the fridge while preparing the salad keeps it fresh.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

In a large bowl, toss together cooled quinoa and spinach first. Then add those glorious roasted sweet potatoes along with avocado chunks, dried cranberries, and any basil if you’re using it. Remember to dress only what you’ll eat right away—this keeps leftovers fresh! Toss gently with about three-quarters of your dressing; adjust seasoning if needed before enjoying this colorful bowl of goodness!

Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad

Creating the perfect Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad is all about the little details that enhance flavors and textures. Here are some tips to elevate your salad game:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can make a world of difference in flavor and nutrition. Opt for organic spinach and fresh basil whenever possible to enhance the overall taste.
• Perfectly Roast Your Sweet Potatoes: For the best texture, ensure your sweet potatoes are evenly spaced on the baking sheet. This helps them roast rather than steam, leading to delicious caramelization.
• Chill Your Quinoa: Allowing your quinoa to cool completely before adding it to the salad prevents wilting the spinach and keeps everything crisp. If you’re short on time, a quick chill in the freezer works wonders!
• Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients to suit your taste preferences. If you like it tangier, add more lemon juice; if you prefer it sweeter, adjust the honey.
• Customize Add-Ins: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional ingredients like nuts or seeds for crunch, or other fruits like apples for an added sweetness. Tailoring it to your liking will make this salad even more enjoyable!

How to Serve Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad

Serving your Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad can be as creative as you want it to be! Here are some ideas that will make your presentation pop.

Garnishes

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle a handful of toasted walnuts or pecans on top for a delightful crunch and added healthy fats.
• Feta Crumbles: For a creamy contrast, crumbled dairy-free cheese can add a savory touch without overpowering the flavors.
• Extra Fresh Herbs: A bit of extra basil or fresh parsley scattered over the top not only looks beautiful but also enhances that fresh herb flavor.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms grilled until tender make a great accompaniment that brings out summer vibes.
• Roasted Chickpeas: Crunchy and seasoned chickpeas provide an excellent protein boost and texture contrast that pairs perfectly with the salad.
• Crispy Baked Falafel: These flavorful bites are not only satisfying but also complement the freshness of your salad beautifully.
• Hummus with Veggies: A simple platter of hummus served with carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips offers a healthy snack option that rounds out your meal.

Enjoy creating and sharing this delicious Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad! It’s sure to become a favorite at your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad is perfect for meal prep! It stores beautifully, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeks or gatherings. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover salad in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate and consume within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.
• If you’ve dressed the salad, it’s best to eat it within a day.

Freezing

• While it’s not ideal to freeze this salad due to the avocado and dressing, you can freeze the roasted sweet potatoes and quinoa separately.
• Place them in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be kept frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• If you’ve frozen your sweet potatoes or quinoa, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm them gently in the microwave or on a stovetop with a splash of water to avoid drying out.
• Add fresh spinach, avocado, cranberries, and dressing just before serving for maximum freshness.

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad:

Can I add more vegetables to my Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or cherry tomatoes. Just remember to adjust the dressing accordingly!

How can I make my Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad vegan?

This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Use maple syrup instead of honey if you’re looking for a completely plant-based alternative.

Is Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad good for meal prep?

Yes! This salad holds up well in the fridge and is perfect for meal prepping. Just store the dressing separately until you’re ready to enjoy it!

What other grains can I use besides quinoa?

If you want to switch things up, try using farro, bulgur wheat, or brown rice. Each grain will bring its unique flavor profile while still complementing the sweet potatoes beautifully.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Sweet Potato Quinoa Salad a try—it’s not only nutritious but also bursting with vibrant flavors that make every bite delightful. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week ahead or bringing a dish to share with friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy making it as much as I do!