I’m excited to share my Sweet Potato Apple Salad with you. This refreshing salad blends the natural sweetness of cooked sweet potatoes with the tart crunch of apples, all brought together by a zesty, homemade dressing.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 2 hours
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
I love making Sweet Potato Apple Salad because it’s both light and satisfying. The combination of tender sweet potatoes and crisp apples creates a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a versatile dish that works wonderfully as a side at any meal or as a healthy lunch on its own.
Description
This salad is a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple preparation. I start by boiling sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender, then letting them cool before peeling and slicing. Meanwhile, I prepare a tangy dressing using olive oil, orange juice, a touch of sugar, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a blend of citrus zests and poppy seeds. The salad is assembled by layering the sliced sweet potatoes with chopped tart apples and green onions, then drizzling the dressing over each layer. Once assembled, the salad chills in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients
• 6 medium sweet potatoes, washed
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp finely chopped onion
• 1 1/2 tsp poppy seeds
• 1 tsp grated orange zest
• 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest
• 2 tart apples, cored and chopped
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Directions
- Cook the Sweet Potatoes:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the sweet potatoes. Cover them with water and bring to a boil. Cover the pan and cook for about 20 minutes or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Remove from heat, drain all the water, and allow the potatoes to cool for 15 minutes. - Make the Dressing:
In a glass jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, orange juice, granulated sugar, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, chopped onion, poppy seeds, orange zest, and lemon zest. Place the lid on the jar and shake well until the dressing is fully mixed. - Prepare the Salad Layers:
Once the potatoes have cooled, peel them and cut each in half lengthwise. Then, cut the halves into 1/4-inch thick slices. In a large serving bowl, place about one-quarter of the potato slices. Add one-quarter of the chopped apples over the potatoes, and sprinkle one-quarter of the green onions on top. Drizzle one-quarter of the dressing evenly over the layer. - Layer and Chill:
Repeat the layering process three more times until all the potatoes, apples, and green onions are used. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. - Final Toss and Serve:
Before serving, gently toss the salad to distribute the dressing evenly. Enjoy this salad chilled or at room temperature.
Process Details
• Cooking the Potatoes: Boiling the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender ensures a soft texture while still holding their shape when sliced.
• Homemade Dressing: Shaking the ingredients in a jar helps blend the citrusy and tangy flavors perfectly.
• Layering: Layering the ingredients allows each bite to have a balanced mix of sweet potatoes, apples, and green onions.
Tips for Success
• Uniform Slicing: Try to cut the sweet potatoes and apples into even slices so that the layers look attractive and the flavors are balanced.
• Cool Completely: Let the potatoes cool completely before peeling to avoid burns and to help maintain their shape.
• Adjust Dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or vinegar in the dressing to match your taste.
• Chill Well: Allowing the salad to chill for at least 2 hours helps the flavors to develop and meld together.
Serving Ideas
• As a Side Dish: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty pork dish.
• Light Lunch: Serve it on its own with a side of whole grain bread for a healthy, light lunch.
• Potluck Favorite: It’s a colorful addition to any potluck or family gathering, offering a mix of textures and flavors that will impress your guests.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: 180–220
• Fat: 12–15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20–25 grams
• Protein: 2–3 grams
I believe this Sweet Potato Apple Salad is a delightful way to enjoy the fresh flavors of fall and winter. With its tender sweet potatoes, crisp apples, and zesty dressing, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. I hope you enjoy making and serving this salad as much as I do, and I’d love to hear your thoughts once you try it!
