This Sweet Potato and Feta Salad is a colorful dish that mixes roasted sweet potatoes with tangy feta cheese. It’s fresh, healthy, and perfect for any meal!
I love how the sweet potatoes and feta complement each other. It’s like a flavor party on my plate! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up as a side or lunch.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this salad! Their natural sweetness roasted to perfection adds depth. If sweet potatoes are not available, you could use butternut squash or pumpkin cubes for a similar flavor profile.
Red Onion: Adds a nice bite to the salad. For a milder taste, you can swap it with green onions or even shallots, which are sweeter.
Feta Cheese: This cheese gives a creamy and tangy kick. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based feta or even some creamy avocado slices for richness.
Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas): They add crunch and nuttiness. However, sunflower seeds or chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans will work great as substitutes.
Mixed Salad Greens: While I love using greens like frisée, you can use any mix of your choice, like baby spinach or arugula for a peppery touch.
How Do I Perfectly Roast Sweet Potatoes?
Roasting sweet potatoes is simple, but getting them just right can be tricky. Here’s how to ensure they turn out perfectly caramelized and tender:
- Preheat your oven well – 425°F is great for this.
- Cut them into even-sized cubes. This helps them roast uniformly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; spread them in a single layer for better browning.
- Turn them halfway through roasting to get that lovely golden color on all sides.
- Check for doneness by poking with a fork; they should feel soft but not mushy.
Sweet Potato and Feta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as frisée or lettuce)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 2 green onions (scallions), sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for dressing)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for dressing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to roast the sweet potatoes, totaling around 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Vegetables:
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven warms up, peel and dice your sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes for even roasting. Also, slice the red onion into thin rounds.
2. Seasoning the Vegetables:
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes and sliced red onion. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle in some salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes and onions are well coated. This prep will enhance their flavors when roasted!
3. Roasting Time:
Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes and onions on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place them in the oven and let them roast for about 20-25 minutes. Remember to turn them halfway through to ensure they roast evenly and get a little caramelization.
4. Preparing the Salad Base:
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the base of your salad. Arrange the mixed salad greens in a large serving bowl or plate. This will help your vibrant colors stand out!
5. Combining the Ingredients:
Once the sweet potatoes and onions are nicely roasted and have cooled slightly, scatter them over the greens in your salad bowl. Next, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and roasted pumpkin seeds on top for that added crunch and flavor.
6. Adding Freshness and Dressing:
To finish it off, add slices of green onions and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. If you’d like to dress the salad, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and honey or maple syrup in a small bowl. Drizzle it over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Your sweet potato and feta salad is now ready to serve! Enjoy the wonderful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors—a perfectly nutritious dish for any occasion!
Can I Use Different Types of Greens in This Salad?
Absolutely! While mixed salad greens like frisée or lettuce are great choices, you can also use spinach, arugula for a peppery kick, or even kale if you prefer a sturdier green.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese and consider adding avocado for creaminess. You could also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes and onions and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just assemble the salad right before serving to keep the greens fresh and crisp!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To prevent the greens from wilting, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat again.