Name: Creamy Sweet Potato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup celery, diced; ½ cup red onion, finely chopped; 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped; ¾ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon honey or sugar; ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste

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If you’re after a side dish that perfectly balances comfort and brightness, look no further than this Creamy Sweet Potato Salad Recipe. It takes the humble sweet potato to a whole new level with a luscious, tangy dressing, crisp veggies, and just the right amount of savory flair. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, firing up the grill for a barbecue, or prepping a make-ahead lunch, this salad promises to delight your taste buds with its creamy texture and subtly sweet punch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a food prep scene on a white marbled surface with an assortment of ingredients in white and light-colored bowls. There is a white tray on the left filled with small, cubed orange pieces of roasted squash. Above the tray, a white bowl contains fresh green spinach leaves. To the top center, a small white bowl holds light green pumpkin seeds, and a small glass with a bright green liquid is next to it. On the right side, a wooden board holds a white bowl filled with bright yellow diced mango, a white bowl with yellow corn kernels, black beans in a white bowl, and a small white bowl with pink pickled onions. A green avocado, cut in half, rests on the wooden board near the bowls. The overall arrangement is neat and colorful, highlighting fresh and varied ingredients ready for assembling a meal. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Creamy Sweet Potato Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role to bring texture, flavor, and color to the bowl. From tender sweet potatoes to fresh herbs and a tangy dressing, these essentials come together to create an irresistibly balanced salad.

3 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed: The star of the dish, they provide natural sweetness and a creamy bite when cooked right.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps roast the potatoes to perfection with a subtle fruity richness.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor and season the potatoes evenly.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spicy note that complements the sweet potato’s sweetness.
½ cup celery, diced: Brings a refreshing crunch to contrast the creamy dressing.
½ cup red onion, finely chopped: Offers a sharp, tangy bite that awakens the palate.
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional): An extra layer of protein and richness if you like.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped: Adds a fresh herbal brightness that lifts the whole salad.
¾ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything, giving the salad its signature luscious texture.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the dressing.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings wonderful tang and brightness to balance the richness.
1 tablespoon honey or sugar: A touch of sweetness to harmonize the flavors.
½ teaspoon paprika: For a smoky undertone and appealing color specks.
Salt and pepper, to taste: To finish seasoning the dressing perfectly.

How to Make Creamy Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat every cube lovingly. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 to 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized—roasting really amps up that natural sweetness and keeps your salad from turning watery. If you’re short on time, you can boil the potatoes until just fork-tender, but roasting really takes this Creamy Sweet Potato Salad Recipe up a notch.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While your sweet potatoes are roasting and cooling, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This dressing is the magic that turns simple ingredients into that creamy, tangy sensation you’ll crave again and again.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

Once the sweet potatoes are cool, add them to the bowl with the dressing. Toss in your diced celery, finely chopped red onion, chopped eggs if you’re using them, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill. Mixing it all together gently is key—you want to coat each piece without mashing them, so every bite stays perfectly textured.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Pop the salad into the refrigerator for at least one hour. Chilling allows all those flavors to meld and develop, making each forkful incredibly satisfying and balanced. This step truly elevates the Creamy Sweet Potato Salad Recipe from good to unforgettable!

How to Serve Creamy Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

The dish shows a white oval plate filled with evenly cut cubes of cooked orange sweet potatoes mixed with white beans, all coated in a light sauce. On top, there are small chopped fresh green herbs adding a bright color contrast. A woman's hand is seen holding a wooden spoon resting on the edge of the plate. The entire scene is set on a white marbled surface with some whole raw sweet potatoes visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Brighten up your presentation with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or dill on top. A few dustings of paprika not only add visual appeal but deepen the smoky notes of the dressing. For a little crunch, consider a few toasted pepitas or crumbled crispy bacon bits.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, burgers, or fresh salmon, making it a versatile star for any barbecue or picnic spread. It also stands on its own as a hearty vegetarian option alongside crusty bread or mixed green salads.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Creamy Sweet Potato Salad Recipe in a rustic wooden bowl for that country picnic feel or in individual mason jars for a portable, cute touch. Layering it over a bed of arugula or baby spinach can add an extra leafy contrast and elevate the look for guest-worthy entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it a fantastic make-ahead option that keeps well for lunches or late-night snacks.

Freezing

Because of the mayonnaise and the texture of roasted sweet potatoes, freezing is not recommended for this Creamy Sweet Potato Salad Recipe. Freezing can cause the dressing to separate and the potatoes to become mushy upon thawing.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit out for 15 to 20 minutes to take the chill off—reheating in the microwave is not necessary and can affect the creamy texture negatively.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely, but keep in mind that the flavor profile will be quite different. Sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and a creamier texture that really define this Creamy Sweet Potato Salad Recipe. Regular potatoes will be less sweet and might need a bit more seasoning to shine.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes! This salad can easily be vegetarian if you skip the optional hard-boiled eggs or replace them with plant-based alternatives. The dressing and veggies keep it hearty and satisfying without any meat products.

Can I replace mayonnaise with something lighter?

Definitely. Greek yogurt or a blend of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise works well to lighten the dressing while maintaining creaminess. It also adds a lovely tang that complements the sweet potatoes.

How far in advance can I prepare the salad?

You can prepare the salad up to a day ahead, which makes it perfect for entertaining. Just be sure to store it in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before serving—sometimes the ingredients settle overnight.

What’s the best way to roast sweet potatoes evenly?

Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking, and spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding. This helps them caramelize nicely instead of steaming.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Sweet Potato Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again because it tastes like summer sunshine in a bowl. It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with texture, making it the perfect side dish for all your gatherings or even just to brighten your weeknight meals. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a treasured recipe in your collection!