Description
This Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing blends caramelized sweet potatoes, fresh mixed greens, and crispy smoked turkey bacon with a zesty natural lemon dijon dressing. A vibrant, nutritious dish with a perfect balance of textures and flavors, ideal as a hearty side or a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into bite-sized chunks
- 4 cups fresh mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix)
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting)
Lemon Dijon Dressing (natural)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey (natural)
- Pinch of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, toss the peeled and diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the sweet potatoes roast, cook the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the Lemon Dijon Dressing (natural): In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Gradually drizzle in olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify a creamy, zesty dressing.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, mixed greens, sliced red onion, chopped smoked turkey bacon, and fresh herbs. Drizzle the lemon dijon dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the greens.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the salad while the roasted sweet potatoes are still lightly warm to enjoy the blend of textures and flavors at their best. Optionally, add extra fresh herbs or cracked black pepper on top for garnish.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the pan when roasting the sweet potatoes to allow proper browning.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a balanced, bright dressing flavor.
- Prepare the roasted sweet potatoes and cooked bacon ahead of time to speed up salad assembly.
- Toss the salad gently after adding dressing to keep the greens crisp and vibrant.
- Add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and texture if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: roasted sweet potato salad, lemon dijon dressing, smoked turkey bacon salad, nutritious salad, gluten free salad