Easy Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing

Looking for a fresh, flavorful, and wholesome dish to brighten up your meals? This Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing combines tender roasted sweet potatoes with crispy smoked turkey bacon and a zesty, creamy plant-based twist that’s bursting with vibrant colors and textures. It’s the perfect salad to enjoy as a main or a satisfying side, delivering a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet notes in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish accessible for cooks of all levels.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein from sweet potatoes and smoked turkey bacon.
• Bright and Flavorful: The lemon Dijon dressing adds a refreshing zing that livens up the roasted veggies beautifully.
• Versatile: It’s great as a lunch, dinner, or potluck favorite, adjusting easily for different tastes and occasions.
• Plant-Based Creaminess: The creamy dressing is completely plant-based for a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each element in this salad plays a vital role, bringing taste, texture, and color together effortlessly. From the velvety roasted sweet potatoes to the tangy lemon Dijon dressing, these ingredients keep things vibrant and balanced.

• Sweet Potatoes: Roasted to tender perfection, they provide natural sweetness and a pleasing chew.
• Smoked Turkey Bacon: Adds a delicious, smoky crunch that complements the mellow sweet potatoes.
• Fresh Greens: A mix of leafy greens offers freshness and color contrast.
• Lemon Juice: Delivers a bright, citrusy punch in the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard (natural): Brings a sharp, savory kick with a hint of spice.
• Plant-Based Yogurt: Creates a smooth and creamy dressing base with a subtle tang.
• Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce (natural): Enhances the dressing with umami depth.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps marry all the flavors together.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley or cilantro adds freshness and herbal notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors.
• Natural Gelling Agent: Used sparingly to give the dressing a perfect creamy texture.

Variations for Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing

Feel free to personalize this salad to suit your preferences or pantry availability. It’s incredibly easy to swap or add ingredients without losing any of the magic.

• Swap the Bacon: Use smoked tempeh or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian-friendly crunch.
• Add Nuts or Seeds: Toasted walnuts, pecans, or pumpkin seeds bring extra texture and healthy fats.
• Fresh Fruit Twist: Include diced apples or pomegranate seeds for a juicy contrast.
• Leafy Greens Alternatives: Try spinach, arugula, or kale instead of mixed greens for different flavors.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the dressing for a subtle heat kick.

How to Make Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Peel and cube the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the cubes evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through until tender and golden brown on the edges.

Step 2: Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon

While the sweet potatoes roast, heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook the smoked turkey bacon strips until they are crisp and fragrant, usually about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain on a paper towel and chop into small pieces for easy mixing.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Dijon Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard (natural), plant-based yogurt, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), olive oil, salt, and pepper. Slowly stir in a natural gelling agent to thicken the dressing until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm roasted sweet potatoes, chopped smoked turkey bacon, and fresh greens. Drizzle the lemon Dijon dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor and freshness.

Pro Tips for Making Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing

• Perfect Roasting: Make sure the sweet potato cubes are evenly sized for uniform cooking.
• Warm Ingredients: Tossing the salad while the sweet potatoes are still warm helps the dressing absorb better.
• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice offers a brighter, more vibrant flavor than bottled.
• Customize Creaminess: Adjust plant-based yogurt quantity to make the dressing thicker or lighter.
• Serve Immediately: For best texture, serve this salad soon after assembly so the greens stay crisp.

How to Serve Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing

Garnishes

Add extra chopped fresh herbs, a sprinkle of toasted seeds, or a few thin slices of radish to elevate the presentation and add additional freshness and crunch.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken breast, baked salmon, or even as a vibrant side to your favorite grain bowl featuring quinoa or wild rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in individual mason jars for a picnic-ready meal or arrange it on a large platter garnished with edible flowers to impress at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, keeping the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Roasted sweet potatoes freeze well, but salad texture can suffer after freezing. It’s best to freeze extra roasted sweet potatoes alone and prepare the remaining salad fresh.

Reheating

Warm roasted sweet potatoes gently in the oven or microwave before assembling with fresh ingredients and dressing for a just-made taste.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegan?

Absolutely! Simply replace smoked turkey bacon with smoked tempeh or a plant-based bacon alternative to keep it fully plant-based and delicious.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes, but to keep the best texture, store the dressing separately and add it right before serving to keep the greens crisp.

What other dressings work well with roasted sweet potatoes?

Try tahini lemon dressing or a maple balsamic glaze for different flavor profiles that complement the sweetness of the potatoes.

Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon mustard?

While Dijon adds a unique sharpness, you can substitute with whole grain or yellow mustard for a different but tasty result.

How do I make the dressing thicker without dairy?

Incorporate a natural gelling agent gradually while whisking to achieve the creamy consistency you desire.

Final Thoughts

This Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Lemon Dijon Dressing is hands down one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. It’s vibrant, satisfying, and versatile with a mouthwatering blend of flavors and textures that feel both fresh and comforting. Whether for a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or your next potluck star, this salad won’t disappoint. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite you share with everyone you know!

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