Savory Southern Sweet Potato Delight Salad
This Savory Southern Sweet Potato Delight Salad is a vibrant and delicious blend of textures and flavors, bringing the warm, comforting essence of Southern cuisine to your table. The sweetness of tender sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the crunch of celery and the nuttiness of pecans, while raisins and crushed pineapple add a delightful burst of sweetness. Creamy mayonnaise and tangy sour cream dressing bind everything together, creating a refreshing yet hearty salad that can be a side dish or a stand-alone meal. Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a wholesome addition to any meal, this salad can be adjusted in creaminess to suit any palate. Enjoy the sweet and savory balance that makes it a family favorite!
8-12 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
6 medium (peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
Celery
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
Green Onions
3 (sliced with tops)
Raisins
1 cup
Crushed Pineapple
1 (20 ounce) can (drained well)
Pecans
1 cup (chopped)
Mayonnaise
1 cup (low fat or regular)
Sour Cream
1 cup (low fat or regular)
Cider Vinegar
2 tablespoons
Honey
1 tablespoon
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the sweet potato cubes and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender but still firm enough to retain their shape. Avoid overcooking to maintain a pleasant texture.
2
2. Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes in a colander and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Allow them to drain thoroughly.
3
3. In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled sweet potatoes with chopped celery, sliced green onions, raisins, drained crushed pineapple, and chopped pecans, taking care not to mash the sweet potatoes.
4
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cider vinegar, honey, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
5
5. Pour the creamy dressing over the sweet potato mixture and gently fold to coat evenly. Taste and adjust the seasoning or creaminess if desired.
6
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Southern Sweet Potato Delight Salad?
This salad is a vibrant blend of tender sweet potatoes, crunchy celery, pecans, raisins, and crushed pineapple, all tossed in a creamy dressing of mayonnaise and sour cream.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 8 to 12 servings, making it ideal for large gatherings or family meals.
How long should I boil the sweet potatoes?
The sweet potatoes should be boiled for approximately 5 to 7 minutes until they are tender but still firm enough to hold their shape.
What size should the sweet potato cubes be?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces for the best texture and even cooking.
Can I use low-fat ingredients for the dressing?
Yes, you can use either low-fat or regular mayonnaise and sour cream depending on your dietary preference.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate before serving?
It is recommended to refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
Is this sweet potato salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What kind of vinegar is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar to provide a tangy balance to the sweet ingredients.
Can I substitute the pecans with another nut?
Yes, while pecans offer a traditional Southern flavor, you can substitute them with walnuts or omit them if you have a nut allergy.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the sweet potatoes should be peeled before being cut and boiled.
What prevents the sweet potatoes from overcooking?
Rinsing the boiled sweet potatoes under cold water immediately after draining stops the cooking process and keeps them firm.
Should the pineapple be fresh or canned?
The recipe calls for one 20-ounce can of crushed pineapple, which should be drained well before adding to the salad.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you could use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for the tablespoon of honey.
Is this salad served warm or cold?
This is a chilled salad and should be served cold after refrigerating for at least two hours.
What can I use instead of raisins?
Dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots would make excellent substitutes for raisins in this recipe.
How should I store the leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best consumed within 3 to 4 days.
Can this salad be made vegan?
To make it vegan, you would need to substitute the mayonnaise, sour cream, and honey with plant-based alternatives.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your mayonnaise and sour cream to be certain.
Can I add more vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely; bell peppers or shredded carrots would add extra crunch and nutrition to this dish.
Is this a good dish for a potluck?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'potluck dish' because it is easy to transport and yields a large number of servings.
What type of green onions should I use?
Use three green onions and include the sliced tops for extra color and flavor.
How do I ensure the dressing is smooth?
Whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl before adding them to the potato mixture.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier substitute for sour cream and will provide a similar tanginess.
How much celery is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of chopped celery.
What seasoning is used?
The salad is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Fresh sweet potatoes are recommended for the best texture, but frozen cubes can work if cooked carefully to avoid mushiness.
Should I toast the pecans?
Toasting the pecans for a few minutes in a pan can enhance their nuttiness, though the recipe works perfectly with raw chopped pecans.
How do I prevent the sweet potatoes from mashing?
Gently fold the ingredients together using a spatula rather than stirring vigorously to keep the potato cubes intact.
Is this salad very sweet?
It has a sweet and savory balance; the sweetness comes from the potatoes, pineapple, raisins, and honey, while the vinegar and onions provide savory notes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients if you are serving a very large crowd, provided you have a large enough mixing bowl.