Savory Sweet Potato Salad with Zesty Dressing
This refreshing Savory Sweet Potato Salad combines the natural sweetness of tender steamed sweet potatoes with the crunch of fresh green bell peppers and the zesty flavor of a tangy dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or casual potlucks, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that balances flavors and textures beautifully. Enhanced with a hint of lemon pepper and optional hot sauce, this dish can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Serve it cold for a delightful experience that makes the vibrant flavors pop. Enjoy it as a side dish at barbecues, or on its own as a light meal for a warm day. Just remember, the preparation time does not include the steaming and chilling time, so plan accordingly!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sweet potatoes
3 lbs (unpeeled, diced & steamed)
Green bell pepper
1 cup (diced)
Onion
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Lemon pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Mayonnaise
1 1/4 cups (none)
Hot pepper sauce
1 dash (optional)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the sweet potatoes. Steam them whole, unpeeled, and then let them cool before dicing them into bite-sized pieces.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced sweet potatoes, green bell pepper, onion, and lemon pepper. Toss the ingredients gently to ensure they are well mixed.
3
In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise and hot pepper sauce (if using) until smooth. Gradually fold this dressing into the sweet potato mixture, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly coated.
4
Once combined, cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
5
Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to remix any ingredients that may have settled.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Sweet Potato Salad with Zesty Dressing?
It is a refreshing salad that combines tender steamed sweet potatoes with crunchy green bell peppers and a tangy, zesty mayonnaise-based dressing.
What are the main ingredients for this salad?
The main ingredients include 3 lbs of sweet potatoes, green bell pepper, onion, lemon pepper, mayonnaise, and optional hot pepper sauce.
Should I peel the sweet potatoes before steaming?
No, the instructions specify to steam the sweet potatoes whole and unpeeled.
When should I dice the sweet potatoes?
You should dice the sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces after they have been steamed and allowed to cool.
How much green bell pepper is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of diced green bell pepper.
How should the onion be prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped, measuring approximately 1/2 cup.
What seasoning is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of lemon pepper to season the mixture.
How do I make the dressing?
Mix 1 1/4 cups of mayonnaise with a dash of hot pepper sauce until the consistency is smooth.
Is the hot pepper sauce mandatory?
No, the hot pepper sauce is optional and can be adjusted or omitted based on your taste preferences.
How long does the salad need to chill?
The salad should be refrigerated and chilled for at least 1 hour before serving.
Why is it important to chill the salad?
Chilling allows the various flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Can I serve this salad warm?
While you can, it is recommended to serve it cold to make the vibrant flavors pop.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dish for summer picnics or casual potlucks.
How many sweet potatoes are required?
The recipe requires 3 pounds of sweet potatoes.
What is the best way to combine the ingredients?
Toss the potatoes, peppers, and onions gently in a large bowl, then gradually fold in the dressing to ensure even coating.
Does the preparation time include steaming?
No, the preparation time does not include the time needed for steaming or chilling.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe as it contains no meat products.
Can this be made vegan?
Yes, by using a vegan mayonnaise substitute, this salad can easily be adapted for a vegan diet.
What should I do right before serving?
Give the salad a gentle stir to remix any ingredients that may have settled during the chilling process.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad features a balance of tender sweet potatoes and the crunch of fresh green bell peppers.
Can I use red onion instead of white?
The recipe calls for onion; you can use red onion for a sharper flavor and more color if preferred.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients listed, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided your mayonnaise is gluten-free.
Can this be served as a main meal?
Yes, it can be served on its own as a light meal for a warm day or as a side dish at a barbecue.
How many ingredients are in this salad?
The recipe consists of 6 total ingredients.
What makes the dressing 'zesty'?
The combination of lemon pepper and the optional hot pepper sauce gives the dressing its zesty flavor.
Is the salad spicy?
The spice level is mild but can be increased by adding more hot pepper sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
While the recipe specifies green peppers and onions, you could add celery or corn for extra crunch.
How should I store leftovers?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
Specific serving sizes are not provided, but with 3 lbs of potatoes, it is intended to be a crowd-pleaser for groups.
Can I use sweet potato varieties other than standard ones?
Yes, any variety of sweet potato that holds its shape well after steaming can be used.