Zesty Shaved Sweet Potato Salad
Indulge in this vibrant Zesty Shaved Sweet Potato Salad, a fresh and flavorful side dish perfect for any gathering. The combination of blanched sweet potato 'noodles' with zesty lemon juice, aromatic herbs, and a hint of heat from hot sauce creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Packed with nutrients and a beautiful array of colors, this salad is a fantastic way to enjoy the health benefits of sweet potatoes while impressing your guests. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing addition to your meal.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet potato
1 lb (peeled, coarsely grated, and blanched)
chopped onion
1/2 cup (raw)
garlic clove
1 medium (minced)
hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (chopped)
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
1/4 cup (extra virgin)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
salt
to taste (to taste)
Instructions
1
Start by peeling and washing the sweet potatoes. Using a spiralizer or a box grater, create long, thin 'noodles' of sweet potato.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Carefully add the sweet potato noodles and blanch for 1 to 2 minutes until they are just tender but still firm.
3
Quickly remove the noodles from the boiling water and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Drain the noodles thoroughly once cooled.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped onion, minced garlic, hot sauce, chopped cilantro, chopped parsley, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to form a dressing.
5
Add the drained sweet potato noodles to the dressing mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
6
Allow the salad to marinate for 10 minutes at room temperature or refrigerate for a refreshing chill before serving. This enhances the flavors.
7
Serve as a side dish or light refreshing salad, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Shaved Sweet Potato Salad?
It is a vibrant, fresh side dish featuring blanched sweet potato noodles tossed in a dressing of lemon juice, fresh herbs, and a hint of hot sauce.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 6 people.
Is this sweet potato salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal-derived ingredients.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Zesty Shaved Sweet Potato Salad is gluten-free.
How do I prepare the sweet potatoes for shaving?
Start by peeling and washing the sweet potatoes, then use a spiralizer or a box grater to create long, thin noodles.
How long should I blanch the sweet potato noodles?
Blanch the noodles in boiling salted water for 1 to 2 minutes until they are just tender but still firm.
What is the purpose of the ice water bath?
The ice water bath halts the cooking process immediately, ensuring the sweet potato noodles do not become overcooked or mushy.
What ingredients are in the dressing for this salad?
The dressing is made from onion, garlic, hot sauce, cilantro, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, and salt.
Can I use a box grater if I don't have a spiralizer?
Yes, a box grater works perfectly fine to create the coarsely grated or shaved texture required for the salad.
How long should the salad marinate before serving?
It is recommended to allow the salad to marinate for at least 10 minutes at room temperature to enhance the flavors.
Should this salad be served hot or cold?
It can be served at room temperature or refrigerated for a refreshing chill before serving.
How much hot sauce should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce, but you can adjust this amount to your personal spice preference.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
Can I substitute the cilantro?
Yes, if you do not like cilantro, you can increase the amount of parsley or use another fresh herb like mint.
What are the health benefits of this salad?
This salad is packed with nutrients from sweet potatoes, fresh herbs, and healthy fats from olive oil, making it a nutritious side dish.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it ahead of time and refrigerating it allows the zesty flavors to meld even better.
What kind of lemon juice should I use?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How do I ensure the noodles aren't too soggy?
Be sure to drain the sweet potato noodles thoroughly after the ice bath before adding them to the dressing.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chopped raw onion; any variety like red, white, or yellow will work depending on your taste.
Is there any salt in this recipe?
Yes, salt is added to the boiling water for blanching and also to the dressing to taste.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients list, which are all plant-based, this recipe is naturally cholesterol-free.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra color and crunch.
What is the main flavor profile of this dish?
The flavor profile is zesty and aromatic, dominated by lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.
How do I prepare the garlic?
The recipe requires one medium garlic clove that should be minced before being added to the dressing.
What texture should the sweet potatoes have?
The sweet potatoes should be tender enough to eat comfortably but firm enough to maintain their noodle shape.
Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Yes, lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice if you prefer a different citrus note.
How much black pepper is needed?
The recipe suggests 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Is this salad suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for gatherings as it is easy to transport and can be served at various temperatures.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Yes, the instructions recommend peeling the sweet potatoes before creating the noodles.