Zesty Southwestern Sweet Potato Noodle Salad
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of our Zesty Southwestern Sweet Potato Noodle Salad, a dish that masterfully combines the earthy sweetness of spiralized sweet potatoes with the fresh crunch of mixed greens and the zesty brightness of avocado lime dressing. This visually stunning and deliciously nutritious bowl is packed with protein-rich black beans, savory cherry tomatoes, and aromatic cilantro, making it a perfect light meal or a hearty side. Ideal for those looking for a macro-friendly option, this salad is not just a feast for the eyes but also for the palate, reminiscent of gourmet dishes found in upscale restaurants.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic clove
1 (peeled and chopped)
cilantro
1 cup (can substitute with parsley)
ripe avocado
1 (peeled and pitted)
tahini
2 tablespoons
lime juice
1 (from a fresh lime)
water
1/3 cup (add more to thin if needed)
sea salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
mixed baby greens
handful
cherry tomatoes
3/4 cup (halved)
fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon (minced)
lime
1/2 (juice of, plus more to garnish)
sweet potato
1 (peeled and spiralized)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (divided)
cooked black beans
2/3 cup
ground cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon
ground coriander
1/8 teaspoon
sliced avocado
to garnish
green onion
to garnish
Instructions
1
Prepare the Avocado Dressing: In a food processor, combine the garlic, cilantro, avocado, tahini, lime juice, and water. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth; add more water if a thinner consistency is desired. Season with sea salt and black pepper to taste. Transfer the dressing to a jar for serving (extra can be saved for later use).
2
Make the Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cherry tomatoes, mixed baby greens, and minced fresh cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and gently combine. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3
Spiralize the Sweet Potatoes: Peel and spiralize the sweet potato into noodles. If you lack a spiralizer, use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons.
4
Sauté the Sweet Potato Noodles: In a non-stick frying pan, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sweet potato noodles and sauté for 2–3 minutes, just until they soften slightly. Then, transfer the cooked noodles into the bowl with the greens and tomatoes.
5
Warm the Black Beans: Without cleaning the pan, add the remaining teaspoon of olive oil. Toss in the cooked black beans, cayenne pepper, and ground coriander. Stir-fry for a couple of minutes until the beans are heated through. Once done, add the beans to the sweet potato noodle and greens mixture.
6
Combine and Serve: Toss all the ingredients in the bowl until well combined. You can either mix in the avocado dressing thoroughly or serve the salad and drizzle the dressing on top for a visually appealing presentation. Garnish with additional sliced avocado, chopped green onions, and lime wedges. Enjoy your vibrant Southwestern bowl!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Zesty Southwestern Sweet Potato Noodle Salad?
It is a vibrant, macro-friendly dish combining spiralized sweet potatoes, mixed greens, and a zesty avocado lime dressing.
Is this sweet potato noodle salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegan and plant-based.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients used in this Southwestern salad are naturally gluten-free.
What are the main components of the dressing?
The dressing consists of garlic, cilantro, ripe avocado, tahini, lime juice, and water.
How do I make sweet potato noodles without a spiralizer?
If you do not have a spiralizer, you can use a vegetable peeler to create thin sweet potato ribbons.
How long should I sauté the sweet potato noodles?
Sauté the noodles in olive oil for about 2 to 3 minutes until they just begin to soften.
What kind of beans are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses cooked black beans which are warmed with spices before serving.
What spices are used to season the black beans?
The black beans are seasoned with ground cayenne pepper and ground coriander.
Can I substitute cilantro if I don't like it?
Yes, the recipe suggests that parsley can be used as a substitute for cilantro.
How do I adjust the consistency of the avocado dressing?
You can add more water to the food processor until you reach your desired thinner consistency.
What type of greens are used in the salad base?
The salad base features a handful of mixed baby greens.
Are the cherry tomatoes cooked?
No, the cherry tomatoes are halved and tossed raw with the greens to provide a fresh crunch.
Is this recipe considered low cholesterol?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as a low cholesterol healthy meal option.
What is the best way to serve the dressing?
You can either mix the dressing thoroughly into the salad or drizzle it on top for a better presentation.
How should the garlic be prepared for the dressing?
The garlic clove should be peeled and chopped before being added to the food processor.
What garnishes are recommended for this dish?
Recommended garnishes include sliced avocado, chopped green onions, and extra lime wedges.
Should the sweet potatoes be peeled?
Yes, the sweet potato should be peeled before it is spiralized or peeled into ribbons.
How much olive oil is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of olive oil in total, divided between the noodles and the beans.
Is the avocado dressing spicy?
The dressing itself is zesty from lime and garlic, while the heat comes from the cayenne pepper added to the beans.
Can I store leftover dressing?
Yes, any extra dressing can be saved in a jar for later use.
What kind of salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe specifies using sea salt to taste.
Does this salad contain tahini?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of tahini are used to add creaminess to the avocado dressing.
How do you prepare the fresh lime?
The juice of one lime is used for the dressing, and another half lime is juiced for the salad base.
What is the texture of the sweet potato noodles?
They are slightly softened from a quick sauté but still provide a satisfying, noodle-like structure.
Is this dish suitable for a light meal?
Yes, it is perfect as a light meal or a hearty side dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 19 specific ingredients listed for this Southwestern salad.
What type of food processor is needed?
A standard food processor is used to blend the dressing ingredients until smooth.
Are the beans stir-fried?
Yes, the cooked black beans are briefly stir-fried with spices and olive oil to heat them through.
Is the cilantro in the salad base minced?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced fresh cilantro for the salad base.
What makes this salad Southwestern?
The combination of black beans, lime, cilantro, avocado, and spices like cumin and coriander gives it a classic Southwestern profile.