Summertime Sweet Potato Salad

Summertime Sweet Potato Salad Recipe

| Servings: 4

Introduction

Summertime Sweet Potato Salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish that is perfect for warm weather. This salad is packed with flavor and is a great way to enjoy the sweetness of sweet potatoes in a light and healthy way.

History

Sweet potatoes have been a staple in many cuisines for centuries, with their origins dating back to Central and South America. This recipe takes the traditional sweet potato and gives it a modern twist by combining it with fresh vegetables and a tangy yogurt dressing.

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes (1.5 lb or 680 g), peeled and cut into 1 inch cubes
0.33 cup of nonfat or low-fat plain yogurt
1 small red bell pepper, diced
2 scallions, thinly sliced
3 tbsp of chopped fresh basil
1 tsp of red wine vinegar
0.25 tsp of salt
0.13 tsp of freshly ground black pepper

How to prepare

Place the sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan and add enough cold water to cover them.
Bring the saucepan to a boil and cook the sweet potatoes until they are tender, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
Drain the sweet potatoes, then rinse them under cold water to cool them down. Drain them again.
In a large bowl, combine the sweet potatoes, yogurt, bell pepper, scallions, basil, vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
You can serve the dish at room temperature or chilled.

Variations

You can add in other herbs such as parsley or cilantro for added flavor. You can also add in some nuts or seeds for crunch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the sweet potatoes until they are tender but not mushy.

- You can customize this salad by adding in other vegetables such as cherry tomatoes or cucumbers.

- For a creamier texture, you can mash some of the sweet potatoes before mixing in the other ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling the sweet potatoes until tender is the key technique for this recipe. Be sure to not overcook them to maintain their texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of regular yogurt for a creamier dressing. You can also use white vinegar or lemon juice instead of red wine vinegar.

Make Ahead Tips

You can make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to mix in the yogurt dressing right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with some extra basil leaves or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. It also goes well with a side of crusty bread.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Summertime Sweet Potato Salad contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Summertime Sweet Potato Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This salad is low in fat, with only 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

There are 3 grams of protein in each serving of this sweet potato salad.

Vitamins and minerals

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. This salad also contains antioxidants from the red bell pepper and scallions.

Alergens

This recipe is gluten-free and can be made dairy-free by using a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Summary

Overall, this sweet potato salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that is perfect for a light summer meal.

Summary

Summertime Sweet Potato Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for summer. Packed with flavor and fresh ingredients, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe for Summertime Sweet Potato Salad. It was a warm summer day, with the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window. I had invited my dear friend, Mrs. Johnson, over for a little luncheon and she brought this dish along with her.

Mrs. Johnson had always been a fantastic cook, so I was eager to see what delicious creation she had brought with her that day. As she set the dish down on the table, the aroma of sweet potatoes, herbs, and spices filled the room. My mouth watered in anticipation as she began to explain how she had come up with the recipe.

She told me that she had been inspired by a dish she had tried at a local farmer's market. The combination of sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and a tangy dressing had left a lasting impression on her, and she set out to recreate it at home. After several trial and error attempts, she had finally perfected the recipe and was excited to share it with me.

I took a bite of the salad and was immediately blown away by the burst of flavors in my mouth. The sweetness of the potatoes combined perfectly with the crunch of the peppers and the zing of the dressing. It was a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy all in one bite.

Mrs. Johnson graciously shared the recipe with me, and I knew that this dish would become a summertime staple in my own kitchen. Over the years, I have made some tweaks and additions to the original recipe, but the essence of Mrs. Johnson's creation still remains.

As I think back on that day, I can't help but feel grateful for the friendships I have cultivated over the years. Each person I have met has brought something special into my life, whether it be a new recipe, a piece of wisdom, or simply a kind gesture. Mrs. Johnson's Summertime Sweet Potato Salad has become more than just a dish to me. It is a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing good food and good company with loved ones.

I have since shared the recipe with my own friends and family, each time passing on the story of how I first learned to make it. It has become a tradition to make this salad every summer, and I love the memories that it brings back of that sunny day in my kitchen with Mrs. Johnson.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Summertime Sweet Potato Salad, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the people who have touched my life and contributed to my culinary repertoire. Cooking is not just about following a recipe, it's about creating memories and connections with those around you. And for that, I am forever grateful.