Looking for a vibrant dish that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your meal? Dive into the irresistible Bacon Lime Sweet Potato Salad! This colorful blend of roasted sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, and zesty lime dressing is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect as a side dish or a light meal, this recipe combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes with the savory crunch of bacon, all brought together by a refreshing lime dressing. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make dish that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting. Pat the cubes dry with a paper towel to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Spread the sweet potato cubes on the prepared baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the sweet potatoes in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking to ensure all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces.
- Dice the red onion and chop the fresh cilantro while the sweet potatoes are cooking.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, remaining olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Once sweet potatoes are done, remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
- In a large serving bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes, chopped bacon, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro.
- Pour the lime dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a delightful side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Opt for large, firm sweet potatoes for the best texture and flavor. Look for ones with smooth skin and no blemishes.
- Uniform Cubes: Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting. This will help them cook thoroughly and achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
- Crisp It Up: Pat the sweet potato cubes dry before roasting. This step helps them crisp up nicely in the oven, giving you that delightful texture.
- Bacon Perfection: For perfectly crispy bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat. This allows the fat to render out, resulting in a crunchy texture without burning.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for the dressing to enhance the flavors. Fresh herbs and citrus can elevate the entire dish!
- Adjust to Taste: Feel free to tweak the dressing ingredients. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add more lime juice, or for a richer taste, increase the olive oil.
- Serve Warm or Room Temperature: This salad can be enjoyed warm right out of the oven or at room temperature, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sweet potatoes and bacon ahead of time. Just combine everything and dress it just before serving for optimal freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
