Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will make your taste buds dance with tropical delight! This Aloha Sweet Potato Salad is not just another side dish – it's a vibrant explosion of Hawaiian-inspired flavors that will transform your ordinary meal into an exotic feast. With its perfect blend of creamy sweet potatoes, zesty lime, and fresh cilantro, this recipe promises to be your new go-to dish that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Hawaiian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into evenly sized cubes, about 1-inch in size. This will ensure they cook evenly.
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover them with water. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to medium and let the sweet potatoes cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. You want them soft but not mushy.
- While the sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
- Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool for a few minutes. You can also rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sweet potatoes, chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Pour the dressing over the sweet potato mixture and gently toss everything together until the sweet potatoes are well coated with the dressing and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the Aloha Sweet Potato Salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional cilantro if desired. Enjoy your refreshing Hawaiian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes with minimal blemishes for the best texture and flavor.
- Cube Consistently: Cut sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Don't Overcook: Test potato tenderness with a fork – they should be soft but not mushy. Overcooking can make them fall apart.
- Chill for Enhanced Flavor: While the salad can be served immediately, letting it sit for 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for the most vibrant taste. Bottled lime juice can't compare to the brightness of fresh-squeezed.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add some diced jalapeños for extra heat or toasted macadamia nuts for a true Hawaiian touch.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for potlucks and meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 217kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
