Sweet Potato & Apple Salad Recipe – Pecan Maple Vinaigrette

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Sweet Potato & Apple Salad Recipe – Pecan Maple Vinaigrette

Introduction

Okay, friends, let me tell you about this salad. It’s honestly become a bit of a staple in my kitchen, especially during the cooler months. I first made it last fall when I was craving something both comforting and fresh, and it just…worked. The sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes and apples, the peppery bite of the arugula, and that incredible pecan maple vinaigrette? It’s a flavor explosion! It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a potluck contribution. You’ll absolutely love it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Sweet Potato & Apple Salad is a winner for so many reasons. It’s quick to throw together – seriously, about 30 minutes total. It’s packed with flavor and texture. Plus, it’s a beautiful salad! The vibrant colors just make it feel special. And honestly, it’s a fantastic way to get your veggies in.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious salad:

• 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (for roasting sweet potatoes)
• Pinch of salt
• 2 small apples
• 4-5 oz arugula
• ½ cup Sahale Snacks Pecans Glazed Mix
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1.5 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 lime (for juice)
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips from my kitchen to yours:

Sweet Potatoes: Varieties & Selection
Sweet potatoes come in different varieties – you’ll find orange-fleshed, white-fleshed, and even purple ones! I prefer orange-fleshed for this salad because of their sweetness, but honestly, any kind will work. Look for firm sweet potatoes without any soft spots.

Sahale Snacks Pecans Glazed Mix: A Unique Addition
I love using Sahale Snacks Pecans Glazed Mix in this salad. It adds a wonderful crunch and a hint of sweetness and spice. If you can’t find it, you can use plain pecans, but I highly recommend trying the glazed mix if you can!

Olive Oil: Choosing the Right Type
For the dressing, a good quality extra virgin olive oil is best. It has a lovely fruity flavor that really shines. For roasting the sweet potatoes, you can use regular olive oil.

Maple Syrup: Grades & Flavor Profiles
Real maple syrup is the way to go here! Grade A (formerly Grade B) has a more robust flavor, which I prefer, but Grade A Golden Delicate will also work. Avoid maple-flavored syrups – they just don’t have the same depth of flavor. (About 40ml)

Rice Vinegar: Regional Variations & Substitutes
Rice vinegar has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. You can find different types, like seasoned or unseasoned. Unseasoned is what you want here. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, but use a little less (about ¾ teaspoon) as they are more acidic.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze!
2. Toss the diced sweet potatoes with 1 teaspoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them out in a single layer on the baking sheet.
3. Roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender and slightly caramelized. Keep an eye on them – you want them cooked through but not burnt.
4. While the sweet potatoes are roasting, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar, 1.5 tablespoons of maple syrup, and the juice of 1 lime. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a large bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes, sliced apples, arugula, and ½ cup of Sahale Snacks Pecans Glazed Mix.
6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
7. For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Expert Tips

A few little things I’ve learned along the way:

Roasting Sweet Potatoes to Perfection
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet! This will steam the sweet potatoes instead of roasting them. Make sure they have enough space to get nice and crispy.

Balancing Sweetness & Acidity in the Dressing
Taste the dressing as you go! Adjust the maple syrup and lime juice to your liking. You want a balance between sweet and tangy.

Assembling the Salad for Optimal Texture
Add the pecans right before serving to keep them nice and crunchy. Nobody likes a soggy pecan!

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

Vegan Adaptation
This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just double-check that your Sahale Snacks Pecans Glazed Mix doesn’t contain any honey.

Gluten-Free Option
This salad is naturally gluten-free! Just be sure to check the ingredients of your Sahale Snacks Pecans Glazed Mix to confirm.

Spice Level Adjustment (Adding a touch of chili)
My friend Sarah loves a little heat, so I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. It adds a lovely kick!

Fall/Winter Festival Adaptation (Thanksgiving/Christmas side dish)
This salad is amazing as a side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas. I sometimes add dried cranberries and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a festive touch.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is great on its own, or you can serve it with:

• Grilled chicken or fish
• A hearty soup
• A slice of crusty bread

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The arugula will wilt a bit, but it will still taste delicious!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

How can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can roast the sweet potatoes and make the dressing ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator, and then assemble the salad just before serving.

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds would also be delicious.

What if I don’t have rice vinegar? What can I substitute?

As mentioned earlier, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar will work in a pinch. Use about ¾ teaspoon instead of 1 teaspoon.

Is this salad suitable for a potluck?

Definitely! It travels well and is always a crowd-pleaser.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the dressing?

Simply add more or less maple syrup to taste. A squeeze of extra lime juice can also help balance the sweetness.