Sweet Potato Salad with Turkey bacon

This Sweet Potato Salad with Turkey bacon, Walnuts and Lime Vinaigrette is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or a simple weeknight dinner. The roasted sweet potatoes pair beautifully with the crispy turkey bacon and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a refreshing lime vinaigrette. It’s not just tasty; it’s also nutritious, making it an ideal choice for anyone following Paleo or Whole30 diets.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful & Unique: The combination of sweet potatoes, turkey bacon, and lime vinaigrette creates a deliciously unique flavor profile.
• Versatile Side Dish: This salad pairs well with a variety of main courses and is perfect for any gathering.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this salad is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for leftovers! Store it in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Sweet Potato Salad with Turkey bacon, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• High-speed blender or food processor
• Slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a large surface area for even roasting of the sweet potatoes and walnuts.
• High-speed blender or food processor: Ensures that your dressing is smooth and well combined, which enhances the overall texture of the salad.

Ingredients

For the Dressing

• 3 medjool dates (pitted and soaked in hot water to soften, if necessary OR 2 Tbsp raw honey)
• 2 tbsp water (only if using dates) (using the water you soaked the dates in is fine)
• 2.5 tbsp fresh lime juice (plus an extra squeeze at the end if desired)
• 1 tsp finely grated lime zest
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
• pinch red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For the Salad

• 2 large sweet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-1 inch cubes (4-5 cups)
• 1 and 1/2 tbsp reserved Turkey turkey bacon fat (or other cooking fat)
• generous pinch sea salt
• generous pinch black pepper
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 6 slices nitrate free Turkey bacon (sugar-free for Whole30**, cut into pieces)
• 3/4 cup raw walnuts (roughly chopped + 1 tsp reserved Turkey turkey bacon fat or other cooking fat)
• finely chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish

How to Make Sweet Potato Salad with Turkeybacon

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

1. If you want to use reserved Turkey bacon fat to roast the sweet potatoes and walnuts, cook the Turkey turkey bacon first.
2. Over medium heat, cook the Turkey bacon until crisp. Stir occasionally to brown evenly.
3. Remove from skillet using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Set aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of rendered fat if desired.

Step 2: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, toss cubed sweet potatoes with reserved Turkey turkey bacon fat (or preferred cooking fat), sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
3. Spread out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet without overlapping.
4. Roast for 20 minutes; turn or stir gently before roasting an additional 10–15 minutes until soft and lightly browned.

Step 3: Add Walnuts

1. Toss walnuts with reserved Turkey bacon fat and a small pinch of salt.
2. Sprinkle over sweet potatoes during the last 5–7 minutes of roasting time to prevent burning.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. While roasting, blend dates (or honey), water (if needed), lime juice and zest, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and salt until smooth using a high-speed blender or food processor.
2. With blender on low speed, slowly pour in olive oil until smooth.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

1. Toss roasted sweet potatoes and walnuts with cooked Turkey bacon in a large bowl.
2. Add vinaigrette just before serving; drizzle slowly until satisfied with dressing amount.
3. Garnish with parsley or cilantro along with lime wedges if desired.

Enjoy your flavorful Sweet Potato Salad with Turkey bacon! Serve warm or at room temperature; leftovers can be stored tightly covered in your fridge for up to three days.

How to Serve Sweet Potato Salad with Turkey bacon

This sweet potato salad is not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve it. Whether for a picnic, barbecue, or a simple weeknight dinner, here are some ideas to enjoy this flavorful dish.

As a Main Dish

• Pair it with grilled chicken or turkey for a hearty meal that balances protein and fiber.

With Fresh Greens

• Serve over a bed of mixed greens or spinach to add extra nutrients and freshness.

As a Side at Gatherings

• This salad makes a great side dish at potlucks or barbecues, complementing grilled meats beautifully.

Topped with Avocado

• Add slices of avocado on top for creaminess that complements the sweet potatoes and vinaigrette.

With Extra Lime Wedges

• Offer lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor that enhances the dish.

How to Perfect Sweet Potato Salad with Turkey bacon

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your sweet potato salad, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lime juice and zest will provide brighter flavors compared to bottled options.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your vinaigrette before adding it to the salad. You can easily tweak the salt or acidity levels to suit your preference.
• Roast until crispy: Ensure your sweet potatoes are roasted until soft and slightly caramelized for optimal sweetness.
• Allow time to marinate: Letting the salad sit for a few minutes after dressing allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Sweet Potato Salad with Turkey bacon

This sweet potato salad pairs perfectly with various side dishes. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Marinated chicken grilled to perfection adds protein without overshadowing the salad’s flavors.
2. Quinoa Pilaf: Lightly spiced quinoa offers an additional grain option that complements the salad nicely.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and is rich in vitamins, making it a healthy choice.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These can be seasoned simply with olive oil and salt; their bitterness balances well with the sweetness of the salad.
5. Cucumber Tomato Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers and tomatoes dressed lightly with vinegar can enhance your meal’s overall freshness.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Tossed with olive oil and garlic, they provide a low-carb alternative that pairs well with the richness of the salad.
7. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Offer baked sweet potatoes as another way to enjoy this nutritious root vegetable alongside your main dish.
8. Cauliflower Rice: Lightly sautéed cauliflower rice adds volume and texture while keeping things low-carb.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making this Sweet Potato Salad with Turkey bacon, Walnuts and Lime Vinaigrette is simple, but there are a few common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the soaking of dates: If using dates for sweetness, soak them in hot water to soften. This ensures they blend smoothly into your vinaigrette.
• Overcooking the sweet potatoes: Monitor the roasting time closely. Overcooked sweet potatoes can become mushy. Aim for a tender yet firm texture.
• Not adjusting seasoning: Taste your dressing before adding it to the salad. You may need to adjust salt or lime juice to suit your preferences.
• Using stale walnuts: Always check your walnuts for freshness. Rancid nuts can ruin the flavor of your salad. Store them properly in an airtight container.
• Adding vinaigrette too early: Dress your salad just before serving. This keeps the sweet potatoes and walnuts crisp instead of soggy.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Sweet Potato Salad with Turkey bacon

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad as it can alter the texture of sweet potatoes and nuts.

Reheating Sweet Potato Salad with Turkey bacon

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this delicious salad.

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

You can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

Is this salad vegan-friendly?

To make this Sweet Potato Salad with Turkey  bacon, Walnuts and Lime Vinaigrette completely vegan, omit the turkey bacon and consider using smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a similar flavor profile.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrition.

What if I don’t have fresh limes?

If fresh limes aren’t available, you can use bottled lime juice as a substitute, though fresh is always best for flavor.

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can roast the sweet potatoes and prepare the dressing ahead of time. Combine them just before serving for optimal freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Sweet Potato Salad with Turkey bacon, Walnuts and Lime Vinaigrette is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that makes it suitable for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences while keeping it healthy and satisfying. Try it today!