Image Credit – Kelsey
If you’re looking for a healthy, colorful, and flavorful side dish that stands out, Purple Sweet Potato Salad is your new go-to. Not only is it visually stunning, but it’s also packed with nutrients and naturally sweet, making it a refreshing twist on traditional potato salad.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, potluck, or weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to impress both your eyes and your taste buds.
Purple Sweet Potato Salad: A Vibrant Twist on a Classic Favorite
What Makes Purple Sweet Potatoes Special?
Purple sweet potatoes are a nutrient-dense superfood known for their vibrant violet flesh and earthy-sweet taste. They’re rich in antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins—the same compound found in blueberries—which give them their beautiful color and health-boosting properties.
These potatoes are also high in fiber, vitamin A, and potassium, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters.
Why Choose Purple Sweet Potato Salad?
This salad is a fun and healthy alternative to classic potato salad. Instead of heavy mayonnaise-based dressing, it’s often made with lighter options like Greek yogurt, olive oil, or citrus vinaigrettes. You can also add a variety of crunchy and creamy textures with ingredients like celery, red onions, avocado, and boiled eggs.
Plus, the bold purple color makes this dish a beautiful addition to any table—especially when paired with other bright fruits and veggies.
How to Make Purple Sweet Potato Salad
Here’s a simple yet flavorful version of Purple Sweet Potato Salad you can try:
Ingredients:
- 3–4 medium purple sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1 avocado, cubed (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- 1–2 boiled eggs, sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Boil the sweet potatoes: Place the cubed purple sweet potatoes in a pot of salted water. Boil until fork-tender (about 10–15 minutes), then drain and let cool.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sweet potatoes, onion, celery, avocado, and parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently mix to coat.
- Garnish with sliced boiled eggs or additional herbs if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Tips for the Best Purple Sweet Potato Salad
- Don’t overcook the potatoes—soft but not mushy is key.
- Add a pop of crunch with chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts.
- For a tangy twist, try adding crumbled feta cheese or pickled onions.
- Make it vegan by skipping the eggs and using maple syrup instead of honey.
A Feast for the Eyes and the Body
Purple Sweet Potato Salad is more than just a pretty dish—it’s a celebration of wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients. Whether you serve it at a BBQ, as a side dish, or as a light lunch, it brings flavor, color, and wellness to your plate.
So next time you see purple sweet potatoes at the market, grab a few and try this recipe. It might just become your new favorite salad! Let us know in the comments if you’ve tried this vibrant dish or added your own twist to it. We’d love to hear how you made this salad your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Purple Sweet Potato Salad healthier than regular potato salad?
Purple Sweet Potato Salad is healthier due to its high antioxidant content, especially anthocyanins, which give it its rich purple color. It’s often made with lighter dressings like olive oil or Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, making it lower in calories and saturated fat.
Can I make Purple Sweet Potato Salad vegan?
Yes, you can easily make Purple Sweet Potato Salad vegan by skipping ingredients like boiled eggs or dairy-based dressings. Use olive oil, lemon juice, and maple syrup for a plant-based version that’s still flavorful and nutritious.
How do you keep Purple Sweet Potato Salad from turning mushy?
To avoid mushy Purple Sweet Potato Salad, be sure to boil the sweet potatoes just until tender—about 10–15 minutes. Drain them well and let them cool before mixing with other ingredients. This keeps the texture firm and the salad fresh.
Purple Sweet Potato Salad: A Vibrant Twist on a Classic Favorite
Ingredients
- 3 –4 medium purple sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery diced
- 1 avocado cubed (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro chopped
- 1 –2 boiled eggs sliced (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the sweet potatoes: Place the cubed purple sweet potatoes in a pot of salted water. Boil until fork-tender (about 10–15 minutes), then drain and let cool.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, and honey. Season with salt and pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sweet potatoes, onion, celery, avocado, and parsley. Drizzle the dressing over the top and gently mix to coat.
- Garnish with sliced boiled eggs or additional herbs if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
