Looking for a dish that perfectly balances sweetness and savory goodness? Look no further than our tantalizing Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon! This delightful recipe combines tender, cubed sweet potatoes with crispy bacon, crunchy celery, and zesty red onion, all brought together by a creamy dressing that will have your taste buds singing. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a refreshing side dish, this salad is sure to impress. With just 40 minutes of your time, you can whip up a dish that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Ready to elevate your salad game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Place sweet potato cubes in a large pot of salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for 8-10 minutes until tender but not mushy, maintaining a slight firmness when pierced with a fork.
- While sweet potatoes are cooking, cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble into small pieces.
- Drain cooked sweet potatoes in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow to cool for 5-7 minutes.
- Dice red onion and celery into small, uniform pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated.
- Add cooled sweet potato cubes, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and celery to the dressing. Gently fold ingredients together to coat evenly without breaking the sweet potato pieces.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed before serving chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Uniform Cubes: When cutting your sweet potatoes, aim for 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. This will help them cook uniformly and maintain their texture.
- Perfectly Cooked Potatoes: Keep an eye on the sweet potatoes while boiling. You want them tender enough to pierce with a fork, but not so soft that they fall apart. About 8-10 minutes should do the trick!
- Crispy Bacon: For the best flavor and texture, cook your bacon until it's nice and crispy. This will add a wonderful crunch to your salad.
- Cool Down: After cooking the sweet potatoes, rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain their firmness and prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Flavor Fusion: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Adjust Seasoning: Don't hesitate to taste your salad before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking for the perfect flavor balance.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it a versatile option for any occasion. Pair it with grilled meats or serve it as a standalone dish for a light lunch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 25mg
