Name: Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 4 medium Sweet Potatoes (peeled and cut into ¾ inch slices); 1 tablespoon Olive Oil; to taste Salt; to taste Pepper; 1 ear Sweet Corn (husked); 15 ounces Black Beans (rinsed and drained); 1 Red Pepper (diced); 2 Green Onions (chopped); ½ cup Cilantro (chopped); 2 Avocados (pit and skin removed, chopped); Juice of 2 Limes; to taste Salt; to taste Pepper

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When I think of summer gatherings, one dish that always comes to mind is Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad. There’s something so inviting about the smoky aroma from the grill mingling with the sweetness of fresh corn and the vibrant colors of the ingredients. I remember the first time I made this salad for a backyard barbecue; the sun was shining, and laughter filled the air. As everyone helped themselves, I felt a sense of joy knowing I had created something that brought people together. Each bite of the salad bursts with flavor, and it’s not just filling—it’s a celebration of summer in a bowl!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
35 mins

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
25 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
300 kcal

Protein:
8 g

Diet:
Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-Free

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Chef’s Knife, Cutting Board, Peeler, Wooden Spoon

The Best Thing About This Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad

Flavor Explosion

The combination of sweet potatoes, grilled corn, and fresh vegetables creates a delightful medley of flavors. Every bite is a little adventure for your taste buds!

Healthy Goodness

This salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, while black beans provide protein and fiber, making it a wholesome choice for any meal.

Versatile Dish

Whether you serve it as a main dish or a side, the Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad fits perfectly into any dining scenario. It’s great for picnics, barbecues, or even quick weeknight dinners.

Easy to Make

This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require advanced cooking skills, making it accessible for everyone. You can whip it up in no time!

Perfect for Meal Prep

This salad keeps well in the refrigerator, making it easier to have healthy meals on hand during the week. You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner!

Colorful Presentation

The vibrant colors of the ingredients not only make this dish visually appealing but also indicate a variety of nutrients. A colorful plate is always more appetizing!

Everything You Need for Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad

This recipe brings together a beautiful array of fresh ingredients that work harmoniously to create a wonderful dish. The key players in the Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad are the sweet potatoes, corn, and black beans. Together they provide a perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and heartiness.

4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾ inch slices: A nutritious base, these sweet potatoes add a creamy texture and natural sweetness.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps in grilling and adds a rich flavor to the salad.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
1 ear sweet corn, husked: Adds a juicy crunch and sweet flavor, perfect for summer.
15 ounces black beans, rinsed and drained: A great source of protein and fiber, making this salad more filling.
1 red pepper, diced: Adds color and a sweet crunch.
2 green onions, chopped: Adds a mild onion flavor that complements the other ingredients.
½ cup chopped cilantro: Provides freshness and a burst of flavor.
2 avocados, pit and skin removed, chopped: Adds creaminess and healthy fats, making the salad rich and satisfying.
Juice of 2 limes: Brightens the flavors and adds a zesty kick.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Additional seasoning to balance all the flavors.

Instructions for Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad

Making the Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad is a delightful experience. Let’s break it down step by step so you can enjoy creating this colorful, flavorful dish.

Start by preparing your ingredients. In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. This will help them caramelize beautifully on the grill.
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Once it’s hot, carefully place the seasoned sweet potatoes on the grill. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes on one side. You should see beautiful grill marks and a golden color starting to form.
After 8 to 10 minutes, flip the sweet potatoes over to grill the other side until they are tender. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
While the sweet potatoes are grilling, take your ear of corn and place it on the grill as well. Grill for about 3 to 4 minutes, rotating it occasionally so that all sides become slightly charred. This will enhance its natural sweetness.
Once the sweet potatoes and corn are done, remove them from the grill and let them cool to room temperature for a bit. This will make handling easier when chopping.
Once cooled, cut the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the kernels off the cob of the grilled corn and add them to the bowl as well.
Next, add in the rinsed and drained black beans, diced red pepper, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, and the chopped avocados. The colors will start to pop—this is where the magic happens!
Now it’s time to squeeze the juice of the limes over the salad. This will brighten up all the flavors. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients, making sure everything is well mixed.
Finally, taste your salad and season with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad.

Things Worth Knowing

Grilling Time: Make sure the grill is adequately heated before placing the sweet potatoes on it. This helps them cook evenly and adds a nice char.
Choosing Sweet Potatoes: Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin. Avoid any with blemishes or soft spots.
Variety of Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs that you enjoy. This salad is very adaptable!
Letting it Rest: Allow the salad to sit for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can meld together.

Make It Your Own

Every chef has their own touch, and here are some suggestions for personalizing your Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad:

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Freezing: This salad is not recommended for freezing due to the texture of the ingredients, especially the avocados.
Pairing: Serve this salad alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.
Make it Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick if you love heat!
Change the Beans: Swap out the black beans for pinto beans or chickpeas for a different flavor.
Herbal Twist: Experiment with different herbs, like parsley or mint, to change the flavor profile.

How to Serve Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad

Serving the Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad can be as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to consider:

Light Lunch: This salad makes a fantastic light lunch option, especially with a side of crusty bread.
Picnic Delight: Pack it for your next picnic; it travels well and tastes great chilled.
Potluck Favorite: Bring it to potlucks—everyone will love the vibrant flavors and it will surely be a hit.
Healthy Side Dish: Pair it with grilled meats for a healthy side that complements any summer meal.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the refrigerator and eat them within two days for the best taste.
Seasonal Pairing: Enjoy this dish during warmer months when fresh produce is at its peak.

FAQ

Absolutely! The Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just be aware that the avocados might brown a bit, so it’s best to add them right before serving if you want them to stay fresh and vibrant.

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, such as chicken or fish. You can also serve it as a standalone dish for a light lunch or picnic. It complements any summer meal beautifully!

Yes! The Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or light dinners throughout the week.

Definitely! You can add or substitute ingredients based on your preferences. For instance, feel free to include other vegetables, different types of beans, or even some fresh herbs to make it your own.

Conclusion

The Southwestern Grilled Sweet Potato Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that truly embodies summer. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also a healthy dish that everyone will love. I encourage you to try this recipe at your next gathering or as a refreshing weeknight dinner. Enjoy the vibrant colors and delicious taste that will surely brighten your table!