Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Sweet Potato Salad

Sweet Potato Salad

We usually think of potato salads as summer grilling and picnic food and once the cooler weather sets in, we want them baked or mashed. But the white spud's second cousin once removed (botanically, they're not even related), the sweet potato, makes for fine cool weather fare.

Sweet Potato Salad
You can heighten their natural sweetness by loading them up with brown sugar and marshmallows at the holidays but that never really appealed to me. I prefer to compliment that sweet taste with some smokey, earthy spices and fresh herbs. I've tried them with smoked paprika and curry powder but my favorite is cumin. It has a deep, smokey flavor that adds warmth without much spicy heat and is a perfect match to sweet potatoes. They can be a little tricky to use in salads because they tend to overcook quickly. But with just a little extra attention, this salad makes an amazing autumn side dish. Enjoy!




Ingredients
1 Large or 2 small sweet potatoes
2 Tablespoons mayonnaise (I used low fat)
1 Tablespoon sour cream (I used low fat)
2 Tablespoons buttermilk
1 Teaspoon mustard
1 Teaspoon cumin
1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon chopped scallions or chives
Salt & pepper to taste

Sweet Potato Salad
Make the dressing by combining the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, mustard, cumin, garlic powder and scallions in a small bowl.

Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into bite size pieces. It's important to make the pieces as evenly sized as you reasonably can. Cook them in boiling, salted water until fork tender. They won't hold up to the salad if they're overcooked so start checking them at 5 minutes. When they're done, drain them well and return to the pot.

While the potatoes are still hot, dump the dressing over them and stir only once or twice and very gently. Allow the potatoes to sit and absorb the flavors of the dressing for about 20 minutes. Gently finish folding in the dressing and serve. Makes approximately 2 servings.

17 comments:

  1. I'm in love. This is such a unique dish! I need to try it...soon!

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  2. How interesting! I love this idea - outside the box is always a welcome change.

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  3. Yum! This salad looks delicious. I bet the smoky cumin pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes. I'm with you on the marshmallow bit. Not a fan!

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  4. wow, you're right I've never thought about sweet potato salad! this sounds fantastic :)

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  5. How festive is this one WOW! Elegant and just perfection!

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  6. I had never thought of a sweet potato salad! How cool!!!

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  7. This looks great! Cumin is MY favorite too!

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  8. i've never thought of a sweet potato salad! such a great idea Anita!

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  9. LOVE sweet potatoes in the fall. Great recipe!

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  10. Ooh, I think I love this even more than the classic potato salad! YUM!

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  11. Your salad looks amazing! great twist to the good ol' potato salad! :)

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  12. This looks so yummmy!! I love sweet potatoes! I wonder what this would be like if the potatoes were roasted? I am pinning this so I can find out. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe at Foodie Friends Friday.

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  13. What a fantastic idea for sweet potatoes. I would never have thought to make them into a salad like this. So perfect with grilled anything!

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  14. This is very fun and unique! I adore sweet potatoes.

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  15. What a wonderful salad. I have a few sweet potatoes at home too! Thank you for sharing such an inspired treat! I'm hungry...even though I just ate a big bowl of stew! I hope you are having a good start to the week. I'm already ready for Friday :-)

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  16. I listed this recipe as my host favorite at Foodie Friends Friday. I can't wait to try it! It's on the menu for next week.
    www.alilcountrysugar.blogspot.com

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  17. It seems interesting recipe and salad looks perfect on the photos!

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