Name: Spiced Peanut Sweet Potato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-488543H4M12S
Total time: PT-488543H4M12S
Cuisine: Fusion / Healthy
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into small cubes; 2 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoon ground ginger; 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 handful of parsley, chopped; 45 gram dates, pitted and chopped; 1 tablespoon (heaped) black sesame seeds (white sesame seeds also work—toast as needed); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 handful of peanuts, chopped and toasted, for serving (optional); 1 handful chopped radicchio for serving (optional); 2 tablespoon date syrup or maple syrup; 2 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoon smooth peanut butter; 1 lemon, juiced

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 15 reviews

If you’ve been searching for a dish that brings warmth, a hint of sweetness, and a delightful crunch all in one bowl, look no further than this Spiced Peanut Sweet Potato Salad. It’s a beautifully balanced salad bursting with color and rich flavors—from the cinnamon and cumin-kissed roasted sweet potatoes to the creamy peanut butter dressing, and those toasted peanuts adding that perfect nutty finish. Whether you want a comforting lunch or a vibrant side dish for your next gathering, this salad will quickly become your go-to favorite.

Spiced Peanut Sweet Potato Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for the Spiced Peanut Sweet Potato Salad is a treat in itself because every item plays a crucial role. From the natural sweetness of dates to the earthiness of sesame seeds, these simple components combine to create layers of texture and flavor you won’t forget.

Sweet potatoes: The star of the salad, adding natural sweetness and a soft, hearty texture when roasted.
Olive oil: Helps the spices stick and adds a subtle richness to the potatoes.
Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cumin: Bring warmth and aromatic depth, elevating the sweet potatoes into something truly special.
Parsley: Freshness and a pop of green that lightens the dish.
Dates: Their natural sweetness perfectly complements the spices and adds a chewy contrast.
Black sesame seeds: Offer a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch; you can alternatively use toasted white sesame seeds for a milder nutty note.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance all the flavors.
Peanuts: Toasted and chopped, they add a satisfying crunch and intensify the peanuty theme.
Radicchio (optional): Adds a slightly bitter bite and vibrant color to the salad.
Date syrup or maple syrup: Sweetens the dressing naturally with a rich, caramel-like flavor.
Sesame oil: Intensifies the nutty character and adds a silky texture.
Smooth peanut butter: Creates a creamy, luscious dressing that clings beautifully to the potatoes.
Lemon juice: Provides acidity that brightens the whole salad and balances the sweetness.

How to Make Spiced Peanut Sweet Potato Salad

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Start by preheating your oven to 240°C (464°F). This high temperature ensures your sweet potatoes get wonderfully tender while developing a slightly caramelized exterior that brings out their natural sugars. Toss the peeled cubes in olive oil, sprinkle the ground ginger, cinnamon, cumin, and some salt and pepper, then coat everything evenly. Spread them in a large baking tray so they roast evenly. Pop them in the oven for about 45-50 minutes—this slow roasting is key to achieving that perfect softness that makes the salad so comforting.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

While the sweet potatoes are roasting, whisk together the date syrup (or maple syrup), sesame oil, smooth peanut butter, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. The goal is a silky, slightly tangy dressing with just the right amount of sweetness to enhance the flavors of the roasted potatoes without overpowering them. Having this ready beforehand means your salad comes together effortlessly once the potatoes are done.

Step 3: Combine the Fresh Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss the chopped parsley, dates, and black sesame seeds together. This fresh mixture provides a burst of flavor and texture that balances the warm roasted potatoes. The dates add an unexpected bit of chewiness that pairs beautifully with the crunch of sesame seeds and peanuts.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Once your sweet potatoes come out of the oven and have cooled slightly, add them to the bowl with the parsley and dates. Pour your peanut dressing over everything and give it all a gentle but thorough toss so each piece is coated with that luscious peanut goodness. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, sprinkle the toasted chopped peanuts and, if you like, some radicchio on top for a refreshing bitter bite and color contrast. Then dig in—you’re in for a treat!

How to Serve Spiced Peanut Sweet Potato Salad

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like toasted peanuts provides a delightful crunch that pops against the creamy texture of the dressing. Fresh parsley enhances the brightness and makes the dish look inviting. For a bit more color and subtle bitterness, scattering chopped radicchio on top turns this salad into an even more enticing plate.

Side Dishes

Spiced Peanut Sweet Potato Salad stands wonderfully on its own but also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or fish for a wholesome meal. If you’re hosting a veggie-forward feast, serve it alongside quinoa or couscous to round out the flavors and textures. It’s also a perfect side for casual backyard barbecues or picnic spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this salad in a rustic wooden bowl to emphasize its earthy flavors, or layer it in clear glass jars for an eye-catching presentation perfect for meal prep or portable lunches. You could also pile it over a bed of fresh greens for an extra layer of freshness or stuff it into pita pockets for a handheld, flavor-packed snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Spiced Peanut Sweet Potato Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so, the next day. Just be sure to keep any garnishes separate if you want to maintain their crunch.

Freezing

Because of the fresh ingredients and peanut dressing, freezing the salad is not recommended. The texture of the sweet potatoes might change upon thawing, and the dressing can separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Reheating

If you prefer your sweet potatoes warm, gently reheat leftovers in the microwave or a skillet until just warmed through—avoid overheating to preserve the texture. You can always add a little extra dressing or fresh herbs to refresh the flavors after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts besides peanuts?

Absolutely! While peanuts offer a lovely complement to the peanut butter dressing, you could swap in cashews or almonds toasted and chopped to your liking. Just keep in mind the flavor will shift slightly depending on the nut.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this Spiced Peanut Sweet Potato Salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free date syrup or maple syrup and check your peanut butter label to avoid any hidden gluten.

Can I make this salad vegan?

It’s already vegan! All the ingredients are plant-based, which makes it a fantastic option for anyone avoiding animal products without missing out on flavor or richness.

What’s the best way to toast the sesame seeds and peanuts?

Dry toast them in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This step really brings out their nutty aroma and adds an amazing depth to the salad.

Could I use sweet potato wedges instead of cubes?

While wedges might roast well, the salad works best with small cubes to allow even coating in spices and the dressing. Cubes also make for a better bite-sized texture that’s easier to mix with the other ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Spiced Peanut Sweet Potato Salad is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug packed with exciting flavors and textures, yet comes together without fuss. I promise it will become an effortless favorite in your kitchen—perfect for cozy nights or sharing with friends. Don’t wait to whip up this colorful, comforting bowl of goodness!