Looking for a vibrant and nutritious dish that will wow your taste buds? Look no further than this Roasted Asparagus and Sweet Potato Salad! Bursting with color and flavor, this salad combines the earthy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the crisp tenderness of asparagus, all topped off with creamy feta and a tangy balsamic drizzle. Perfect as a side or a light main dish, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a feast for the eyes. Ready to elevate your meal? Let’s dive into the delicious details!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Asparagus (1 bunch)
- Sweet potatoes (2, cubed)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Feta cheese (1/2 cup, crumbled)
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved)
- Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help to roast the sweet potatoes and asparagus, giving them a nice caramelization.
- While the oven is heating, prepare the sweet potatoes. Peel the sweet potatoes if desired, then cut them into 1-inch cubes. This size ensures they cook evenly and become tender.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure the sweet potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
- Spread the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make for easier cleanup.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the sweet potatoes for about 15 minutes, or until they are tender and lightly browned. Stir halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the asparagus. Rinse the asparagus under cold water and trim the tough ends, about 1-2 inches from the bottom.
- In the same mixing bowl, toss the asparagus with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- After the sweet potatoes have roasted for 15 minutes, remove the baking sheet from the oven and add the seasoned asparagus to the same sheet. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer for even roasting.
- Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for an additional 10 minutes, or until the asparagus is tender and bright green, and the sweet potatoes are golden brown.
- While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the cherry tomatoes. Rinse them under cold water and cut them in half. Set them aside for later.
- Once the vegetables are done roasting, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly for a few minutes.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the roasted sweet potatoes and asparagus with the halved cherry tomatoes. Gently toss to mix the ingredients together.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top of the salad for added flavor and creaminess.
- Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the roasted asparagus and sweet potato salad warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious and nutritious dish!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, select fresh asparagus and sweet potatoes. Look for asparagus that is firm and bright green, and sweet potatoes that are smooth and free from blemishes.
- Cut Uniformly: When cubing the sweet potatoes, aim for 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. This will help them roast perfectly and achieve that desirable caramelization.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup a breeze.
- Stir for Even Roasting: Remember to stir the sweet potatoes halfway through their roasting time. This simple step ensures all sides get that lovely golden color.
- Adjust Seasoning: After mixing in the balsamic vinegar, taste your salad and adjust the seasoning. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the flavors even more.
- Serve Warm or Room Temperature: This salad is versatile! Enjoy it warm right out of the oven, or let it cool to room temperature for a refreshing side dish at your next gathering.
- Add Your Twist: Feel free to customize this salad by adding nuts for crunch, or swapping the feta for goat cheese if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
