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Close up vertical picture of a quinoa and sweet potato salad

Ballymaloe Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad

This Asian-inspired, Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad is super healthy, can be prepped ahead and simply bursts with bright, fresh, delicious flavor!

Course Main Course, Salad, Salad Dressing
Cuisine Asian, Irish
Keyword quinoa sweet potato salad, quinoa salad, sweet potato salad
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 208 kcal
Author Chris Scheuer

Ingredients

For the dressing:

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
  • finely grated lime zest from two medium limes
  • 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice from 2 medium-size limes
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 medium red chili or jalapeno
  • 1 medium clove garlic finely minced

For the quinoa

  • 1 ¼ cups quinoa uncooked
  • 1 ½ cups cold water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the salad:

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and diced into ¾-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3 medium onions peeled, halved and cut into thin wedges
  • 4 medium-size scallions green onions, thinly sliced on a diagonal
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped cilantro or basil
  • ¼ cup coarsely chopped mint

Instructions

For the dressing:

  1. Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake well. Set aside or refrigerate if preparing in advance.

For the salad:

  1. To cook the quinoa, rinse in a sieve under cold water for 2-3 minutes to remove the natural bitter coating. Place it in a saucepan along with the water and salt. Bring to a boil then​ cover with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to very low. Cook, covered for 12 minutes until the grain is tender. Turn off the heat, but leave the lid on for a further 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork and allow to cool slightly.

  2. Preheat the oven to 450˚F (230˚C). Lightly oil a sheet pan.
  3. Combine sweet potatoes, olive oil, coriander, cinnamon and salt on the prepared sheet pan and toss with your hands to coat. Roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until just beginning to caramelize. Add the onion wedges and roast for another 5 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

  4. Combine the cooled, cooked quinoa and the veggie mixture on a large platter. Drizzle with half of the dressing and toss to combine. Taste and add more dressing or salt, if needed. Top with the scallions and fresh herbs. Garnish with edible flowers, if desired. Serve extra dressing at the table.

Recipe Notes

Adapted from a recipe from the Ballymaloe Cookery School.

Nutrition Facts
Ballymaloe Quinoa Sweet Potato Salad
Amount Per Serving
Calories 208 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 401mg17%
Potassium 281mg8%
Carbohydrates 26g9%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 4g8%
Vitamin A 3736IU75%
Vitamin C 6mg7%
Calcium 29mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.