If you’re on the hunt for a salad that balances hearty, creamy, and bright all at once, then you’ve gotta try this Sweet Potato Salad with Feta and Tahini Dressing Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels comforting yet sophisticated, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck where you want to impress without the stress. Trust me, once you get that nutty tahini dressing drizzled over roasted sweet potatoes and peppery arugula with avocado slices and salty feta, you’ll be hooked. Keep reading—I’m sharing all my best tips so your salad turns out absolutely fan-freaking-tastic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet roasted potatoes, tangy feta, and creamy tahini dressing create layers of deliciousness.
- Easy to Throw Together: Minimal ingredients and simple steps, perfect for busy days or special occasions.
- Versatile and Customizable: Adapt it with your favorite greens, nuts, or add protein as you like.
- Great for Meal Prep: Holds up well in the fridge and tastes amazing even the next day.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Sweet Potato Salad with Feta and Tahini Dressing Recipe shines because each ingredient plays a vital role—from the creamy avocado that softens the peppery arugula, to the toasted pepitas that add crunch, it’s all about harmony. Grab firm but sweet sweet potatoes and make sure your feta is crumbly and fresh for that punch of saltiness.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Choose firm, bright orange sweet potatoes for the best texture and sweetness.
- Tahini Dressing: Nutty and rich, homemade is best here to control creaminess and acidity.
- Arugula: Peppery greens that balance the sweet elements beautifully.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: Adds a salty tang that contrasts the sweet potatoes perfectly.
- Avocado: Creamy slices bring a lush softness and freshness.
- Lemon Wedge: A squeeze brightens and lifts all the flavors.
- Toasted Pepitas: They add a satisfying crunch and nutty layer of flavor.
- Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring everything together.
Make It Your Way
I really enjoy making this salad my own by switching up the greens or adding a protein boost. Experimenting makes the salad never feel boring, which is perfect since I tend to make it often. I encourage you to try little tweaks and find what you love most!
- Add Grilled Chicken or Chickpeas: I added roasted chickpeas once for extra protein and crunch, and it was fantastic.
- Swap Greens: Sometimes I swap arugula for baby spinach or kale when I’m craving something milder or heartier.
- Use Different Nuts or Seeds: I’ve replaced pepitas with toasted walnuts or almonds to add a different crunch profile and flavor twist.
- Make It Spicy: Adding a pinch of sumac or chili flakes to the dressing is my secret way to bring a subtle heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Sweet Potato Salad with Feta and Tahini Dressing Recipe
Step 1: Roast Sweet Potatoes to Perfection
The roasting step is where the magic starts. I peel and cube the sweet potatoes, toss them lightly in olive oil, and spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes, turning halfway through. Look for golden edges and a tender fork test—that means they’re ready without being mushy. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs beautifully with the feta and tahini.
Step 2: Whip Up the Tahini Dressing
While the sweet potatoes are roasting, I prepare the tahini dressing. It’s simply tahini mixed with lemon juice, a bit of garlic, olive oil, water to thin it out, and salt. Whisk everything together until it’s creamy and smooth. If your dressing feels too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time. This dressing brings a rich, nutty creaminess that ties the salad together perfectly.
Step 3: Assemble Your Salad Like a Pro
Grab a large platter or bowl and lay down the arugula first. Drizzle some tahini dressing on the greens to start layering that flavor. Then, add your warm roasted sweet potatoes so they gently wilt the arugula just a bit. Sprinkle on the crumbled feta, arrange the sliced avocado, and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the avocado to keep it from browning. Drizzle with more tahini dressing, toss on toasted pepitas, and finish with sea salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this is where it all comes together!
Pro Tips for Making Sweet Potato Salad with Feta and Tahini Dressing Recipe
- Roast Evenly: Cut your sweet potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure uniform roasting and avoid some undercooked chunks.
- Adjust Dressing Consistency: If your tahini dressing is too thick, thin it with warm water gradually for a smooth pourable texture.
- Add Dressing Gradually: Start with a little dressing on the greens and sweet potatoes and add more on top to avoid sogginess but keep flavor balanced.
- Protect Avocado: Squeeze fresh lemon juice on sliced avocado right before serving to keep that beautiful green color.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Salad with Feta and Tahini Dressing Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro on top—they bring a fresh brightness. Also, extra toasted pepitas always get high praise; their crunch contrasts the creamy textures wonderfully. If you’re feeling fancy, a few pomegranate seeds add a lovely pop of color and a juicy burst.
Side Dishes
This salad is such a star that I often serve it alongside grilled meats like chicken or lamb, but it’s equally satisfying with warm crusty bread and hummus for a vegetarian feast. On warmer days, pairing with a chilled quinoa or couscous salad makes a colorful, wholesome meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve layered this salad in mason jars for a rustic look or served it beautifully plated with avocado slices fanned out and a drizzle of tahini zigzagged on top. Adding edible flowers once made it truly beautiful for a spring brunch. Presentation definitely elevates the whole experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent the salad from getting soggy, I keep the tahini dressing separate and toss it just before serving again. Avocado slices are best coated with lemon juice to delay browning if you plan on storing them with the salad.
Freezing
Since this salad has fresh avocado and delicate greens, freezing isn’t ideal. The texture would suffer and ingredients like avocado don’t freeze well. For best results, stick to making fresh or prepping components separately ahead of time.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy leftovers warm, reheat just the roasted sweet potatoes gently in the oven or microwave before assembling the salad again. This way, the greens stay fresh and avocado creamy without getting mushy from heat.
FAQs
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Can I make the tahini dressing ahead of time for this salad?
Absolutely! The tahini dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge in a sealed jar. Just give it a good stir or shake before drizzling over your salad since it may thicken or separate as it rests.
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What can I substitute for feta cheese in this Sweet Potato Salad with Feta and Tahini Dressing Recipe?
If you want to avoid dairy, try substituting crumbled roasted chickpeas for a savory crunch or vegan feta made from tofu or nuts for a similar tangy flavor. Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top can also provide a cheesy note.
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Is this salad suitable for meal prep lunches?
Yes! This salad holds up well for a couple of days if you keep the dressing separate and add fresh avocado right before eating. It makes a great nutritious and satisfying lunch option.
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Can I use other types of greens besides arugula?
Definitely! Spinach, kale, or mixed baby greens all work beautifully. Just keep in mind that some greens like kale are tougher and may benefit from massaging or chopping finely for easier eating.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Potato Salad with Feta and Tahini Dressing Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it feels both special and simple to make. Every bite is a little celebration of textures and flavors—roasted sweetness, creamy tahini, bright lemon, and salty feta. I hope you give it a whirl and find it as comforting and delicious as I do. It’s the kind of salad you’ll want to make again and again, sharing with friends or savoring on your own. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Sweet Potato Salad with Feta and Tahini Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Sweet Potato Salad combines roasted sweet potatoes, fresh arugula, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese, all tied together with a rich tahini dressing and topped with crunchy toasted pepitas. It’s a nutritious and flavorful dish perfect as a side or light main.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 roasted sweet potatoes
- 4 cups arugula
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 lemon wedge, for squeezing
- 3 tablespoons toasted pepitas
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Dressing
- 1 recipe tahini dressing
Instructions
- Prepare sweet potatoes and dressing: Roast the sweet potatoes until tender and prepare the tahini dressing according to your preferred recipe or pre-made version.
- Assemble the salad: On a large platter, spread the arugula evenly. Drizzle a portion of the tahini dressing over the arugula.
- Add roasted sweet potatoes and feta: Scatter the roasted sweet potatoes evenly over the dressed arugula. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Top with avocado and lemon: Arrange the sliced avocado over the salad. Squeeze the lemon wedge over the avocado to add brightness and prevent browning.
- Finish with pepitas and seasoning: Drizzle more tahini dressing on top and sprinkle the toasted pepitas. Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the freshness and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- Roast sweet potatoes at 400°F for about 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Use fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and prevent avocado browning.
- Toast pepitas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- For a vegan option, omit feta cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- The tahini dressing can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
