Sesame Sweet Potato and Radicchio Salad is a gluten-free and vegan-friendly recipe that balances strong flavors, vibrant colors and amazing textures. This recipe was created by Jamie Vespa MS, RD is perfect for those looking for a nutritious yet delicious dinner or a as a side dish. Not only is it high of nutrients, it’s also a great prep-ahead meal for busy lunches or for weeknight dinners. Let’s explore the ingredients that make this dish an outstanding addition to your menu.
What Makes This Salad Special?
The Sesame-sweet potato and Radicchio Salad offers an unusual combination of ingredients that will appeal to your tastes and overall health. This is why it’s worth a try:
- Nutrient-rich ingredients Sweet potatoes offer the highest amount in vitamins A and C as well as antioxidants, while radicchio also provides.
- Vegan-friendly with tahini and freshly chopped parsley, this dish is packed with flavor without the use of animals’ products.
- Simple preparation The recipe will require only 15 minutes of preparation time and easy instructions.
- Flexible It can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side dish – the option is yours!
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s examine the most important ingredients that will make this salad shine:
- Sweet Potatoes Naturally sweet and full of fiber, they form the foundation of the dish.
- Radicchio This slightly bitter leafy green vegetable pairs perfectly in the sweet and sweet sesame dressing.
- Tahini Tahini is a smooth sesame seed paste that enhances the dressing.
- Fresh Ginger is a mild flavor and warmth.
- Parsley It offers freshness and the added benefit of a splash of green.
- fish Sauce is a flavor that adds umami flavour (can be substituted with soy sauce to provide an alternative that is vegan).
These ingredients provide the perfect balance of sweet, savory and tart flavors.
How to Prepare Sesame Sweet Potato and Radicchio Salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 5 cups of sweet potato cubed (from two medium or large sweet potatoes)
- 4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1 tsp. sea salt (divided)
- 2 Tbsp. tahini (sesame seed paste)
- 4 tsp. freshly squeezed Lemon juice (divided)
- 1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp. fish sauce*
- 1 tsp. granulated sugar
- 2 cups radicchio thinly cut
- Parsley finely cut to 1/2 cup
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds that have been toasted lemon wedges, additional fresh parsley
*For vegan recipes, substitute soy sauce instead of fish sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Set your oven’s temperature to 425 degrees F.
- Mix the cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
- The sweet potatoes should be spread in one layer on baking sheets.
- Bake for 30-45 minutes and turning at intervals, till the meat is tender and slightly caramelized.
Step 2: Prepare the Sesame Dressing
- In a small dish, mix:
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons of tahini
- Two teaspoons of lemon juice
- Freshly grated Ginger 1 tablespoon
- 1 teaspoon of fish sauce (or soy sauce)
- 1 teaspoon of sugar granulated
- Slowly whisk in two tablespoons of liquid (in 3 to 4 1 teaspoon increments) until the dressing is smooth and smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine:
- 2 cups radicchio thinly cut
- Parsley finely cut to 1/2 cup
- Toss in another 2 tablespoons of juice from a lemon and half teaspoon sea salt.
- Add the sweet potatoes that have been roasted into your bowl and gently mix all the ingredients in the dressing with sesame.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
- Serve with sesame seeds that have been toasted and lemon wedges and additional fresh parsley If you’d like.
- Serve right away or freeze to make meals ahead.
Nutritional Highlights
This salad is not just delicious. It’s an incredible source of nutrition
- Sweet Potatoes high in beta-carotene and vitamin C, and dietary fiber.
- Radicchio is a great source of antioxidants and helps to improve digestion.
- Tahini: Offers healthy fats and an increase in protein.
- Olive Oil: It is a great source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Each portion of this salad provides an excellent combination of macronutrients. This makes it an ideal choice for those who are concerned about their health.
Tips for Success
- Cut in a uniform fashion: Make sure that the sweet potatoes are cut evenly to ensure a consistent roasting.
- Modify Dressing Dressing: Adjust the dressing’s creamy texture by adding water in small increments.
- Serve fresh The salad is perfect for meal prep, you should toss the dressing right before serving to ensure freshness.
Variations and Additions
- Add protein Serve with cooked tofu or chickpeas to add protein.
- Spice it up Add a dash of red or cayenne pepper to add some heat.
- Nut Crunch Sprinkle with chopped walnuts or almonds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes! You can roast the sweet potato and make the dressing ahead. Keep them in a separate container and serve with radicchio and parsley as soon as you are the dressing is ready for serving.
2. Can I use radicchio instead?
Absolutely. Try the arugula, kale or mixed greens for a different option.
3. Does this recipe contain gluten?
Yes, all of the ingredients are gluten-free. Just double-check your fish sauce or soy sauce for gluten-free certification.
4. How long will this salad keep in the refrigerator?
Keep the salad inside an airtight container three days or more. The dressing should be added just prior serving.
5. What else can I make instead of Tahini?
You can substitute tahini for the almond or sunflower seeds butter.
6. Can I use sweet potatoes that are canned?
Although the fresh sweetness of sweet potatoes is suggested for their texture however sweet potatoes that are canned are a good option in small amounts. Be sure to drain them thoroughly.
Conclusion
It’s the Sesame-sweet Potato and Radicchio Salad is much more than an ingredient–it’s a celebration flavours, nutrients, and convenience. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to make an exciting salad or a delicious dinner, this salad will satisfy in every way. With its easy preparation with nutrient-rich ingredients and strong flavor, it’s certain to be a hit at home. Gather your ingredients and follow the recipe and take a bite of this delicious dish right now!
Sesame Sweet Potato and Radicchio Salad: A Nutrient-Packed Delight
- Total Time: 55minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 5 cups cubed sweet potato (from 2 large or 3 medium sweet potatoes)
- 4 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- 1 tsp. sea salt (divided)
- 2 Tbsp. tahini (sesame seed paste)
- 4 tsp. fresh lemon juice (divided)
- 1 tsp. freshly grated ginger
- 1 tsp. fish sauce*
- 1 tsp. granulated sugar
- 2 cups thinly sliced radicchio
- ½ cup finely chopped parsley
- Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds, lemon wedges, additional fresh parsley
Instructions
- Roast the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Toss the cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and ½ teaspoon of sea salt.
- Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes, tossing halfway through. The potatoes should be tender and slightly caramelized.
- Prepare the Sesame Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons tahini, 2 teaspoons lemon juice, grated ginger, fish sauce (or soy sauce), and granulated sugar.
- Gradually whisk in 2-3 teaspoons of water at a time until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine the radicchio and parsley. Toss with the remaining 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and ½ teaspoon sea salt.
- Add the roasted sweet potatoes and gently toss all ingredients with the sesame dressing.
- Garnish and Serve
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, lemon wedges, and additional parsley if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for later use.
Notes
- For Perfect Roasting: Ensure the sweet potatoes are evenly cubed to cook uniformly and achieve caramelization.
- Customize the Dressing: Adjust the creaminess by adding water incrementally.
- Make It a Meal: Add grilled tofu, chickpeas, or your favorite protein to turn this salad into a full meal.
- Storage: Keep the salad and dressing separate when prepping ahead. Combine them just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Enhance Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15minutes
- Cook Time: 40minutes