Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, protein-packed salad with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and a zesty lime dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian, whole30) ready in about 40 minutes pairs (15 oz) can, rinsed black beans, olive oil, ground cumin into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss diced sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes until tender.
  2. Step 2: While potatoes roast, whisk lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt for dressing.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, red onion, and avocado. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
  4. Step 4: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve at room temperature or chilled.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Cumin-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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