Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato and Apple Salad with Toasted Pecans

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

A vibrant salad combining roasted sweet potatoes and tart apples tossed in a maple vinaigrette and topped with crunchy toasted pecans, perfect for a regional autumn-inspired dish. This american-inspired salads ready in about 45 minutes pairs sweet potatoes, extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt 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 320 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: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. Step 2: While sweet potatoes roast, toast 3/4 cup roughly chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp maple syrup, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt to create the vinaigrette.
  4. Step 4: Add roasted sweet potatoes and 2 thinly sliced medium tart apples to the bowl, tossing gently to coat with the vinaigrette.
  5. Step 5: Transfer salad to a serving dish, sprinkle with toasted pecans and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato and Apple Salad with Toasted Pecans take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato and Apple Salad with Toasted Pecans?

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 sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato and Apple Salad with Toasted Pecans?

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 Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato and Apple Salad with Toasted Pecans 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.

What goes well with Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato and Apple Salad with Toasted Pecans?

American salads like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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