Roasted Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad

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

A hearty and spicy roasted sweet potato salad tossed with black beans, fresh herbs, and a zesty lime dressing for a satisfying vegetarian meal. This american-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs sweet potatoes, black beans, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss 2 large peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil in a bowl until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Spread the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
  3. Step 3: While the sweet potatoes roast, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a large bowl.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 can drained and rinsed black beans, 1 small finely chopped red onion, and 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro to the lime dressing and toss to combine.
  5. Step 5: Once sweet potatoes are done and slightly cooled, add them to the bowl and gently toss all ingredients together. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Roasted Cajun-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 sweet potatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Roasted Cajun-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 Roasted Cajun-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 Roasted Cajun-Spiced Sweet Potato and Black Bean Salad vegetarian?

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

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