Sesame-Ginger Sweet Potato Salad
A vibrant, cooling salad with roasted sweet potatoes, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sesame-ginger dressing that's perfect for a light lunch or side dish. This american-inspired salads (whole30, vegetarian) ready in about 40 minutes pairs avocado oil, sea salt, sesame seeds 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 a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes sweet potatoes
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp, grated fresh ginger
- 1/4 cup, shredded red cabbage
- 1/4 cup, sliced green onions
- 1/4 cup, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 1 lb peeled and diced sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp avocado oil and 1/2 tsp sea salt, spreading them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway, until tender and golden at the edges.
- Step 2: While potatoes roast, whisk 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp coconut aminos, and 1 tbsp grated ginger in a small bowl until combined.
- Step 3: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 cup sesame seeds. Toast for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until golden and fragrant.
- Step 4: In a large bowl, combine roasted sweet potatoes, toasted sesame seeds, 1/4 cup shredded red cabbage, 1/4 cup sliced green onions, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Drizzle with the prepared dressing and toss gently until evenly coated.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sesame-Ginger Sweet Potato 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 Sesame-Ginger Sweet Potato 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 avocado oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame-Ginger Sweet Potato 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 Sesame-Ginger Sweet Potato 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 Sesame-Ginger Sweet Potato Salad whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My family devoured this! The sesame and ginger combo is a game-changer. Will make again.
- ★★★★★
The sweet potatoes were perfectly roasted and the ginger really popped. Made for a potluck and everyone loved it!
- ★★★★☆
Slightly bland for my taste, but the texture was great. Maybe add a bit more soy sauce next time.