Spiced Pecan and Sweet Potato Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Warm roasted sweet potatoes and toasted pecans tossed in a zesty honey-lime dressing for a satisfying, nutrient-packed salad. This american-inspired salads ready in about 40 minutes blends roughly chopped pecans, divided olive oil, ground cinnamon into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. In a bowl, toss 2 diced medium sweet potatoes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Spread sweet potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and caramelized at the edges.
  3. Step 3: While sweet potatoes roast, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup roughly chopped pecans and 1/4 tsp salt. Toast pecans, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from heat.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard until smooth to make the dressing.
  5. Step 5: In a large salad bowl, combine 4 cups mixed baby greens, warm roasted sweet potatoes, and toasted pecans. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately while sweet potatoes are slightly warm.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Pecan and Sweet Potato Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Spiced Pecan and Sweet Potato Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced Pecan and Sweet Potato Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing?

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 Spiced Pecan and Sweet Potato Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing 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 Spiced Pecan and Sweet Potato Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing?

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.

Related recipes