Directions
<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a large baking tray with parchment paper. This temperature is perfect for caramelizing the sweet potatoes' natural sugars while creating a tender interior. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> In a large bowl, toss the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Make sure each cube is well-seasoned as this forms the flavor foundation of your salad. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking tray, ensuring they aren't overcrowded. If sweet potatoes are too close together, they'll steam rather than roast, preventing those delicious caramelized edges from forming. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Bake for 25-30 minutes, gently turning the sweet potatoes halfway through cooking. They're done when the edges are slightly browned and crisp while the centers are fork-tender. Keep a close eye in the final minutes as the natural sugars can burn quickly. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare your dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a large bowl until smooth and well combined. The acid from the vinegar cuts through the richness while the honey complements the sweet potatoes' natural flavor. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Allow the roasted sweet potatoes to cool for about 10 minutes after removing from the oven. This cooling period is crucial – adding hot potatoes to your dressing would cause it to break down and become thin rather than creamy. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Add the cooled sweet potatoes, diced red onion, and celery to your dressing bowl. Gently fold everything together using a rubber spatula, being careful not to mash the sweet potatoes. The goal is to maintain their roasted cube structure while evenly coating with dressing. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Fold in most of the chopped fresh herbs, reserving a small amount for garnish. Fresh herbs add brightness that balances the rich, creamy elements of the salad. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. The salad can be made up to 24 hours in advance, making it perfect for meal prep. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4> Before serving, let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes (cold temperatures dull flavors), then give it a gentle stir and sprinkle with the reserved herbs for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your beautiful, nutritious sweet potato salad! </li> </ol>