This refreshing sweet potato, apple and avocado salad recipe is a healthy lunch that’s bursting with flavors, textures and colors. For those with dietary restrictions, it’s gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, and paleo. As for the rest of us, it’s an incredibly tasty, satisfying meal.
I’m not one for New Years resolutions, though I do like to set a few business and personal goals every year. Is that the same thing? Probably… I just don’t call them resolutions. They’re goals!
Anyway. I never resolve to change my eating habits, but I always feel gross after the overindulgence of the holidays. So I just want to eat healthier by default, at least for a few weeks.
I’ve been dipping into my archives, and this sweet potato, apple and avocado salad has been exactly what I need lately. The sweet potatoes and apples help to satisfy my sugar cravings, the avocados add creaminess, the toasted sunflower seeds add crunch and a nutty flavor… there’s so much to love.
I’m such a fan of this salad that I included it in my 2016 cookbook, The Gourmet Kitchen. Today I’m republishing it and updating the recipe notes with more details so you can enjoy it as well.
Sweet Potato, Apple and Avocado Salad Recipe Notes
- The smaller you cut the sweet potatoes, the faster they’ll cook. You can either boil or steam them; it takes the same amount of time. If you boil the sweet potatoes, make sure to drain them well before adding to the salad to avoid watery vinaigrette.
- I aim to cut the sweet potatoes, apples and avocados into similar sized pieces. It looks nice and the flavors are balanced in each bite.
- This recipe will work with either sweet or tart apples; use what you have. I like using red apples such as gala since the avocados are green and the onions are purple. It’s pretty!
- Apples and avocados oxidize (turn brown) after they’re cut into. The lime juice will delay this, but you’ll still want to enjoy the salad within 24 hours (you can probably get away with 48 hours).
- I always get one question about cilantro substitutions. If you dislike cilantro, there’s no need to substitute another herb. Simply omit it!
More Salad Recipes
If you like this recipe, you may also enjoy my Mediterranean Salad with Roasted Tomato Vinaigrette, Chicken Bacon Avocado Salad, and Strawberry Spinach Salad!
Sweet Potato, Apple and Avocado Salad (Paleo, Gluten Free, Vegan)
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 medium apple, diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 1/2 small red onion, diced (approximately 1/2 cup, see notes)
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup fresh squeezed lime juice (2-3 limes)
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 ripe but firm avocado, diced
- kosher salt and ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large saucepan full of water to a boil and add sweet potatoes. Cook until fork-tender, approximately 10-15 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Drain well. (You can also steam them instead of boiling).
- Toast sunflower seeds in dry skillet over medium-high heat until golden and fragrant.
- Combine apple, onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a large bowl. Stir in sweet potatoes and oil; add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in avocado and toasted sunflower seeds just before serving.
- This salad tastes best the sooner you enjoy it; I recommend serving immediately or preparing it the night before to take as a lunch. If preparing in advance, store in the refrigerator in an air-tight container. The longer the ingredients sit in the dressing, the less pronounced the flavors and textures become.
Notes
Recipe adapted from wholehealthdesigns.com
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
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I am glad you are feeling better! This salad sound fresh, delicious and has beautiful colors too!
I love to eat this. Its look so delicious.
Quitting sugar?! Completely??? Oh my! I’ve done it and it was hell the first few days, but then I got used to it. However, I couldn’t wait to get back to it! :-D
I love this colorful salad. I adore the apple and avocado combo.
I’m going to start working it back in very slowly and carefully. I’m not a fan of cutting anything out completely. This is just temporary to help me get there.
I have never tried to detox from sugar and I don’t think I will ever do. I love sugar way too much. I tried to balance it out and do healthy sources. Good luck with your journey. Great looking salad. This would be right up my alley :-)
so many great flavors coming together in this dish! I love them all and the color!
Jen, I’ve never tried cutting out sugar, but a New Years resolution is to add more avocado to my life . This salad looks like a great way to do that . Lovely photo.
Thanks!
I was feeling kind of blah around the holidays. Too much sugar and carby foods was making me feel bloated, gross and I had gained a few pounds. I cut way back on the sugar and I felt SO much better! I haven’t totally cut out sugar but I have cut back a lot. It’s amazing how great you feel when you cut back. Good for you for accomplishing it! I think it’s all about balance and moderation but sometimes you just have to cut yourself from it for a while so you can kick your cravings!
Great salad and beautiful photos, Jennifer. Pinned! :)
Yum!! I need to get back to these basic dishes and I love all the ingredients, which is a plus!
This recipe is something I will try out. I’ve recently become semi-vegetarian.
This seems like something my entire family could enjoy! I’d even debate on blending it up for my 7 month old (minus the sunflower seeds). I absolutely love cilantro! (Did not always feel this way) after marrying my husband who is from a Puerto Rico, it’s a pretty big staple to have in my home. I have everything on hand and will definitely try this out tonight! Thank you!
My husband and I just enjoyed this and it was amazing! Thank you for an awesome lunch idea. :)
I loved this recipe. I added some fresh mint also along with cilantro and topped the bowl with diced boiled egg to make it a complete meal. Yum
Sangeeta
Absolutely DELISH!
Ooh, I loved the sweet potatoes in this salad! Next time I may even roast them. This made a fabulous winter lunch!
My new favorite lunch salad!