Do You Think All Potato Salads Are Boring and Plain?
Think again! What if I told you that potato salad can be bright, colorful, creamy, sweet, and tangy all at the same time? Most people think of mushy potatoes with mayo when they hear “potato salad,” but this recipe will totally change how you see it.
In today’s post, we’re making a Vibrant Creamy Roasted Beet Salad with Sweet Potato & Feta. This dish isn’t just pretty to look at—it’s also packed with flavor and full of good-for-you ingredients. Whether you serve it warm or cold, as a side dish or a light meal, it’s sure to impress.
Let’s dive in and discover how this bright, healthy twist on a classic potato salad will become your new favorite!
What Makes This Potato Salad Special?
PrintVibrant Creamy Roasted Beet Salad with Sweet Potato & Feta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6 1x
Description
This vibrant and creamy roasted beet salad with sweet potato and feta is a colorful, healthy twist on traditional potato salad. Packed with earthy beets, caramelized sweet potatoes, tangy feta cheese, and a creamy dressing, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a party side dish. This dish is easy to prepare, full of nutrients, and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
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3 medium beets, peeled and cubed
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (or dill)
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2 tablespoons red onion, finely diced
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1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (or apple cider vinegar)
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1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. -
Prepare vegetables.
Toss sweet potatoes and beets with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and thyme. -
Roast vegetables.
Spread in a single layer on the baking sheet. Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through, until tender and golden. -
Cool slightly.
Let roasted vegetables cool for about 10 minutes. -
Make the dressing.
In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayo, mustard, lemon juice, and honey until smooth. -
Assemble the salad.
Add cooled sweet potatoes and beets to the bowl with the dressing. Gently mix to coat. -
Add feta and herbs.
Stir in crumbled feta, chopped parsley, and diced red onion. Mix gently to combine. -
Chill or serve immediately.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled after refrigerating for 30 minutes.
Notes
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Substitute sweet potatoes with Yukon gold or red potatoes for a classic twist.
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Use goat cheese instead of feta for a tangier flavor.
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For added crunch, sprinkle with toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds.
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This salad is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
This isn’t your typical potato salad. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Bright Colors: The deep pink of roasted beets, the orange glow of sweet potatoes, and the white pop of feta make it a feast for the eyes.
- Delicious Flavors: Creamy, sweet, salty, and tangy flavors all come together in one bowl.
- Super Healthy: This salad is full of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Simple to Make: Even beginners can pull this off!
- Quick Cooking Time: Prep in 15 minutes, cook in 30, and you’re ready to eat in under an hour.
Skill level: Easy
Total time: 45–50 minutes
Servings: 4 as a main, 6 as a side
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this colorful potato salad:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
Adds natural sweetness and soft texture. You can swap with Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a different twist. - 2 medium beets (red or golden)
These give the salad its vibrant color and earthy flavor. Use pre-cooked beets to save time. - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Adds a bit of sharpness to balance the creamy textures. - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Brings a salty, tangy kick. You can use goat cheese or a dairy-free feta if needed. - 2 tablespoons olive oil
Used for roasting and flavoring. Avocado oil is a good substitute. - Salt and pepper to taste
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
Creamy and tangy. You can also use sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt. - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Adds a little zing to the dressing. - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
Balances out the earthiness of the beets. - 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
Adds brightness and freshness. - 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Herbs give it a fresh taste. You can use chives or basil too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s walk through this easy recipe step by step.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
- Wash, peel, and chop the sweet potatoes and beets into 1-inch cubes.
- Toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and spread them on the baking sheet.
Tip: Keep the beets and sweet potatoes separate if you want to prevent the colors from mixing.
Step 3: Roast the Vegetables
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and lightly browned.
Tip: Use a fork to check doneness. The veggies should be soft but not mushy.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
While the veggies are roasting, whisk together:
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh dill or parsley
Tip: Want a thinner dressing? Add 1–2 teaspoons of water or lemon juice.
Assembly Time: Put It All Together
Here’s how to build your vibrant potato salad:
- Let the veggies cool for 5–10 minutes after roasting. This helps them hold their shape.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted beets, sweet potatoes, and red onion slices.
- Drizzle the dressing over the top. Gently stir everything together.
- Add the feta cheese and give it one last gentle toss.
- Top with extra herbs for garnish.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve in a white or clear bowl to let the colors shine.
- Add a sprinkle of seeds or nuts (like sunflower or walnuts) for crunch.
- Garnish with extra fresh herbs or a lemon wedge on the side.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
You can totally make this salad ahead of time. Here’s how:
To Store:
- Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Store the dressing separately if you plan to serve it later.
To Reheat:
- This salad can be enjoyed cold or warm.
- If reheating, pop it in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm it in a skillet.
Make-Ahead Tips:
- Roast the beets and sweet potatoes the day before.
- Mix the dressing and store it in a jar.
- Combine everything just before serving for the freshest taste.
Recipe Variations
Want to switch things up? Try these fun ideas:
- Add greens: Toss in baby spinach, arugula, or kale.
- Add grains: Quinoa or farro make this a hearty meal.
- Change the cheese: Try goat cheese, blue cheese, or plant-based cheese.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or crispy chickpeas.
Conclusion
This vibrant creamy roasted beet salad with sweet potato and feta is far from your usual potato salad. It’s colorful, healthy, and easy to make. Whether you’re trying to eat more veggies, wow your guests, or just want something new, this dish has got you covered.
Try it out, experiment with your favorite flavors, and enjoy how fun and fresh a potato salad can really be!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use canned beets instead of roasting fresh ones?
A: Yes! Canned or vacuum-packed cooked beets are great time-savers. Just slice and add them in.
Q: Is this potato salad healthy?
A: Definitely. Beets and sweet potatoes are full of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Plus, the yogurt-based dressing keeps it light.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes. Use dairy-free yogurt and feta alternatives. The flavors will still be delicious.
Q: How long can I store this in the fridge?
A: Up to 4 days. Keep it in a sealed container for best freshness.
Q: Can I serve this warm?
A: Yes! It tastes great both warm and chilled.