Roasted Sweet Potato & Black Bean Quinoa Salad

This quinoa salad is made with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, red onion, pumpkin seeds, cilantro, and lime. It’s super flavorful not to mention filling, vegan, and gluten free!

Sweet potatoes are always the first sign that summer is coming to an end here in Houston since it’s still pretty hot outside! Since sweet potatoes are a tropical plant, they thrive in the heat all summer long, maturing just as summer winds down. This roasted sweet potato and black bean quinoa salad is a new favorite in my kitchen! Chunks of sweet potato are spiced with chili and garlic powder then roasted until nice and tender. They’re tossed with cooked quinoa, black beans, pumpkin seeds, red onion, cilantro, and lime for a super simple and filling salad.

What You Need to Make this Quinoa Salad

• Sweet Potato – you’ll need just 1 standard medium/large sweet potato. Once roasted and added to the salad, it adds an earthy sweetness.
• Chili Powder & Garlic Powder – these spices flavor the roasted sweet potatoes and add a lovely depth of flavor.
• Sea Salt – seasons the sweet potatoes and the salad along with balancing all of the flavors.
• Olive Oil or Avocado Oil – oil helps to roast the sweet potatoes, moisten the salad, and carry flavor.
• Canned Black Beans – add protein to the salad and complement the roasted sweet potatoes.
• Quinoa – forms the bulk of the salad and provides a great source of fiber, nutrients, and additional protein. For added flavor, you can cook your quinoa in vegetable stock instead of water!
• Red Onion – adds a fresh bite to the salad.
• Pumpkin Seeds – add crunch and an earthy nuttiness.
• Cilantro – lifts the salad with its bright and citrusy flavor.
• Lime – along with the oil, the lime helps to season and moisten the salad without needing to make a separate dressing for it. It also makes all of the flavors really pop.

How to Make this Quinoa Salad

You’ll start by roasting your sweet potato. Cut it into roughly 1-inch chunks, then place it on a parchment lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and oil over the sweet potato and toss to coat with your hands. Spread it in an even layer and roast it in a 400-degree oven for 25-30 minutes until tender, flipping halfway through.

While the sweet potato is roasting, you’ll make your quinoa. You’ll combine your water (or vegetable stock) and quinoa in a pot along with a pinch of salt. Bring the water and quinoa to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and place the lid on the pot. Cook the quinoa for about 15 minutes (or until the water has been absorbed), then remove the quinoa from the heat and allow it to sit with the lid on for a few minutes.

Allow the quinoa to cool closer to room temperature (it doesn’t have to be completely cooled). Then, add the quinoa, roasted sweet potato, black beans, pumpkin seeds, diced red onion, and chopped cilantro to a large bowl. Toss to combine.

The last step is to squeeze over the lime juice, season with salt to taste, and drizzle over a bit of the oil. Toss once more then enjoy!

Tips for Achieving the Best Roasted Sweet Potatoes

There’s nothing worse than roasting something to perfection only to have it stick to your pan so make sure to line it with some parchment paper! Make sure not to skimp on the oil called for as it helps to roast the sweet potatoes. The last trick is to remember to flip the potatoes halfway through their roasting time. It ensures they are evenly roasted and discouraging any burning or charring!

How to Store and Enjoy this Salad

The great thing about this salad is that it stores easily in the fridge in an airtight container! Leftovers will keep for 4-5 days. You can eat this salad at room temperature or chilled depending on your preference. If you want to take it over the top, serve it topped with some chopped avocado and queso fresco or cotija cheese. This salad travels well making it perfect for road trips, flights, or picnics.

Want more sweet potato recipes? Try this winter minestrone with collards, sweet potatoes, and fennel or these miso roasted sweet potatoes with arugula pear salad!

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