Name: Sweet Potato & Beetroot Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced; 2 beets, peeled and sliced; 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼-½ teaspoon iodized salt ((or salt of choice)); ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 4 oz container of baby crisp greens; 1 5 oz container of mixed greens; 1 ½ cup chickpeas; ½ cup pumpkin seeds (); 1 cup cooked grain of choice; 2 tablespoons tahini; 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar; 1 tablespoon maple syrup; 1 tsp lime juice (optional, but recommended ); 1 tsp dijon mustard; ¼ teaspoon garlic granules; large pinch black pepper; water to thin as needed ((about 1-2 teaspoons, but if you prefer a thinner dressing, use more) )

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

A simple sweet potato and beetroot salad paired with an easy homemade oil-free balsamic vinaigrette.

sweet potato and beet salad with chickpeas, pumpkin seeds and quinoa

Ask anyone what beets taste like and an overwhelming amount of responses will be "dirt." I avoided them for far too long because of this. In reality, they only taste like dirt if they were prepared in a way that didn't suit your taste buds (like every other vegetable, right?).

Beets can be served raw, pickled, roasted, seared, baked, broiled, etc. They can also be seasoned in various ways in all the methods listed above, so don't count them out until you've tried them a few different ways!

In this recipe we are tossing them in oil, salt, pepper, and garlic and then cooking them in the oven until crispy. The result? A nutritious potato chip. Paired with sweet potatoes and a balsamic vinaigrette, what's not to love?

Need more abundant (and delicious) salads in your life? Check out these;

Need something to pair with the salad? Check out this easy gluten-free homemade bread.

Jump to:

Ingredients for a sweet potato and beetroot salad
Why should I eat beets?
How to cut beetroot for a sweet potato and beetroot salad
Do you have to peel beetroot before cooking?
How to make balsamic vinaigrette without honey
What does balsamic vinaigrette dressing taste like?
Substitutions
How to store sweet potato and beetroot salad
📋 Recipe
💬 Feedback

Roasted beetroot, quinoa, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and greens in a pink bowl drizzled with balsamic dressing.

Ingredients for a sweet potato and beetroot salad

Roasted beetroot (red beet) and sweet potato
Salad greens
Chickpeas
Pumpkin seeds
Balsamic vinaigrette dressing

For exact measurements and detailed step-by-step directions, scroll to the recipe card below.

Why should I eat beets?

Beets are high in folate and manganese which are necessary for healthy brain and nerve functions. They also contain fiber (along with many other vitamins and minerals) aiding in healthy digestion. Check out this quick read for a few other health benefits of beets (and a few risks).

*If you cannot eat sweet potatoes or beets, replace with carrots, broccoli, cabbage, and/or cauliflower.

How to cut beetroot for a sweet potato and beetroot salad

First, remove the beets from the stems and greens if necessary. Next, remove the beet skin using a vegetable peeler. Cut off both ends and slice vertically into thin (⅛ to ¼ of an inch) circles. Next, toss them in a bowl with oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. Bake for 20-25 minutes and add to the salad.

Preparing the beets this way also makes them a great snack (similar to a chip). Eat them as is or dipped in hummus or guacamole.

Fun fact: Beet greens and the stems are edible! Check out this recipe for a no-waste option.

Do you have to peel beetroot before cooking?

No. The skin is edible. However, I think it helps to take some of the "earthy" flavors out of the beet. It's personal preference (I peel almost all of my vegetables), do what works for you!

sweet potato and beetroot salad topped with balsamic vinaigrette dressing

How to make balsamic vinaigrette without honey

Swap for a tablespoon of maple syrup. In this recipe we are using tahini, balsamic vinaigrette, maple syrup, lime juice, dijon mustard, garlic granules, and black pepper.

To make the vinaigrette;

Add all ingredients to a small mason jar or bowl and whisk together until combined
Enjoy immediately or chill in the fridge until ready to use
Store for up to a week in the fridge. The dressing may thicken naturally when stored, so add a teaspoon of water or so and mix well before using.

What does balsamic vinaigrette dressing taste like?

It's a bold flavor due to the base being balsamic vinegar with a touch of sweetness. The tahini and maple syrup in this recipe help to mellow out the tartness while the lime adds flavor and a bit of citrus tang to it. Garlic and pepper are added for additional flavor.

Substitutions

Sweet potato and beet replacement options; carrots, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, red potato and/or fingerling potatoes.

Grain; quinoa, brown rice, gluten-free risotto, chickpea rice, etc. are all great options.

Chickpeas: I don't recommend substituting them with another bean or legume, but feel free to omit if you aren't a fan.

Pumpkin seeds: alternatively, use sunflower seeds, hemp hearts or nut of choice (walnuts, pecans, or cashews).

Mixed greens / baby crisp greens: use any greens desired for the base of the salad (kale, red leaf lettuce, spinach, arugula, etc.).

Other items that can be added to this salad;

Baked or grilled tofu
Hummus
Vegan cheese of choice (Feta or Parmesan)
Thinly sliced onion
Arugula
Avocado

a salad with baked sweet potato, chickpeas, beets, pumpkin seeds, and quinoa in a gray bowl

How to store sweet potato and beetroot salad

For optimal freshness, store ingredients separately. The balsamic vinaigrette will last covered in the fridge for about a week. It will naturally thicken as it chills, so thin (as needed) by adding a splash (about a teaspoon) of water and mix well.

📋 Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe