Name: Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes; 1 can black beans (15 oz), rinsed and drained; 1 small red onion, diced; 1 large avocado, cubed; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

There’s something irresistible about the mix of sweet, savory, and zesty all in one bite. This Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad delivers just that. It’s hearty enough to stand alone as a meal, yet vibrant enough to shine as a side dish for your favorite mains.

With roasted sweet potatoes tossed in spices, protein-rich black beans, creamy avocado, and a punchy lime dressing, this salad checks all the boxes. It’s satisfying, colorful, and packed with wholesome goodness. Whether you’re meal-prepping lunches for the week or looking for a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this one deserves a spot on your table.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad

This salad is a texture-lover’s dream. The caramelized edges of the sweet potatoes, the firm bite of black beans, and the buttery softness of ripe avocado all come together beautifully. The zing of lime, freshness from cilantro, and subtle heat from optional jalapeño slices keep your taste buds on their toes.

It’s also naturally vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly filling. You can enjoy it warm or cold, making it ideal for any season.

What Kind of Sweet Potatoes Work Best?

Look for firm, medium-sized orange sweet potatoes. These roast well and have a natural sweetness that intensifies in the oven. Avoid overly large ones with thick skin, as they tend to be starchier and take longer to cook evenly. The smaller ones caramelize beautifully and soak in all the seasoning.

Ingredients for the Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad

Sweet, spicy, and hearty, each ingredient in this salad has its own role in building flavor and texture. The list is simple but incredibly effective.

Sweet Potatoes
Black Beans
Red Onion
Avocado
Lime Juice
Olive Oil
Garlic Powder
Ground Cumin
Chili Powder
Salt
Fresh Cilantro
Jalapeño (optional for heat)

These core ingredients combine for a salad that’s just as nourishing as it is delicious.

How To Make the Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad

Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes. Toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.

Step 2: Prep the Other Ingredients

While the sweet potatoes roast, rinse and drain the black beans. Dice the red onion, chop the cilantro, and cube the avocado. If you’re using jalapeño, slice it thinly.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix lime juice with a drizzle of olive oil and a touch more salt. This simple dressing enhances the salad without overpowering it.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Once the sweet potatoes have cooled slightly, combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Pour over the lime dressing and gently toss. Taste and adjust salt or lime as needed.

Serving and Storing This Hearty Salad

This Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad serves 4 to 6 people as a side, or about 3 to 4 as a main. It makes an excellent prep-ahead lunch because the flavors only improve as it sits. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Add avocado fresh before serving if you’re storing ahead to avoid browning.

What to Serve With Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad?

Grilled Chicken or Shrimp

Add a serving of grilled protein on top for a more filling meal.

Tacos or Quesadillas

Use the salad as a taco filling or a side for cheesy quesadillas.

Cornbread

A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is a cozy pairing.

Cilantro Rice

Serve the salad over a bed of cilantro-lime rice for a burrito bowl vibe.

Tortilla Chips

Scoop it up like a chunky dip for an appetizer-style approach.

Fried Plantains

Sweet and crispy plantains pair beautifully with the lime and spice.

Stuffed Peppers

Use the salad as a filling for bell peppers and bake until tender.

Want More Salad Ideas with a Twist?

If you enjoyed this vibrant salad, you might want to explore these other satisfying bites:

Mom’s Signature Macaroni Salad for a creamy and nostalgic classic.
Creamy Corn Dip if you’re in the mood for a scoopable snack.
Zesty Taco Pasta Salad to keep the Tex-Mex flavors flowing.
Old-Fashioned Pea Salad for a crisp and creamy delight.
Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad when you want something citrusy and light.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad board so you can come back to it any time.

And if you give it a go, leave a comment and let me know! Did you go spicy with the jalapeño or keep it mild? Add anything extra like corn or quinoa?

I love seeing the creative spins readers take. Got questions? Pop them in the comments and let’s make this even better together.

Explore more vibrant salads and wholesome meal ideas at Zoe Recipes on Pinterest — your next favorite dish might be waiting there!

Conclusion

Roasted Sweet Potato Black Bean Salad is the perfect blend of comfort and nourishment. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels special and fresh every time. Whether it’s part of a weeknight dinner or a picnic spread, this salad hits all the right notes with minimal effort.