At this time of year, as we all hunker down and settle back into a slightly fuller routine, I tend to get very concerned with making recipes that offer the most return on the time it takes to make them. In other words, I’m all about simple, efficient dinners that will give me lots of leftovers. Still, I tend to forget that a really great dip or spread or vegetable topping–like this simple, roasted sweet potato salsa–can be every bit as useful when it comes to weekly meal planning.
A great condiment can go so far in livening up simple dishes throughout the week. One batch of hummus can contribute to a bunch of sandwiches or wraps, liven up a week’s worth of vegan lunch bowls, or even be stirred into savory oats for breakfast. A really awesome dressing can make or break a week’s worth of salads and bowls. And lately, I’m learning that savory granola is a perfect way to add flavor, spice, and a little extra density to any simple meal.
This roasted sweet potato is such a simple idea–I can’t believe I haven’t made it already, honestly. The most annoying part of making the recipe is cutting the sweet potatoes into a small dice (at least 1/2-inch cubes, smaller if you have the patience for it), so that you can toss them into the salsa and have them in very bite-sized pieces. But once that’s done, it’s all just a matter of throwing them into the oven, roasting them till they’re beautiful and browning at the edges, then tossing them with tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice.
I used cherry tomatoes while I was preparing the dish, but chopped plum or beefsteak tomatoes would be fine, too. And once you’ve prepared the basic salsa, I highly recommend stirring in some cubed avocado (for creaminess–a guac/salsa hybrid!) or black beans for a little protein.
I love the way that the sweet, hearty texture of the roasted sweet potatoes contrasts with the crispy tomatoes and onion. I like salsa, but honestly, it’s never been more than a topping for me. When I have it as a snack, with chips or whatnot, it always feels just a little too light to be satisfying. Think of this recipe as salsa with staying power.
You can do just about anything with the salsa, but what I’ve been doing with it all week long is adding it to breakfast tostadas: two corn tortillas, toasted quickly over my burner, topped with refried beans, and then plenty of the roasted sweet potato salsa on top. It’s an easy, satisfying breakfast, and it seems like a perfect option for this time of year.
This fall, I’d love to try the salsa with different root vegetables: I’m guessing carrots would be awesome, as would golden beets or even butternut squash. We’ll see, but for now, I’m really enjoying this hearty, sweet savory snack.
Hope you enjoy it, too. Later this week, I’ll be sharing some thoughts on the vegan product staples that help to carry me through busy weeks. See you soon.
xo
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Look so nice. I will try to cook it.
What a great twist on salsa. I am going to try it!
This is wonderful Gena! It’s a great addition to your tortilla pizzas, which I make at least once a week for dinner. Fast, easy, tasty, filling–this salsa fits all the bills. ๐ Thanks!
Oh yum! I could eat sweet potatoes every day. This is one more great way to do just that. Thank you.
Well, I know for sure how delicious this is… cuz I make it for a living! ๐ I’ve been making and jarring Sweet Potato Salsa for a few years now, selling at Whole Foods in New England and Hy-Vee in the midwest, and independents all over. Glad to find another yammy lover! I agree that roasted sweeties are the absolute best, hands down. And lime juice, too… jarred salsas are always made with some cheap vinegar, of course, but I use lime juice just like you do… after all, in Mexico you don’t pour white vinegar on your food, you squeeze lime!
But you know what’s also fun? I make a Tuscan one and a Moroccan one, too. They are pretty wild!
So if you come across a breakfast, lunch, dinner or party when you don’t want to take the time to cube up all those yams, let us do it for you! ๐
This is brilliant. Sweet potatoes in a salsa? I love it. I think I might make this, roast some mushrooms, and have tacos for dinner.
Ooo girl you read my mind! I was chopping up potatoes over the weekend in a small dice thinking they would make a fun salsa – and here you have affirmed my quirky thought! I love the idea of this on tacos for a savory breakfast. Totally scrumptious. And I hear you on simple right now, I am all about anything I can prep at the moment – and think I need to add a container of this salsa to my prepped stash ;). Hope you are having a wonderful week Gena! xx