Mandarin Orange Sweet Potato Salad
A vibrant and sweet side dish combining roasted sweet potatoes with tangy mandarin oranges, infused with warm cinnamon and orange zest. Perfect for holiday tables or casual gatherings, it offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that appeal to both fruit lovers and those seeking comforting, flavorful dishes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Boil sweet potatoes in jackets until tender, then peel and slice.
- Combine brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon in a saucepan.
- Add apricot nectar and grated orange peel to the saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
- Stir in liquid Butter Buds into the sauce.
- Pour sauce over sliced sweet potatoes and drained mandarin oranges in a sprayed casserole dish.
- Sprinkle Grape-Nuts cereal on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a healthier twist, you can replace brown sugar with maple syrup or honey. If you prefer a less sweet salad, reduce the amount of sugar. Ensure the sweet potatoes are boiled just until tender to maintain their texture. Incorporating a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch. Consider pairing this dish with the English Pea Creole Casserole for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Mandarin Orange Sweet Potato Salad makes a vibrant side dish for holiday meals or gatherings. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken or glazed ham. For a complete meal, serve it alongside Skillet Corn And Chicken. Garnish with additional grated orange peel or fresh herbs for an added touch of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salad in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mandarin Orange Sweet Potato Salad contains roughly 387 calories, with 5g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (67% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1370mg per serving (60% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
While sweet potatoes provide a unique flavor and sweetness, you can experiment with regular potatoes or butternut squash if desired. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture will differ, so adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they are tender.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a day in advance. Assemble the sweet potatoes and sauce, but wait to add the mandarin oranges until just before serving to avoid them becoming mushy. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, simply replace the liquid Butter Buds with a plant-based butter alternative or omit it entirely. Additionally, ensure that the apricot nectar used is free from any animal-derived ingredients.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).