Sweet Potato Fruit Salad
A vibrant sweet potato fruit salad combining tender potatoes, juicy oranges, grapes, raisins, and crunchy walnuts, dressed with a honey-orange cream for a refreshing, nutritious treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Scrub the sweet potatoes, cut off any woody portions and ends.
- Cook in boiling water for 25 minutes, or until tender; then cool.
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into 3/4-inch cubes.
- Finely shred 1 teaspoon of orange peel and set aside.
- Peel and section the oranges.
- Place the orange sections in a large bowl.
- Add the cooked sweet potatoes, grapes, raisins, sliced celery, and walnuts to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, combine the shredded orange peel, softened cream cheese, and honey until smooth.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of orange juice.
- Pour the dressing over the fruit and potato mixture, tossing gently to coat.
- Cover and chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using low-fat cream cheese instead of regular. If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a bit more honey or substitute with agave syrup. You can also swap out the walnuts for pecans or almonds if you have a nut allergy. To enhance flavor, try including a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dressing.
Serving Suggestions
This Sweet Potato Fruit Salad is perfect as a side dish for barbecues or potlucks, and pairs beautifully with Easy Cherry Cream Cheese Dessert for a delightful finish. Consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a light summer meal. Garnish with additional orange slices or fresh mint for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad may become slightly watery as it sits, so give it a gentle stir before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the sweet potatoes and fruits will change. Serve cold or at room temperature for best results.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Sweet Potato Fruit Salad contains roughly 409 calories, with 5g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value), potassium (13% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (11% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until serving. However, it's best to add the dressing right before serving to prevent the fruits from becoming too mushy.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for cream cheese in this recipe. It will add a tangy flavor and creamy texture. For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Sweet Potato Fruit Salad is vegetarian-friendly, as it contains no meat or animal byproducts other than the cream cheese. It's a colorful and nutritious option for anyone following a vegetarian diet.
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).