This Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon isn’t your typical potato salad recipe! A take on German potato salad, this sweet potato salad features a vibrant, vinegar-based dressing that infuses the warm potatoes with irresistible tang and flavor. It’s a delightful departure from the ordinary, promising a refreshing and savory experience that will quickly become a favorite.

If you’re a fan of the wonderfully versatile sweet potato, you’ll also love exploring other delicious creations like this Sweet Potato Hash, perfect for breakfast or brunch, or these incredibly soft and flavorful Sweet Potato Biscuits. Each recipe highlights the unique sweetness and texture of sweet potatoes in a distinct and appealing way.

Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon: A Tangy Twist on a Classic Side Dish

Sweet potatoes are one of those culinary delights that have truly captivated me over the years. It’s quite amusing to reflect on, because as a child, I firmly believed I disliked them. Yet, as my palate matured, I discovered a profound appreciation, bordering on obsession, for their natural sweetness and versatility. From savory hashes to decadent casseroles, sweet potatoes consistently deliver flavor and nutrition, making them a staple in my kitchen.

While I adore a classic potato salad – and this Potato Salad Recipe with Corn and Poblanos remains a personal favorite – there’s always room to innovate and introduce exciting variations. Swapping traditional potatoes for sweet potatoes is never a bad idea; it elevates a familiar dish into something fresh, flavorful, and uniquely delightful.

Why This Sweet Potato Salad Will Become Your New Go-To

This Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon stands out for numerous compelling reasons. Unlike the heavy, often mayonnaise-based dressings found in many American potato salads, this recipe takes inspiration from German potato salad traditions. What exactly does a German potato salad entail? It’s characterized by a light, tangy, vinegar-based dressing that is thoughtfully stirred into the potatoes while they are still warm. This crucial step allows the potatoes to fully absorb the vibrant flavors, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying dish.

The result is a potato salad that is noticeably lighter and often perceived as a healthier alternative to its creamy counterparts. It offers an entirely different, yet equally enjoyable, culinary experience. While I cherish both styles, this sweet potato salad offers a refreshing change of pace – one that I can genuinely feel good about serving and savoring. Its unique flavor profile and satisfying texture make it a dish I know I’ll be preparing and enjoying for many years to come.

Crafting Your Perfect Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon

Creating this flavorful sweet potato salad is a straightforward process, resulting in a dish that’s both impressive and comforting. The key lies in the preparation and timing, ensuring each ingredient contributes perfectly to the final symphony of flavors.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and cutting them into uniform, bite-sized chunks. Place them in a medium pot, cover with water, bring to a boil, and cook until they are just fork-tender, typically about 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly and return the warm potatoes to the hot pot.
2. Cook the Bacon: While the sweet potatoes are boiling, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bacon and cook until it’s wonderfully crisp. Once cooked, transfer the bacon pieces to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat.
3. Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, combine the beef broth, red wine vinegar, and smoked paprika. Whisk them together until well blended. This forms the tangy base of your German-inspired dressing.
4. Infuse the Potatoes: Place the still-hot drained sweet potatoes over very low heat. Pour the broth mixture over them. Gently stir until the potatoes have absorbed the liquid, ensuring every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing. Turn off the heat.
5. Add Freshness and Bacon: Stir in the finely chopped red onion, celery, fresh parsley, and the cooked, crispy bacon. Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
6. Season and Serve: Season the salad generously to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Your Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon is now ready to be enjoyed!

Expert Tips for Sweet Potato Salad Perfection

To ensure your Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon turns out perfectly every time, keep these invaluable tips in mind. A little foresight and attention to detail can make all the difference in achieving that irresistible flavor and texture.

Optimize Your Preparation for Smooth Sailing

This sweet potato salad comes together relatively quickly, which means having all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking is paramount. Finely chop your red onion, celery, and parsley ahead of time. This “mise en place” approach ensures that once your potatoes are cooked and warm, you can swiftly add the remaining components, allowing them to meld beautifully and absorb the dressing’s flavors efficiently.

The Art of Perfectly Cooked Sweet Potatoes

The cooking of your sweet potatoes is perhaps the most critical step. You want them to be “just fork-tender” – meaning a fork can easily pierce them, but they still hold their shape without crumbling. If you cook them for too long, they will become mushy, making it difficult for them to absorb the vinegar mixture properly, and they will likely fall apart as you stir in the other ingredients. Keep a close eye on them during boiling and drain them immediately once they reach the desired tenderness.

Serving Temperature Versatility: Warm, Room Temp, or Cold

While this salad was originally designed to be served warm, its versatility shines through at any temperature. I’ve enjoyed it warm, at room temperature, and even chilled straight from the refrigerator, finding it equally delicious in all three forms. This adaptability makes it a fantastic dish for various occasions, from a cozy dinner to a summer picnic. Don’t hesitate to enjoy it however you prefer!

Creative Leftover Ideas

Speaking of versatility, this sweet potato salad makes fantastic leftovers. One of my personal favorite ways to enjoy it the next day is for breakfast, served alongside a couple of fried or scrambled eggs. The savory bacon, sweet potatoes, and tangy dressing create a surprisingly delightful and hearty start to your day. You can also toss any remaining salad with a handful of fresh spinach for a quick lunch, or even serve it as a base for grilled chicken.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Sweet Potato Salad

This Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide array of main dishes. Its tangy, savory profile and satisfying texture make it an excellent accompaniment for nearly any meal, transforming a simple plate into a memorable feast.

Perfect Pairings for Any Main Course

I originally served this delightful salad with these Sliced Steak Sloppy Joes, and the combination was absolutely fantastic. The bright flavors of the salad cut through the richness of the sloppy joes beautifully. However, its adaptability means it would complement virtually any sandwich or wrap. Imagine it alongside these delightful Mini Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders, adding a fresh, zesty counterpoint. It would also be a superb side for hearty Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu Wraps or a comforting Roast Beef Panini. The tanginess of the dressing and the crispiness of the bacon provide a much-needed textural and flavor contrast to these richer options.

An Ideal Side Dish for Summer Gatherings

While this salad is truly great year-round, its light and refreshing nature makes it an absolutely perfect summer side dish. It shines at backyard barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. Picture it accompanying juicy Grilled Brown Sugar Mustard Chicken, adding a vibrant touch to savory Grilled Pork Burritos, or served alongside cheesy Grilled Corn Quesadillas. The bright notes of the vinegar and fresh herbs provide a refreshing balance to grilled meats and vegetables, making it a standout addition to any warm-weather spread.

Explore More Sweet Potato Delights

If you’ve fallen in love with sweet potatoes like I have, you’ll be thrilled to discover more delicious ways to incorporate them into your meals. Here are some of my other favorite sweet potato side dishes:

• Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Butter
• Scalloped Sweet Potatoes
• The BEST Sweet Potato Casserole
• Quinoa and Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
• Sweet Potato Tots

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Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon

Author:

Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Servings:

4 servings

Course:

Side Dish

Cuisine:

American

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This Sweet Potato Salad with Bacon isn’t your typical potato salad recipe! A take on German potato salad, this sweet potato salad has a vinegar-based dressing that soaks into the potatoes – it’s irresistible!

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks (about 2 large potatoes)
• 4 slices bacon, sliced into small pieces
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh chopped parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Place the sweet potatoes in a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, and cook just until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain thoroughly, then return the warm potatoes to the hot pot.
2. While the potatoes are cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook until crisp, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
3. In a small bowl, combine the beef broth, red wine vinegar, and smoked paprika. Whisk well to combine.
4. Place the hot drained potatoes over low heat and pour the broth mixture over the top. Stir gently until the liquid is fully absorbed by the potatoes. Turn off the heat.
5. Stir in the finely chopped red onion, celery, fresh parsley, and the cooked bacon.
6. Stir everything to combine, then season generously to taste with salt and pepper.
7. This salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or cold, according to your preference.

Recipe Notes:

• Adapted from 30 Minute Meals.
• Nutrition information provided is an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should only be used as a general guideline.

Nutrition Information

Serving:

1/4 of recipe

Calories:

194 kcal (10% DV)

Carbohydrates:

36 g (12% DV)

Protein:

6 g (12% DV)

Fat:

4 g (6% DV)

Saturated Fat:

1 g (6% DV)

Polyunsaturated Fat:

3 g

Trans Fat:

0 g

Cholesterol:

8 mg (3% DV)

Sodium:

361 mg (16% DV)

Fiber:

5 g (21% DV)

Sugar:

8 g (9% DV)

Keywords: sweet potato salad, German potato salad, bacon sweet potato salad, vinegar potato salad, healthy potato salad