Black bean sweet potato salad

This black bean sweet potato salad is bright, hearty without being heavy, and with delicious fresh flavors. It's perfect for lunch, or as a side and travels well, too.

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It's funny, for someone who would claim to not be that much of a salad person, I often find it funny how many salad recipes I have posted here. I imagine there's something inside me that is trying to convince myself, and others, that salads can actually be tasty and interesting.

And this salad is packed with delicious, fresh flavor! It's as bright in your mouth as the colors on your plate. Plus, it's a great way to use up some leftover roasted sweet potatoes or the end of a can of black beans.

I think I also should clarify my salad thing, too. It's more I'm not really a fan of salads that are just some lettuce with tomato and cucumber and an insipid dressing. I find that so totally uninspiring. Arugula would nearly always be my go-to green to add some tasty flavor.

Herbs are also highly under-used in salads, at least in our culture. Others get that they can add a wonderful burst of flavor, like a Moroccan raw carrot salad or Thai beef salad. 

This salad has some cilantro for fresh flavor and color, as well as a lovely balance of textures, from the smooth roasted sweet potato to the crunchy red pepper. Then there are the added bonuses that it's really easy to make, is great for preparing ahead and is full of healthy ingredients, too. Not to mention it transports well and is vegan. 

A dressing to match the salad

I for one thing the dressing can be just as important as the salad ingredients themselves. For this sweet potato salad, I felt it needed a fresh and flavorful dressing to bring it all together.

The lime adds that needed bright flavor that compliments the other ingredients perfectly, with just enough honey to save it being too sharp.

I can understand, you might wonder about the raw garlic. But honestly, it's not too much when combined with everything else. The sweet potato and beans in particular can really absorb flavors and it works well.

This black bean sweet potato salad is easy to make, and a delicious bowl full of fresh flavors. It's packed with good-for-you ingredients, is perfect to take in your lunchbox and is also an ideal way to use up some leftovers. All round, this is one salad you want to be enjoying soon.

Try these other lunch salads:

• Raw beet quinoa salad
• Greek-style cauliflower rice salad
• Butternut squash wild rice salad
• Plus get more lunch recipes in the archives.

See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store. 

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