Grilled Sweet Potato Salad is smoky, tender chunks of grilled sweet potato with bacon, crisp veggies and a tangy, sweet bacon dressing. It's a delicious gluten-free summer side dish!
2lbs.sweet potatoespeeled and cut into 1/2" thick rounds
salt and pepperto taste
4slicesair fryer baconcrumbled (reserve the bacon grease for the dressing); or cook bacon using your preferred method
1largegreen onionthinly sliced, both white and green parts
1smallbell pepperseeded or chopped (I used half red and half yellow)
For the dressing:
3tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
2tablespoonsred wine vinegar
1tablespoonreserved bacon grease
1tablespoonpure maple syrup
1 1/2teaspoonsdijon mustard
salt and freshly ground pepperto taste
Instructions
Preheat the grill to medium high heat.
In a medium bowl, toss the sweet potato rounds with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper until the potatoes are well coated. Place the potato rounds on the preheated grill and turn the heat down to medium. Grill 5-7 minutes per side or until each side is well charred and the potatoes are tender (the potatoes will appear slightly blistered when they're ready). Remove from heat and set aside.
Place the olive oil, red wine vinegar, bacon grease, maple syrup, dijon mustard, salt and pepper in small bowl and whisk to combine.
When the sweet potatoes have cooled slightly, cut them into chunks or slice width-wise and place in a serving bowl. Add the bacon, green onion and bell pepper and toss with the desired amount of dressing. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!
Notes
Pro tip: The potato salad may be made a few hours in advance -- just keep the bacon separate to ensure that it retains its crispness.
This salad would work well with roasted sweet potatoes if you prefer -- just season with salt and pepper!
Customize this sweet potato salad with your favorite veggies, or make it vegetarian by omitting the bacon.
If you prefer not to use bacon grease in your dressing, replace it with the same amount of olive oil, or substitute with my red wine vinaigrette.