Healthy Paleo Sweet Potato Salad

Summer is here - wahoo!! Who doesn't love summer? Sunshine, longer days, cocktails by the pool, vacations, and BBQs! I love me a good BBQ but as someone who eats gluten free I can get a little anxious about food options. Being the control freak that I am, I usually volunteer to bring something - ensuring that I have one healthy thing to dig into. You can bet this Sweet Potato Salad will be on the rotation hot and heavy this summer. This is the perfect side dish to take to any summer party as it is free of most allergens and dietary restrictions, except for tree nuts. It is gluten free, Paleo, and vegan....I know....amazing, delicious, hearty, and healthy!! 

Paleo Gluten Free Sweet Potato Salad

INGREDIENTS

• 2 white sweet potatoes 🍠
• 2 purple sweet potatoes 🍠
• 1 large steamed beet
• 2 Persian cucumbers 🥒
• 3/4 c nuts 🥜 (I used walnuts but almonds, pistachios, cashews, etc. would all be delicious).
• 3 scallions, sliced at an angle
• 1/2 c basil 🌿 loosely packed
• parsley for topping
•  salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 c EVOO
• 1/4 c water
• 1 ripe avocado 🥑
• 2 limes, zest and juice (can also use lemon)
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced

DIRECTIONS

1. Chop the sweet potatoes into small even cubes and place in a large pot of salted water on medium high heat.
2. Cook for 10 minutes once the water comes to a boil.
3. Make dressing: blend together in a food processor the EVOO, water, avocado 🥑, garlic, lime zest and juice, salt & pepper. 
4. Drain the potatoes and run under cold water to stop the cooking process. 
5. Chop beets and cucumber into small cubes. 
6. Slice scallions on a diagonal.
7. Finely chop the basil. 
8. Place cooked potatoes, beets, cucumbers, scallions, and basil into a bowl. Drizzle dressing over top and mix gently with a large wooden spoon. 
9. Top with nuts and extra torn basil and parsley. Taste and season to liking with extra salt & pepper. 
10. Refrigerate overnight. 

TIP: Best to make a day ahead of time so all of the flavors meld and the potatoes absorb the delicious dressing. If it gets to dry add an extra lime juice and more EVOO. 

This is such a great nutrient dense dish to take to any cookout! This is also great added into mixed green salads or make a quick lunch by topping the potato salad with a little protein (tuna, sliced chicken breast, etc.).

HAPPY SUMMERTIME!!!