This Chipotle Sweet Potato Pasta Salad is a game-changer! I first whipped it up for a summer picnic, and it vanished in minutes. Everyone kept asking for the recipe, and now, it’s a regular at our family gatherings.
It’s a delightful mix of roasted sweet potatoes, protein-packed chickpeas, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a creamy, smoky, and slightly spicy chipotle dressing. It’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to festive potlucks.
Why You’ll Love It
This Chipotle Sweet Potato Pasta Salad is more than just a pretty face. It’s packed with flavor, texture, and wholesome ingredients. The roasted sweet potatoes provide a touch of sweetness, while the chickpeas offer a boost of protein and fiber. The creamy, smoky chipotle dressing ties everything together, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and refreshing.
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Chipotle Sweet Potato Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 50 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
For extra smoky flavor, try roasting the sweet potatoes over an open flame on the grill. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked sweet potatoes. Just cube them and toss them with the spices before adding them to the salad. Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers in the dressing to control the spice level. Start with one and add more to taste. For other tasty spice options, see our guide to flavoring with spices. To prevent the avocado from browning, add it just before serving.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sweet potatoes, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz pasta (any shape)
- ½ cup vegan mayo
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1–2 chipotles in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ red onion, diced
- ½ cup chopped cilantro
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While the sweet potatoes roast, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Combine vegan mayo, olive oil, chipotles in adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, cilantro, basil, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, roasted sweet potatoes, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, and drained chickpeas. Pour the chipotle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Top with diced avocado and serve immediately or chill for later.
Notes
This Chipotle Sweet Potato Pasta Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light and satisfying weeknight meal. The flavors are vibrant and fresh, with a hint of smoky sweetness from the roasted sweet potatoes and a kick from the chipotle dressing. It’s a dish that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve, and I’m confident it will become a new favorite in your household. Don’t forget to check out our other delicious salad recipes for more inspiration. Connect with us on social media for more recipe ideas and cooking tips! Let’s stay in touch on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Cooked
- Cuisine: American
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this flavor-packed Chipotle Sweet Potato Pasta Salad. The ingredients are easy to find and create a symphony of taste and texture:
- For the Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes (cubed), olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- For the Chipotle Dressing: Vegan mayo, olive oil, chipotles in adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, cilantro, basil, and garlic.
- For the Pasta Salad: Short pasta (like rotini or penne), red onion, cilantro, green onions, chickpeas, and avocado.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the sweet potatoes roast, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Chipotle Dressing
Combine vegan mayo, olive oil, chipotles in adobo sauce, apple cider vinegar, cilantro, basil, and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, roasted sweet potatoes, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, and drained chickpeas. Pour the chipotle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 5: Serve
Top with diced avocado and serve immediately or chill for later. Enjoy!
Better-Than-Grandma Tips
- For extra smoky flavor, try roasting the sweet potatoes over an open flame on the grill.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked sweet potatoes. Just cube them and toss them with the spices before adding them to the salad.
- Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers in the dressing to control the spice level. Start with one and add more to taste. For other tasty spice options, see our guide to flavoring with spices.
- To prevent the avocado from browning, add it just before serving.
Flavor Twists
- Corn Fiesta: Add a cup of grilled corn kernels for a touch of sweetness and crunch.
- Black Bean Boost: Include a can of drained and rinsed black beans for extra protein and fiber. For other bean-based salads, explore our delicious bean recipes.
- Spicy Surprise: Dice a jalapeño and add it to the dressing for an extra kick.
- Mediterranean Medley: Swap the cilantro for fresh parsley and add crumbled feta cheese (if not vegan) and Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean twist.
Is this sweet potato pasta salad vegan?
Yes, this salad is vegan! The chipotle dressing uses vegan mayo, ensuring it’s completely plant-based.
Can I make this salad ahead of time for a potluck?
Absolutely! It’s a fantastic dish to bring to a potluck or barbecue. The flavors hold up well at room temperature.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I recommend adding the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Feel free to get creative with the pasta shape. Penne, rotini, fusilli, or even farfalle would work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How to Serve
This Chipotle Sweet Potato Pasta Salad can be served as a main course or a side dish. Here are a few ideas:
- Main Course: For a heartier meal, serve the salad with grilled chicken or fish.
- Side Dish: It pairs perfectly with tacos, burgers, or sandwiches. Take a look at some of our lunch recipes for ideas.
- Potluck Star: This salad is always a hit at potlucks and barbecues. Make a double batch to ensure there’s enough for everyone.
- Light Lunch: Enjoy it on its own for a refreshing and satisfying lunch.
That’s a Wrap
This Chipotle Sweet Potato Pasta Salad is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light and satisfying weeknight meal. The flavors are vibrant and fresh, with a hint of smoky sweetness from the roasted sweet potatoes and a kick from the chipotle dressing. It’s a dish that’s both easy to make and impressive to serve, and I’m confident it will become a new favorite in your household. Don’t forget to check out our other delicious salad recipes for more inspiration. Connect with us on social media for more recipe ideas and cooking tips! Let’s stay in touch on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
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