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Sweet Potato Pasta Salad

Sweet Potato Pasta Salad

This Sweet Potato Pasta Salad is a smoky, satisfying, and nutritious dish perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. The chipotle dressing and roasted veggies create bold flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time 13 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 790 kcal

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Mixing bowls
  • - Large pot
  • - Food processor or blender

Ingredients
  

  • #### Roasted Sweet Potatoes
  • - 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed (¾-inch pieces)
  • - 2 tbsp olive oil
  • - 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • - ½ tsp garlic powder
  • - ½ tsp onion powder
  • - ½ tsp salt
  • - ½ tsp black pepper
  • #### Chipotle-Cilantro Dressing
  • - ½ cup vegan mayonnaise or regular mayo
  • - ¼ cup olive oil
  • - 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo
  • - 1 tbsp adobo sauce from the chipotle can
  • - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • - ½ bunch fresh cilantro
  • - 5 basil leaves
  • - 3 garlic cloves peeled
  • #### Salad Assembly
  • - 1 lb short pasta rotini, penne, or bowties
  • - 1 small red onion diced
  • - ½ bunch cilantro chopped
  • - 4 green onions sliced
  • - 1 can 15 oz chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • - 1 avocado diced (add just before serving)

Instructions
 

  • **Roast the Sweet Potatoes**
  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil and seasonings. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway. Let cool.
  • **Cook the Pasta**
  • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
  • **Make the Dressing**
  • In a food processor, blend mayo, olive oil, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, vinegar, cilantro, basil, and garlic until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  • **Assemble the Salad**
  • In a large bowl, combine pasta, sweet potatoes, red onion, cilantro, green onions, and chickpeas. Toss with dressing. Fold in diced avocado just before serving.

Notes

- Add avocado just before serving to keep it green and fresh.
- For extra heat, blend in more chipotle peppers or a dash of hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Keyword Sweet Potato Pasta Salad