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winter taco salad

serves 4
winter taco salad in bowl on cutting board

Ingredients

  • 2 limes, divided
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • kosher salt
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds total), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 3 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 small cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1 romaine heart, sliced crosswise into thin strips
  • optional toppings: crumbled cotija or feta cheese, toasted pepitas, homemade or store-bought tortilla strips

Instructions

  • Heat the oven to 425°F. 
  • Zest half of 1 lime into a medium bowl. Juice half the lime into the bowl, add the onion and a pinch of salt, and toss to coat. Set aside to pickle while you prepare the rest of the salad.
  • On a sheet pan, toss the sweet potato cubes with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the oil (I rarely call for half tablespoons, but in this case I really do think it's the perfect amount), followed by the chili powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, and several grinds black pepper. Roast for 15 minutes. Flip and continue to roast until tender, 5 to 10 minutes more. Let cool for at least 10 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, juice the remaining 1 1/2 limes into a large bowl. Add the garlic, cilantro, remaining 2 tablespoons oil, remaining 1/4 teaspoon cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and whisk to combine. Taste and season with more salt as needed.
  • Add the black beans, romaine, avocado, and lime-pickled onions to the bowl. Add the sweet potatoes once they've cooled enough to your liking, then toss to combine. Finish with any additional toppings (cheese, toasted pepitas, and/or tortilla strips).