• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Paleo Gluten-Free Guy logo
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • The Paleo Pantry
  • About
    • About Don Baiocchi
    • What is Paleo?
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok

Paleo & Whole30 Sweet Potato Salad – 3 ways!

May 27, 2022 · 12 Comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
paleo sweet potato salad in 3 white bowls on a white wooden table next to celery stalks, parsley and a bowl of sliced scallions
paleo sweet potato salad in 3 white bowls on a white wooden table next to celery stalks, parsley and a bowl of sliced scallions

This Paleo & Whole30 Sweet Potato Salad is an easy, delicious side dish!

Cooked, cold sweet potatoes, veggies are herbs are tossed with a creamy, tangy mayo and mustard dressing – and I offer 3 different versions.

Even though it’s great for Paleo and Whole30 diets, this sweet potato salad will make everyone happy.

healthy sweet potato salad in 3 white bowls on a white wooden table with celery stalks and a bowl of sliced scallions
From left to right: curried sweet potato salad, sweet potato salad with bacon, and buffalo sweet potato salad

(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the links on this page may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, I’ll automatically receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.)

Why this recipe works

Not only are sweet potatoes one of my favorite ingredients, sweet potato salad is one of my favorite side dishes for cookouts and summer parties.

Mayo and mustard are mixed together for a creamy, tangy dressing, while scallions, celery and parsley add crunch and freshness.

And of course, you’ve gotta add bacon! (Unless you’re vegetarian, of course.)

A cold sweet potato salad with mayo and bacon is good enough as is, but I also offer two other versions.

For one, you mix in yellow curry powder. This is sometimes called Madras curry powder; it’s an Indian spice mix full of spices like cumin and turmeric for a warmth that balances the cold sweet potatoes.

For the second, you simply stir in hot sauce to make Buffalo Sweet Potato Salad! I prefer to use Frank’s Original Hot Sauce but you can use your favorite one.

What you need for Paleo & Whole30 Sweet Potato Salad

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4 medium)
  • 1/4 cup avocado oil mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions (with the scraggly roots trimmed off first)
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more if necessary
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 strips cooked and chopped or crumbled bacon (if using)
  • for the curry version: 1.5 teaspoons yellow curry powder
  • for the Buffalo version: 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust depending on brand and desired level of heat)

Note: for Whole30, please make sure all ingredients are compatible.

Equipment:

  • to steam the potatoes: a medium saucepan and steamer insert, or a microwave-safe bowl and plastic wrap
  • a baking sheet
  • a large mixing bowl
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • a cutting board
  • a chef’s knife
  • a wooden spoon or spatula (the kind for stirring, not flipping)
  • for the bacon: a medium skillet or large skillet, plus a plate lined with paper towels for draining the bacon
cold sweet potato salad in 3 white bowls on a white wooden table with celery stalks on it

How to make Paleo & Whole30 Sweet Potato Salad

Step 1: Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into approx. 1/2″ cubes.

Step 2: Steam the sweet potatoes. You can do this one of two ways:

Stovetop method: Heat about one inch of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Add a steamer insert, then the sweet potato cubes and cover.

Steam for about 8-12 minutes, until a fork easily slides in. You want them tender but not mushy.

Microwave method: Add the sweet potatoes to a microwave-safe bowl and add about 1/4 cup water. Cover with plastic wrap, leaving a small vent somewhere along the rim of the bowl.

Microwave for about 6-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a fork easily slides in. You want them tender but not mushy.

Step 3: Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on the baking sheet and let cool completely. You can also put the baking sheet in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.

Step 4: Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl mix together the mayo and mustard.

Step 5: Add the cooled sweet potatoes, celery, scallions, salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. If using bacon, curry powder or hot sauce, stir them in here as well. Stir until evenly combined, then taste and adjust seasoning.

sweet potato salad with mayo and mustard in 3 white bowls on a white wooden table with celery stalks, a bowl of sliced scallions and parsley

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make substitutions?

You can use a grainy or spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon.

You can use a plain, unsweetened yogurt instead of mayo to make this vegan (leave out the bacon as well).

You can use other herbs instead of parsley, such as basil or cilantro.

Instead of scallions, you can use 2-3 tablespoons sliced chives.

You can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon (although it won’t get crisp.)

Can I make this Paleo Sweet Potato Salad ahead of time?

The sweet potato salad can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze this Paleo Sweet Potato Salad?

I do not recommend freezing the salad.

Other recipes you might like:

  1. Rainbow Crunch Salad with Almond Butter Dressing (Paleo, Whole30)
  2. Peach, Avocado and Bacon Salad (Paleo, Whole30)
  3. Peach, Prosciutto and Burrata Salad
  4. Red, White and Blue Salad
  5. Healthy Broccoli Salad (Paleo, Whole30)
healthy sweet potato salad in 3 white bowls on a white wooden table with celery stalks and a bowl of sliced scallions

Paleo & Whole30 Sweet Potato Salad – 3 ways!

Don Baiocchi
This sweet potato salad is an easy, delicious side dish! Cooked and cooled sweet potatoes are combined with scallions, celery and parsley in a creamy, tangy dressing. Plus it includes 2 variations: curried sweet potato salad or buffalo sweet potato salad! And all versions are Paleo and Whole30 friendly.
5 from 7 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
cooling time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 52 minutes mins
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 344 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes (about 4 medium)
  • ¼ cup avocado oil mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • ½ cup thinly sliced scallions (with the scraggly roots trimmed off first)
  • ¼ cup chopped parsley (see notes)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, plus more if necessary
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 strips cooked and chopped or crumbled bacon (optional)

For the curry sweet potato salad

  • 1½ teaspoons yellow curry powder

For the buffalo sweet potato salad

  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (I used Frank's original)

Instructions
 

  • First, peel the sweet potatoes and cut into approx. ½" cubes.
  • Then, steam the sweet potatoes. You can do this one of two ways:
    Stovetop method: Heat about one inch of water in a medium saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Add a steamer insert, then the sweet potato cubes and cover.
    Steam for about 8-12 minutes, until a fork easily slides in. You want them tender but not mushy.
    Microwave method: Add the sweet potatoes to a microwave-safe bowl and add about ¼ cup water. Cover with plastic wrap, leaving a small vent somewhere along the rim of the bowl.
    Microwave for about 6-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until a fork easily slides in. You want them tender but not mushy.
  • Spread the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on a baking sheet and let cool completely. You can also then put the baking sheet in the fridge to speed up the cooling process.
  • Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl mix together the mayo and mustard.
  • Add the cooled sweet potatoes, celery, scallions, salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper. If using bacon, curry powder or hot sauce, add them here as well. Stir until evenly combined, give it a taste and see if it needs any additional salt or pepper.

Notes

Note: for Whole30, please make sure all ingredients are compatible.
Note: When using parsley, always rinse the leaves in a colander under running water, then pat dry. Parsley can sometimes have grit in the leaves.
Substitutions
  • You can use a grainy or spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon.
  • You can use a plain, unsweetened yogurt instead of mayo to make this vegan (leave out the bacon as well).
  • You can use other herbs instead of parsley, such as basil or cilantro.
  • Instead of scallions, you can use 2-3 tablespoons sliced chives.
  • You can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
Make ahead and storage
The sweet potato salad can be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If making in advance, do not add salt until just before serving.
I do not recommend freezing the salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 344kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 7gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 987mgPotassium: 904mgFiber: 8gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 32681IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 93mgIron: 2mg
Keyword cold sweet potato salad, healthy, paleo, whole30
Tried this recipe?Mention @paleoglutenfreeguy or tag #paleoglutenfreeguy!

FOR MORE RECIPES, INSPIRATION AND GENERALLY GOOD STUFF, JOIN ME ON:

Instagram,

Facebook,

TikTok

AND Pinterest!

Related Posts

  • A colorful salad with peppers, herbs, sliced almonds, cucumber, carrots, dried apricots and green onions in a large bowl.
    Rainbow Crunch Salad with Almond Butter Dressing (Paleo, Whole30)
  • Blueberry pecan chicken salad in lettuce cups on a wooden cutting board strewn with blueberries, pecans and fresh thyme.
    Whole30 Chicken Salad with Blueberries and Pecans
  • Paleo Broccoli Salad in a glass bowl on a wooden table strewn with pine nuts and raisins.
    Paleo Broccoli Salad (Whole30)

Recipes, Veggies & Sides, Whole30 4th of July, bacon, celery, curry powder, hot sauce, salad, scallions, summer recipe, sweet potato

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sunrita says

    June 7, 2022 at 11:05 am

    5 stars
    Never tried a sweet potato salad but this was great. The hot sauce cut through the sweetness beautifully!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      June 7, 2022 at 4:07 pm

      So glad you liked it!

      Reply
  2. Stacey says

    June 4, 2022 at 3:02 pm

    5 stars
    Such a great idea to use sweet potatoes! I love the buffalo version with the bacon crumbles the best!

    Reply
  3. jennifer says

    June 4, 2022 at 3:00 pm

    5 stars
    I couldn’t decide all three options look amazing so I went with the Buffalo version because Franks Hot Sauce is a fav . . I put that @#$! on everything (sorry I couldn’t resist). Turned out delicious, thanks for the inspo!

    Reply
  4. Shelby says

    June 1, 2022 at 7:09 pm

    5 stars
    I’m not sure why I’ve never thought to make sweet potato salad in place of regular but the flavor on this was so much better!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      June 4, 2022 at 1:41 pm

      Yep, so much more flavor!

      Reply
  5. ChihYu says

    June 1, 2022 at 5:23 pm

    5 stars
    What amazing salads! I love sweet potatoes and this great & delicious way to enjoy them! Can’t decide which one to try first!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      June 4, 2022 at 1:41 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  6. Janessa says

    May 31, 2022 at 4:54 pm

    5 stars
    This salad is so good!! We made your classic version along with burgers last night and it was so perfect. Cant’s wait to try the other variations!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      June 4, 2022 at 1:41 pm

      Hi Janessa,

      So glad to hear it! It’s perfect with burgers.

      Reply
  7. nancy says

    May 31, 2022 at 10:55 am

    5 stars
    Don what a great idea to use sweet potatoes for this salad!! i made it over the weekend for the picnic and everyone kept asking for more!!

    Reply
    • Paleo Gluten Free Guy says

      May 31, 2022 at 4:24 pm

      Thanks, Nancy! Glad everyone liked it. 🙂

      Reply
5 from 7 votes

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

About Don

Headshot photo of Don Baiocchi

Well hello there! I’m Don, the creator behind Paleo Gluten Free Guy. I share fun, vibrant recipes for good health and pure enjoyment. All of my recipes are gluten-free and the majority of them are also Paleo, meaning they’re free of grains, dairy, refined sugar and legumes.

Categories

Sign-up for Freebie!

Most Recent Posts

Rhubarb gluten free muffins in a muffin pan on a cooling rack.

Gluten-Free Rhubarb Muffins (Paleo)

A gluten free dairy free banana cake in a square baking dish with some cream cheese frosting spread over part of the cake.

Gluten-Free Banana Cake (Paleo)

A spicy salmon poke bowl with chunks of salmon, shredded carrots, sugar snap peas and red bell pepper strips.

Cooked Salmon Poke Bowl (gluten-free, Paleo)

High protein chocolate pudding in mason jars topped with sliced banana and chocolate chips.

Chocolate Protein Chia Pudding

Gluten free and dairy free banana bread sliced on a platter next to a bread knife.

Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Banana Bread

Footer

For Recipe Tips & More!

Menu

  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Blog
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Follow Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok

Copyright © 2025 Paleo Gluten-Free Guy on the Seasoned Pro Theme

214 shares
  • 194

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.