Sweet Potato & Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet Potato & Bacon Pasta Salad is a delicious blend of warm roasted flavors and crisp bacon, all tossed with fresh arugula and a tangy maple-Dijon dressing. It’s a perfect dish for easy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with something a little different.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 cup arugula
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potato with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Let cool slightly.
2. Step 2: While the sweet potatoes roast, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble once cool.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted sweet potatoes, crumbled bacon, and arugula.
5. Step 5: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle with chopped pecans if using, and serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

Tips & Variations

• Swap arugula for spinach or kale for a different leafy green texture and flavor.
• Use smoked turkey bacon for a leaner alternative without sacrificing flavor.
• Add dried cranberries or raisins for a touch of sweetness and extra chewiness.
• Prepare the salad a few hours in advance to allow the flavors to meld together nicely.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, add arugula just before serving if storing the salad for several hours. Reheat gently if you prefer it warm, or enjoy chilled straight from the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Rotini, penne, fusilli, or any short pasta works well as it holds the dressing and ingredients nicely.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this salad holds up well in the fridge for a few days, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners. Just keep the arugula separate until ready to serve for the freshest taste.

Sweet Potato & Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 74 reviews

A flavorful and hearty Sweet Potato & Bacon Pasta Salad featuring roasted sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, peppery arugula, and a zesty maple-Dijon dressing. Perfect served warm, at room temperature, or chilled as a satisfying meal or side dish.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salad

• 2 cups cooked pasta (such as rotini or penne)
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices bacon
• 1 cup arugula
• 2 tablespoons chopped pecans (optional)

Dressing

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until tender and lightly browned. Once done, remove from oven and let cool slightly.
2. Cook the Bacon: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the 4 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. After cooking, drain on paper towels and let cool, then crumble into small pieces.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon maple syrup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted sweet potatoes, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup arugula.
5. Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
6. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons chopped pecans if using. Serve the pasta salad warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on your preference.

Notes

• Use your favorite pasta shape such as rotini or penne for best texture.
• Roasting the sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness and adds a nice caramelized flavor.
• The salad can be customized with other greens like spinach if arugula is unavailable.
• Chilling the salad enhances the flavors, making it a great make-ahead dish.
• Maple syrup in the dressing complements the sweet potatoes and balances the bacon’s saltiness.

Keywords: sweet potato pasta salad, bacon pasta salad, roasted sweet potato salad, savory pasta salad, autumn salad