Sweet Potato & Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet Potato & Bacon Pasta Salad is a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors perfect for any season. Roasted sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, and peppery arugula come together with a maple-Dijon dressing to create a satisfying and vibrant dish.

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 oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced sweet potato with 1 tablespoon 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. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and combined.
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 all ingredients evenly.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute pecans with toasted walnuts or almonds for extra crunch and flavor.
• Use leftover roasted sweet potatoes to save time without sacrificing taste.
• Swap arugula for baby spinach if you prefer a milder leafy green.
• Add a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for a creamy, tangy twist.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop nicely when chilled. Before serving, you can let it come to room temperature or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge. If needed, toss gently again to redistribute the dressing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well. Choose a shape that holds the dressing nicely.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It keeps well in the fridge and makes a convenient, flavorful lunch or side dish for several days.

Sweet Potato & Bacon Pasta Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 144 reviews

A flavorful Sweet Potato & Bacon Pasta Salad combining tender roasted sweet potatoes, crispy bacon, fresh arugula, and a tangy maple-Dijon dressing. This versatile salad can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, making it perfect for any season or occasion.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main 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)

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 of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes until they become tender and lightly browned. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly.
2. Cook the Bacon: While the sweet potatoes are roasting, cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat and cool. Crumble the bacon into small pieces once cooled.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste until the dressing is smooth and combined.
4. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted sweet potatoes, crumbled bacon, and fresh arugula.
5. Toss with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together to ensure even coating.
6. Add Pecans and Serve: Sprinkle chopped pecans on top if using. Serve the salad warm, at room temperature, or chilled according to your preference.

Notes

• You can use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or fusilli for this salad.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon or replace with crispy smoked tempeh.
• Salad can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; add arugula just before serving to maintain freshness.
• Chilling the salad enhances the flavors, but it’s equally tasty warm or at room temperature.
• Adjust seasoning after tossing with dressing to suit your taste.

Keywords: Sweet Potato Pasta Salad, Bacon Pasta Salad, Roasted Sweet Potato Salad, Maple Dijon Dressing, Easy Pasta Salad