Name: Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 2 medium, unpeeled sweet potatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper; 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice; 2 tablespoons minced cilantro; 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 garlic clove (minced); 1/2 teaspoon agave nectar; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

One taste of these grilled sweet potatoes with cilantro vinaigrette will convince you to make this your go-to summer side dish recipe. 118 calories and 3 Weight Watchers Freestyle SP.

Grilled Sweet Potatoes Recipe with Cilantro Vinaigrette

These grilled sweet potatoes are a direct result of delving into one of my favorite cookbooks and the lesson I learned can transform your cooking. I’ll admit that I don’t always read the opening informational chapter of a cookbook, typically diving straight into the recipes and photos. But when you have Thomas Keller’s Ad Hoc at Home laid out in front of you, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to soak in the wisdom of one of the country’s best chefs.

The man is a wealth of knowledge, sharing tips on using salt properly, sautéing, roasting and much more. But there is one tip that stuck in my mind above all others, one that comes into play in this recipe.

The concept is simple…using vinegar as a seasoning device. Chef Keller goes on to talk about how just a few drops of vinegar, or other acids such as citrus, can significantly improve the flavor of a dish. When you taste the final product, you may not be able identify the vinegar, but it will show itself by helping the other flavors to really pop.

The next time you are making dinner (or even dessert – think lemon zest), consider adding a dash a vinegar or a squeeze or lemon or lime juice. I think you’ll be surprised at how your flavors will sing!

In this recipe for grilled sweet potatoes, the lime juice in the vinaigrette acts as the perfect foil for the sweet and smoky potatoes. In fact, the flavor combination is nothing short of spectacular. Yeah, that’s right, I’m patting myself on the back for this one, but the reality of the matter is that the simplicity of the ingredients are what makes this so good.

What to serve with grilled sweet potatoes:

Turn to chicken kabobs to serve with these potatoes. My tandoori kabobs or paprika yogurt kabobs are both great options. Other chicken options are grilled drumsticks or Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken.
Pork and sweet potatoes go together like Romeo and Juliet, minus the tragic ending. Try Grilled Pork Chops with Greek Salad Salsa.
For a meatless meal, serve Grilled Caprese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms or a Baked Egg Casserole with Salsa with the potatoes.

Other healthy grilled side dishes:

Balsamic Grilled Vegetables {Cookin’ Canuck}
Grilled Vegetable Chickpea & Caper Salad {Cookin’ Canuck}
Grilled Lemongrass Asparagus {Gastro Senses}
Grilled Tahini Cauliflower {Sabor-ina}