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}
Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Vinaigrette
Ingredients
- 2 medium, unpeeled sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
Cilantro vinaigrette:
- 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
Instructions
- Place the sweet potatoes in a large pot of water. Boil the potatoes until they are
just cooked through, about 20 minutes. Transfer the potatoes to a cutting board
and let rest until they are cool enough to handle. - Preheat the grill to HIGH heat. Lightly grease the grill.
- When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them into ¼-inch rounds. Brush
the round with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. - Place the sweet potatoes on the grill and cook about 2 ½ minutes per side, until they
have browned grill marks. - Transfer the grilled potatoes to a serving platter and drizzle with the dressing. Serve.
The vinaigrette:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, cilantro, olive oil, garlic, agave
nectar and salt.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published on June 5, 2015, and was updated on May 22, 2019.
Disclosure: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Rachel Cooks says
Great tip about vinegar! These potatoes look perfect. I’ve been grilling everything lately.
Sneha says
I’m not very much font off vinegar recipe’s.. Merely this recipe telling me to try something new on my kitchen. thanks for sharing dear.. 🙂
Marla Meridith says
Sweet potatoes are my favorite! I must try this 🙂
The Food Hunter says
I really need to eat more sweet potatoes!
Rosemary says
Lovely recipe. I normally prepare my pumpkin like this but need to try it on some sweet potatoes!
Aggie says
This looks amazing Dara! I discovered grilled sweet potatoes a few years ago and it’s been too long since I’ve made them. They are so delicious! And that cilantro vinaigrette is just perfect.
Susan says
I add citrus all the time to finish dishes but never vinegar. I’ll have to try it! These sweet potatoes look incredible too. What a great summer side.
Martha @ A Family Feast says
What great advice! These sweet potatoes look delicious!
Lily @Gastro Senses says
Yum! Sweet potatoes everything rocks! But the presentation of grilled sweet potatoes and that dressing is amazing! Also, thank you for sharing my lemon-grass asparagus recipe! 😉 Cheers!
rmwright says
These look like little basketballs! 🙂 I think I need to serve them during the NBA finals next year. We tried these last weekend and whoa, are they ever good. I made extra dressing for my lunch salad the next day. 🙂
[email protected] says
Made this tonight—SO GOOD! I love the bright flavor of the dressing and the way the sweet potatoes caramelized on the grill. Everyone went back for seconds. This recipe is a keeper!
Jill Roberts says
These grilled sweet potatoes with cilantro vinaigrette looks yummi! Gorgeous colors, and my kind of ingredients. Looks great! Thx for sharing!
Julia Stearns @ Healthirony says
Wow. This grilled sweet potatoes with cilantro vinaigrette look like a pure combination of taste, I love healthy food.