Cilantro Lime Sweet Potato Salad

Want to start eating healthier?  A first step can be to eat more color.  All fruits and vegetables have health benefits, but for the best balance, be sure to fit in green, orange, red, yellow, and even white several times per week.

And as any of my clients will tell you, it's not about what we are removing from our diets to make ourselves healthier, but what you are adding in to better fuel yourself, prevent chronic disease, optimize energy, and yes... add flavor to your life!

Take potato salad... traditionally this dish is not considered "health food."  But instead of avoiding it at the Labor Day cookout this weekend, make a better, more colorful, fresh-tasting side dish to wow the crowd!

Not only does this recipe pack a lot of flavor from the zesty lime, the sweet roasted onions and the fresh cilantro, but you have to know the ingredients I chose are going to help you be your best.  The lycopene in the tomatoes and beta carotene in the sweet potatoes will help prevent any long-term damage from the sun exposure you're bound to get this labor day weekend.  And the vitamin C in the bell peppers will help keep your immune system strong, regardless of how much fun you decide to have.

Cilantro Lime Sweet Potato Salad
3 sweet potatoes, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
2 Tb olive oil
1 bell pepper, any color
1 pint cherry tomatoes
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
1/4 cup lime juice (preferably fresh)
2Tb olive oil
1tsp sriracha

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Toss sweet potatoes and onion with 2Tb olive oil and a pinch salt and fresh ground pepper.  Spread evenly on baking sheet and cook for 40 minutes, stirring once halfway through.  Set aside.

2. Meanwhile, finely chop your bell pepper and halve your tomatoes.  Place vegetables in a large bowl with the black beans.  Gently stir in sweet potatoes and onions and toss to combine.  Mince the cilantro- whisk in lime juice, olive oil and sriracha.  Pour dressing over vegetables mixture and gently toss to coat.

Serve with fresh grilled fish or chicken for a healthy, well balanced meal!