Roasted Beet, Sweet Potato & Avocado Salad
with Whipped Ricotta & Lemon-Tahini Drizzle
This Roasted Beet, Sweet Potato & Avocado Salad is a stunning blend of earthy, sweet, and creamy flavors layered with bright citrus and nutty tahini. Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and depth, while whipped ricotta adds a luxurious, cloud-like base. Finished with ripe avocado and a zesty lemon-tahini drizzle, this salad is hearty enough to stand alone yet refined enough for entertaining. It’s equally at home on a holiday table or as a nourishing weekday meal.
Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables
- 2 medium beets, peeled and cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp sea salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground cumin or smoked paprika (optional)
Whipped Ricotta
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- Salt, to taste
Lemon-Tahini Drizzle
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 2–4 tbsp warm water (to thin)
- Salt, to taste
Salad Assembly
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Optional toppings: toasted walnuts, pistachios, or pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Roast the vegetables
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cubed beets and sweet potato on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, black pepper, and cumin or smoked paprika if using. Toss well to coat evenly. Spread into a single layer and roast for 30–35 minutes, flipping halfway, until tender and caramelized at the edges. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. - Prepare the whipped ricotta
In a food processor or bowl, combine ricotta, olive oil, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Blend or whisk vigorously until smooth, light, and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside. - Make the lemon-tahini drizzle
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, and grated garlic. Slowly add warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce becomes smooth and pourable. Season with salt to taste. The drizzle should be bright, slightly nutty, and silky. - Assemble the salad
Spread the whipped ricotta generously across the base of a large serving platter or individual plates. Arrange the roasted beets and sweet potatoes over the ricotta, allowing their colors to shine. - Add avocado and finish
Tuck in slices of fresh avocado throughout the salad. Drizzle everything with the lemon-tahini sauce. Sprinkle with fresh herbs and optional toasted nuts or seeds for added texture.
Serving Notes & Variations
- Serve warm or at room temperature for the best flavor.
- Add arugula or baby spinach for a leafy base.
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese can be added for extra tang.
- This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, salmon, or crusty bread.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4
Calories: ~380–420 kcal per serving
