This quick and easy appetizer combines savory flavors and crunchy-creamy textures for perfectly delicious summer entertaining!
Grilling is our summertime go-to dinner solution. My family likes to spend as much time as possible outdoors when it’s warm—because we all know that winter will be back all too quickly! And while we love our burgers, steaks, and barbecued chicken, I like to throw some veggies on the grill now and then. This grilled sweet potatoes with avocado salsa and turkey sausage recipe was a surprise hit with everyone! My meat-and-potatoes husband and super-picky kids raved about the spicy salsa and savory sausage combo. I don’t think they even realized the base was a sweet potato—and I’m not about to reveal its true identity!
Besides sneaking more veggies onto my kids’ plates, this dish makes my life much easier in terms of dinner prep. From start to finish, it takes 20 minutes. But it tastes like it required much more effort! The earthy sweetness of the potatoes perfectly complements the savory sausage, while the cumin, paprika, and chili powder bring depth and complexity to the buttery avocado. I end up with extra sausage every time I make this, so I’ll often just grill it all and save the leftovers for the next day’s breakfast omelet. But if we’re having guests over, I double the salsa ingredients, grill more than one potato, and serve up extra appetizers. They’re always a crowd-pleaser!
Are Grilled Sweet Potatoes With Avocado Salsa And Turkey Sausage Healthy?
This recipe makes a balanced, nutrient-dense dish featuring a combination of complex carbs, healthy fats, and lean protein. Sweet potatoes are rich in fiber, vitamin A, potassium, and antioxidants, while the avocado contributes heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins. Turkey sausage adds lean protein with less saturated fat than pork sausage. Overall, these sweet potato appetizers are a healthy choice because they’re relatively low in calories and sodium compared to many grilled or sausage-based recipes, with the added benefit of fiber and micronutrients.
Make it a vegetarian-friendly dish by swapping the turkey sausage for grilled tofu. Lower the carbs for a keto-friendlier version by subbing in zucchini for the sweet potato and checking that the sausage and salsa are either sugar-free or low in added sugars.
The Colorful World Of Sweet Potatoes
I used orange sweet potatoes for this recipe because they’re the most commonly available. I enjoy their deeply sweet flavor and incredibly moist and tender flesh. But you can use other varieties of sweet potato if you like! The farmers’ market in my neighborhood features a rainbow of options. Standouts include red sweet potatoes with darker skin and similarly bright orange flesh that tastes a bit stronger than their orange cousins. Japanese sweet potatoes have purple skin and creamy white flesh that stays firmer when cooked. Their flavor profile is less sweet than other varieties, with a slight nuttiness. Purple sweet potatoes might be the most exotic choice, as their flesh is as vibrantly purple as their skin! It gets velvety when cooked and delivers a much milder, nutty flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftover grilled sweet potatoes that you’ve already topped with avocado salsa and turkey sausage, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The avocado salsa may begin to brown, but you can slow that process by pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the salsa before sealing the container. I don’t recommend freezing the fully assembled dish, as the avocado salsa will not hold up to the freeze-thaw process. You can freeze leftover plain sweet potatoes and sausage in separate freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Grilled sweet potatoes with avocado salsa and turkey sausage make a yummy snack all by themselves. Pair them with a hearty bowl of No-Bean Low-Carb Keto Turkey Chili for a nutritious and flavorful lunch. Serve them as a happy-hour nosh alongside summer-inspired cocktails, like this creamy Rum Horchata or a refreshing Strawberry Mojito. They also shine as an appetizer, especially when followed by a Strawberry-Walnut Salad, Orange-Lime Grilled Grouper, and Stuffed Baked Potatoes. Finish this fantastic dinner with a light and dreamy Lemon Icebox Pie!
Ingredients
For The Base:
- 1 medium sweet potato
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
For The Topping:
- 1/2 cup avocado mashed, about 1 small avocado
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons fresh garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons cilantro minced
- 1/4 cup salsa of choice
- Pinch salt and pepper
- 1/2 link smoked turkey sausage sliced into rounds
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium heat and spray with cooking spray.
- While the grill heats, cut the sweet potato into 1/2-inch-thick rounds. Rub the tops with half of the olive oil.
- In a small bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, and chili powder. Sprinkle half the spice mixture over the oiled side of the potatoes and gently rub it in. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the potato rounds, oiled side down, on the preheated grill. Cook for 4 minutes.
Make The Topping:
- While the potatoes cook, place the avocado, lime juice, garlic, cilantro, and salsa in a medium bowl. Mash until well combined. Leave a little bit of the avocado chunky for texture. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Once the potatoes have cooked on one side, brush the tops with the remaining oil and sprinkle with the remaining seasoning, gently and quickly rubbing it in a little. Flip the potatoes. Cook for an additional 4 minutes, or until fork tender. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Place the sliced turkey sausage on the grill. Cook for 2 minutes per side, flipping once.
Assemble The Dish:
- Scoop the the avocado mixture onto the center of each grilled potato round with a spoon. Top with a slice of sausage.
- Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
Leave a Comment