Quick, easy, and tasty doesn’t even begin to describe this Microwaved Sweet Potato with Tuna Salad recipe that is filling and simple! Serve them as a main course or a wonderful side.
Sweet potatoes are a regular on my blog. This recipe for sweet potato fries with toasted marshmallow dip gets lots of traffic for a reason: they taste great! But they take at least 30 minutes to cook in the oven so you need to plan ahead.
I recently realized you could microwave sweet potatoes in less than 5 minutes and this has been a true game changer with my meals!
Why You Will LOVE This Recipe
- This recipe for microwaved sweet potato and tuna salad is one to keep in your rotation for a quick and healthy weekday lunch.
- On average, one sweet potato has around 6 grams of fiber, and most of the recommended daily value of vitamins A, C, and potassium.
- Sweet potatoes also have a semi-sweet flavor that can pair with just about anything, including savory and creamy tuna salad.
- Tuna is a healthy, lean protein that provides a healthy dose of vitamin B12 and omega-3 fatty acids.
- With the addition of corn to make it more filling and a variety of spices to choose from, you’ll love this simple, tasty, and nutritious recipe.
Does A Microwaved Sweet Potato Taste Different?
Microwaved sweet potatoes can have a slightly different taste and texture to those boiled or baked. Microwaving them can lead to a softer and moister potato. It may not achieve the same level of sweet and caramelization as boiled/baked potatoes but again, this may not be a bad thing. More a matter of preference. Baked potatoes also develop a crispier skin; microwaved potatoes do not. However, all this being said, the tuna salad topping will minimize any difference you may or may not have noticed.
How Can I Tell If It’s Done?
You want a done potato to be “fork tender” — a fork can easily slide into it. The recipe recommends 3-4 minutes, but if the potato is particularly large, I would put it on for 5 minutes, flipping it over halfway through. When it’s done, gently squeeze it (you may want to use a paper towel when handling it) or insert a fork. If it is soft or easily pierced, it good to go. If it’s still firm, microwave it in 1-2 min intervals. Also the strength of your microwave may impact the cooking time, mine is 1000 watts.
Ingredients
- 4 sweet potatoes, washed
- 1 can of tuna, drained (6 oz)
- 1 corn on the cob, boiled until soft
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- black pepper
- arugula
How To Make – The Steps
Step 1: Stick a fork into the sweet potatoes a few times before you put them in the microwave. This will let the steam escape.
Step 2: Place the sweet potatoes on a plate
Step 3: Microwave on high (1000 watts) for 3-4 minutes.
Optional Directions for the Tuna Salad
Step 4: In a bowl, mix the tuna, corn, and mayonnaise.
Step 5: Serve on the side of the sweet potato or as a topping. Add the arugula and enjoy!
What Other Toppings Can I Put On The Sweet Potato?
A sweet potato is both sweet and savory, which leaves it open to numerous toppings. Butter or oil will add flavor and moisture. You can also add spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, and allspice. Toasted pecans, almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds can be added for texture. If you’d prefer something sweet, add honey or maple syrup. Greek yogurt or sour cream will make it a tangy, creamy affair. If “healthy” isn’t your goal, load it up with cheese and meat, like bacon or ground beef.
What Can I Serve A Sweet Potato With?
Because of the versatility of the sweet potato, it makes a great side dish to meats (steak, chicken, pork) and seafood (salmon or tilapia, or shellfish, such as shrimp or crab). The meat can be pulled, barbecued, or done as a brisket. You can pair sweet potatoes with other sides, such as salads, legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas) and soups. And let’s not forget, you can dice a potato and bake/fry them as sweet potato fries.
Tips & Tricks
- Make sure to check your microwave power as it will affect the cooking time. Mine was 1000 watts.
- You can substitute chicken or crushed chickpeas instead of tuna.
- I used a full-fat mayonnaise to make it extra creamy, but feel free to use a light version. You can also use mashed avocado or yogurt.
- For a quick “grab and go” meal, you can easily prep this ahead of time. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge.
- This can easily be adapted to be a full-sized salad. To make this switch, replace the arugula with a bed of mixed greens, add the peeled sweet potato and tuna salad on top, and voila!
- Feel free to play around with the flavor profile of this dish. You can give it a Mexican spin with spices like chili powder, tajin, and cayenne. Or, you can make it more Italian with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
- Boost the nutrition with added veggies! Avocado, tomato, spinach, kale, and beans or legumes can all contribute to nutrition, texture, and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use white potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely, all potatoes are delicious! You can cook them in the same way.
What if I don’t have a microwave?
You can use the oven instead. Be sure to poke holes in them, then place on a baking sheet. Bake for at least 30 minutes.
What if I am a vegetarian?
You can easily substitute chickpeas for the tuna in the recipe. Alternatively, you can use tofu, jackfruit, or oyster mushrooms. All of these mimic the flavor and texture of tuna and chicken, but are vegan and vegetarian-approved!
Is this dish gluten-free?
The good news is that this dish is naturally gluten-free!
What if I want to avoid dairy?
To avoid dairy, simply remove the mayonnaise and replace it with soy or almond-based plain yogurt. Aim for unsweetened “natural” almond or soy-based yogurt, as these will come closest to the tangy flavor of mayonnaise.
How To Store The Sweet Potato and Tuna Mix
You can prepare the tuna salad and sweet potato ahead of time, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days (for optimal freshness). I recommend storing the tuna salad in an airtight container (like a Pyrex or Tupperware) separately from the cooked potato, and then combining it when you are ready to eat. This will make sure nothing gets too soggy while it’s being stored.
Microwaved Sweet Potato With Tuna Salad
Ingredients
- 4 sweet potatoes washed
- Optional ingredients for the tuna salad
- 1 can of tuna drained (6 oz)
- 1 corn on the cob boiled until soft
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- black pepper
- arugula
Instructions
- Stick a fork into the sweet potatoes a few times before you put them in the microwave
- Place the sweet potatoes on a plate
- Microwave on high (1000 W) for 3 – 4 minutes*
Optional Directions for the Tuna Salad:
- In a bowl, mix the tuna, corn, and mayonnaise
- Serve on the side of the sweet potato or as a topping. Add the arugula and enjoy!
Nutrition
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