Japanese Satsumaimo Salad (Sweet Potato Salad with Apple & Ham)
If you grew up in Japan, you might be familiar with Satsumaimo Salad (さつまいもサラダ). It's a simple Japanese-style potato salad made with naturally sweet Japanese sweet potatoes, creamy mayonnaise, ham, and crisp apples.
Unlike traditional American potato salad, this version has a naturally sweet flavor from the satsumaimo. I love adding apples for a little crunch and freshness, while the ham adds a savory touch to balance the sweetness.
It's easy to make with just a few ingredients and makes a great side dish for everyday meals, lunchboxes, or meal prep. If you enjoy Japanese potato salad, give this sweet potato version a try!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Naturally sweet: Japanese sweet potatoes bring a lovely sweetness and creamy texture.
Sweet and savory: Apples and ham create a delicious balance of flavors.
Easy to make: Just a handful of ingredients and simple preparation.
Great for meal prep: Make it ahead and keep it refrigerated for an easy side dish.
Tips for Making Japanese Sweet Potato Salad
Choose Japanese sweet potatoes: Satsumaimo has a creamy texture and a naturally sweet flavor that makes this salad special.
Don't overcook: Cook until fork-tender but not falling apart. You want the cubes to hold their shape.
Add the apple just before serving: This helps maintain its crisp texture.
Adjust the mayonnaise: Start with 2 tablespoons and add a little more if you prefer a creamier salad.
RECIPE
Servings: 3-4
Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
1 medium Japanese sweet potato (satsumaimo)
3 slices of ham
1 small apple
2 tbsp Japanese mayonnaise
a pinch of salt
Instructions:
Prepare the ingredients
Peel the satsumaimo if desired, then cut it into bite-sized cubes.
Soak in water for about 5 minutes to remove excess starch.
Cut the ham and apple into small bite-sized pieces
Cook the sweet potato
Drain and transfer the cubes to a pot.
Add enough water to cover, bring to a boil, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until fork-tender.
Dress the sweet potato
Once the sweet potato is cooked, drain well and transfer to a mixing bowl.
Add a pinch of salt and mayonnaise.
Gently mix while the sweet potato is still warm.
Fold in the ham and apple pieces.
Mix gently until everything is combined.
FAQ
What is satsumaimo?
Satsumaimo (さつまいも) is a Japanese sweet potato with reddish-purple skin and pale yellow flesh. It has a naturally sweet flavor and a fluffy, creamy texture when cooked. It's commonly used in Japanese home cooking, snacks, and desserts.
Can I use regular sweet potatoes instead of Japanese sweet potatoes?
Yes! You can substitute regular sweet potatoes if you can't find satsumaimo. However, the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Japanese sweet potatoes are generally less moist and have a chestnut-like sweetness.
Can I make satsumaimo salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this salad ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. For the best texture, you can also add the diced apple just before serving.
Should I peel the Japanese sweet potato?
Peeling is optional. The skin is edible, and leaving it on adds color and texture to the salad. Just make sure to wash and scrub the sweet potato thoroughly before cooking.
What can I serve with Japanese sweet potato salad?
It pairs well with Japanese main dishes such as grilled fish, ginger pork (shogayaki), chicken teriyaki, or Japanese hamburger steak (hambagu). It's also a great addition to a Japanese-style lunchbox (bento).
Can I make this salad without ham?
Yes! You can simply leave out the ham for a vegetarian version. You can also add cucumber, raisins, or toasted walnuts for a different combination of flavors.
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