Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Ricotta, Pesto & Cherry Tomatoes
Caramelized oven-roasted sweet potatoes topped with creamy ricotta, fragrant basil pesto, and burst cherry tomatoes. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and fresh—ideal as a light meal or stunning side.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes
Serves: 2
Ingredients
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
2 medium sweet potatoes
1½ tbsp olive oil
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
Cherry Tomatoes
1 cup cherry tomatoes
1 tsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
Whipped Ricotta
¾ cup ricotta cheese
1 tsp olive oil
Pinch of salt
Optional: zest of ½ lemon
Pesto
2–3 tbsp basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
Optional Garnish
Fresh basil
Chili flakes
Toasted pine nuts or walnuts
Instructions
Step 1: Roast Sweet Potatoes
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Peel (optional) and slice sweet potatoes into rounds or wedges.
Toss with olive oil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Roast 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
Step 2: Roast Cherry Tomatoes
Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil and salt.
Add to oven for the last 10–12 minutes until blistered and juicy.
Step 3: Whip Ricotta
In a bowl, whip ricotta with olive oil, salt, and lemon zest until light and creamy.
Step 4: Assemble
Spread whipped ricotta onto a serving plate.
Arrange roasted sweet potatoes on top.
Spoon pesto over sweet potatoes.
Scatter roasted cherry tomatoes.
Finish with herbs, nuts, and chili flakes if using.
Tips
Roast sweet potatoes with space between slices for better caramelization.
Whipped ricotta can be made in advance.
Swap ricotta with Greek yogurt or labneh for a tangier taste.
Works beautifully as a brunch dish or meatless dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this vegan?
Yes—use whipped cashew ricotta or hummus instead.
Q: Is this good for weight loss?
Yes—fiber-rich sweet potatoes and moderate healthy fats keep you full.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Roast sweet potatoes ahead; assemble fresh for best texture.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 48 g
Fat: 20 g
Fiber: 8 g