Description
This Lentil Salad with Roasted Vegetables is a hearty and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring protein-rich lentils and sweet caramelized veggies tossed in a bright lemon dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 cup green lentils, uncooked
- 2 bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting and dressing)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional Additions:
- 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Additional diced carrots, eggplant, spinach, or arugula
Instructions
- Rinse lentils under cold water. Combine with 3 cups water in a pot, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and cool.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes, adding cherry tomatoes for the last 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils with roasted vegetables and tomatoes.
- Whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until well combined. Stir in chopped parsley.
- Finish with any optional additions like chickpeas or feta if desired, then serve.
Notes
- Use canned lentils (rinsed) if short on time.
- Substitute seasonal vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, eggplant, or Brussels sprouts.
- Add a handful of spinach, arugula, or cooked quinoa for extra volume.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasting & Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx.)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
