Superlative Lentil & Roasted Vegetable Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-02 · Updated 2026-04-02

A vibrant, protein-packed salad with roasted root vegetables and earthy lentils, dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs brown lentils, medium carrots, medium sweet potatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 340 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown lentils
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1/2 cup red onion
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss 2 medium diced carrots, 2 medium diced sweet potatoes, and 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
2. Step 2: Rinse 1 cup dry brown lentils under cold water, then combine with 2 cups water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and cool.
3. Step 3: Whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp maple syrup, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and 1 tbsp olive oil to make the dressing.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine cooled lentils, roasted vegetables, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Pour dressing over and toss gently until evenly coated. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.