Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese and Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients Featured in Our Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese and Sweet Potatoes
Recipe Overview
This make-ahead meal is a boost for your health all month, all year round. Protein and fiber-packed, this Mediterranean-inspired Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese and Sweet Potatoes blends the nutritional powerhouse of lentils with the natural sweetness of roasted vegetables and the satisfying richness of goat cheese.
Simple to prepare, this veggie-packed lentil and goat cheese salad is hearty, nutritious, and can be easily adapted with or without cheese and additional protein (we love air-fried chicken sausage as a fast and easy topper!).
About Our
Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese and Sweet Potatoes
The salad serves four and features green lentils, a medley of roasted carrots, sweet potatoes, and shallots, all brought together with a homemade vinaigrette. Lentils are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, while sweet potatoes add a rich supply of vitamins and antioxidants. The addition of goat cheese not only enhances the flavor but also contributes calcium and protein, making this salad a balanced meal option.
This salad is a great choice for women who are mindful of the relationship between the food they eat and their body feeling like its most balanced self. Lentils are a great source of fiber and protein, which are essential for hormonal balance. Sweet potatoes, rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A, support the endocrine system. The inclusion of healthy fats from olive oil and goat cheese is crucial for hormone production and regulation. Additionally, the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties of the vegetables contribute to overall hormonal health, making this salad a nourishing choice for women’s wellness.
Cycle hacking™ with jihi
The Lentil Vegetable Goat Cheese Salad stands out as a Cycle Hack™ that can be enjoyed all month long, due to its anti-inflammatory properties and robust nutritional profile. Lentils provide protein and fiber which support hormonal balance and help stabilize blood sugar levels, integral for maintaining a healthy endocrine system. Sweet potatoes enrich the dish with vital vitamins that boost energy, while goat cheese contributes calcium and healthy fats, important for bone density and muscle function.
Regular consumption of this fiber-rich, superfood salad will aid in the elimination of excess hormones and supports detoxification processes crucial for hormonal health. This superfood salad is beneficial for all phases of the menstrual cycle and can provide an on-demand boost to the body and immune system.
Jihi Cycles
Jihi’s cutting-edge platform analyzes your cycle patterns, symptoms, dietary preferences, and goals to recommend the perfect Cycle Hacks™ for you – exactly when you need THEM MOST.
What You'll Need
GREEN LENTILS
These legumes are not only versatile and delicious but also a great source of essential nutrients, supporting heart health and helping in detoxification.
CARROTS AND SWEET POTATOES
Beyond their appealing sweetness, these vegetables are vital for their nutrient density, boosting immunity and supporting vision health.
GOAT CHEESE
Beyond its creamy delight, goat cheese is beneficial for its calcium content, promoting bone health and offering probiotics for gut health.
OLIVE OIL
A heart-healthy fat that enhances the absorption of vitamins and provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS
Each component of the dressing contributes to the salad’s health benefits, from the antioxidant properties of garlic to the metabolic boost from vinegar and mustard.
How to Make
Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese and Sweet Potatoes
PREPARE THE LENTILS
Rinse lentils under cold water. Drain and add to a saucepan with broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender. This will take about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
ROAST THE VEGETABLES
Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment paper. Add shallots, carrots, and sweet potatoes to a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly. Spread out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until fork tender. Remove from the oven and set aside.
MAKE THE DRESSING
Whisk together garlic, olive oil, vinegar, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until combined.
ASSEMBLE THE SALAD
Add roasted vegetables and freshly chopped parsley to a bowl, tossing to combine. Pour in vinaigrette and lentils, tossing to combine until everything is evenly coated. Serve with crumbled goat cheese and pieces of toasted crusty bread.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lentil?
Yes, but cooking times may vary. Green lentils are preferred for their texture and flavor in salads.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Easily substitute goat cheese with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the bread served alongside is gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
How long will this salad keep?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it can last up to 4 days, making it ideal for meal prep.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! This salad is versatile. Feel free to include other roasted or raw vegetables as you like.
What are the health benefits of eating a lentil salad?
This recipe is packed with nutrients. Lentils are rich in protein, fiber, and iron, while sweet potatoes are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants. Together, they support heart health, improve digestion, and boost immune function.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can roast the vegetables and cook the lentils ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness and vibrant flavors.
What can I use instead of goat cheese?
If you prefer a different cheese, feta or a vegan cheese alternative can be great options. For a dairy-free version, you can also use avocado for added creaminess.
Still hungry?
This lentil goat cheese salad provides a strong nutritional foundation to any meal, leaving space for some treats on the side.
How about spreading some joy with our gluten-free banana cake with cream cheese frosting, or our “I can’t believe it’s vegan and gluten-free” carrot bundt cake
Toast with a Rosemary Elderflower Spritz, and you’re destined to go to sleep with a happy belly and full heart.
Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese and Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Lentils
- 1 1/2 cups green lentils
- 3 cups vegetable broth
Roasted Vegetables
- 4 medium carrots
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 shallot
- 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
Dressing
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp fresh thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz goat cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425˚F.
- Rinse lentils under cold water. Drain and add to a saucepan with broth. Bring to a boil over high heat.1 1/2 cups green lentils, 3 cups vegetable broth
- While broth is coming to a boil, prepare the vegetables. Wash, peel and small dice the carrots. Wash, peel and medium dice the sweet potatoes. Peel and finely chop the shallot.4 medium carrots, 2 medium sweet potatoes, 1 shallot
- Reduce heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until green lentils are tender (about 15 to 20 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- While the lentils cook, prepare the vegetables. Add chopped shallots, carrots, and sweet potatoes to a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.2 tsp extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika
- Spread vegetables out in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until fork tender. Remove from the oven and set aside.
- Make the dressing by whisking together garlic, olive oil, vinegar, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper.3 cloves garlic, 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp fresh thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Add roasted vegetables and freshly chopped parsley to a bowl, tossing to combine. Pour in vinaigrette and lentils, tossing to combine until everything is evenly coated.1/2 cup chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley
- Optional: Serve with generous, crumbled goat cheese and pieces of toasted crusty bread.4 oz goat cheese
Notes
- Be sure to chop the sweet potatoes and carrots into the same size chunks to ensure even cooking.
- To make this vegetarian, be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- This is a wonderful recipe for meal prep throughout the week too!