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
This Lentil Vegetable Goat Cheese Salad is a nutrient-packed Cycle Hack™ for your luteal and menstrual phases. Lentils provide plant-based protein and iron, essential for replenishing energy during menstruation, while roasted vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes offer antioxidants and complex carbs to keep energy levels steady. The creamy goat cheese and olive oil-based dressing add healthy fats to help stabilize blood sugar and support hormone balance during these phases, making this salad both satisfying and supportive.
Jihi Cycles
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 cup green lentils
- 3 cup vegetable broth
Roasted Vegetables
- 4 carrot medium
- 2 sweet potato medium
- 1 shallot
- 2 tsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup Italian flat-leaf parsley chopped
Dressing
- 3 clove garlic minced
- 3 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- 1 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 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 cup green lentils, 3 cup 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 carrot, 2 sweet potato, 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 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 clove garlic, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp 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 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!