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    Home » Salads

    Lentil Sweet Potato Salad

    Published: Aug 5, 2022 · by Nico

    Jump to Recipe

    Lentil sweet potato salad is one of our favorite salads ever! It's nutritious, tasty, and aromatic, thanks to a simple cumin and paprika dressing inspired by Moroccan cuisine.

    This salad is the perfect make-ahead meal, and you can enjoy it as a quick and fulfilling lunch or wholesome dinner, bring it to potlucks or serve it for brunch.

    lentil sweet potato salad
    On this page:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Variations
    • Make ahead
    • Storage
    • More salad recipes
    • More recipes with root vegetables
    • Recipe

    Check out our Best Salad Recipes

    Lentils and sweet potatoes, married by a Mediterranean-tasting cumin and paprika dressing, are a match made in heaven!

    Inspired by our Moroccan carrot salad, this recipe has claimed one of the highest spots on our top 10 favorite salads list.

    We now have it on rotation with our green bean salad, avocado salad, sweet potato salad, and chickpea salad.

    We make this recipe with tender caramelized roasted sweet potatoes, meaty green or brown lentils, and plenty of fresh parsley.

    And what makes the recipe come together is an incredible, tangy, and aromatic cumin dressing. You can make it 1 minute with extra virgin olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, ground cumin, and paprika.

    Finally, to make this dish even tastier, crumble some feta cheese on top. Its creamy texture and savory taste meld perfectly with both lentils and sweet potatoes.

    lentils sweet potatoes and feta salad

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for sweet potato salad

    Sweet potatoes

    Sweet potatoes come in white, purple, and orange. We recommend the classic orange sweet potatoes you can find in most supermarkets.

    We chop peeled sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in an air fryer or the oven for about 20 minutes.

    Cooked this way, they get caramelized and slightly smokey, and their tender texture will soak in the flavor and aroma of the cumin dressing.

    Lentils

    We generally go for canned lentils, but dry lentils that you cook yourself at home are even better if you have the time.

    Brown or green lentils are best for this recipe because they have more bite than, for example, red lentils and keep their shape when we toss them in the salad.

    Parsley

    Try to find fresh flat-leaf parsley to give this salad that fresh Mediterranean taste.

    Feta cheese

    Feta is optional, and the salad tastes delicious without it. You can keep the feta out and add some nuts if you are vegan.

    Pistachio nuts

    Pistachio nuts are optional. We add them for three reasons: 1) we love their taste with the cumin and sweet potatoes; 2) they add some crunch to the salad; 3) their light pistachio green looks beautiful with the bright orange roasted potatoes.

    You can replace pistachios with shaved or slivered almonds, toasted pine nuts, or crushed walnuts.

    Cumin Paprika Dressing

    ingredients for cumin paprika dressing

    Olive oil

    If you can, use extra virgin olive oil for a richer and more aromatic taste. Also, extra virgin olive oil contains more antioxidants than most other oils, which is excellent for your health.

    Alternatively, you can substitute regular olive oil for the extra virgin one.

    Lemon juice

    Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds freshness and acidity to the salad, which helps boost the flavor of the other ingredients.

    You can substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for the lemon juice.

    Garlic

    You can use finely minced garlic or garlic powder.

    Cumin

    I cannot describe how well does ground cumin fit with the roasted sweet potatoes and the lentils.

    You can find ground cumin in most supermarkets, or you can get cumin seeds and ground them yourself with a mortar and pestle.

    Paprika

    Sweet paprika is best for the dressing.

    Salt and Pepper

    Use sea salt or kosher salt to add taste and freshly ground black pepper for a spicy aroma.

    lentil sweet potato salad with feta

    Instructions

    Roast the sweet potatoes

    Preheat the oven to 400°F or 200°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

    Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into 1-Inch cubes, transfer them onto the baking tray, and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

    diced sweet potato on baking tray

    Bake in the oven for about 25 minutes or until tender and browned.

    roasted sweet potato

    To cook them in the air fryer, add the sweet potato cubes to a bowl, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then transfer to the air fryer basket. The cubes CAN overlap.

    sweet potato cubes in air fryer

    Air fry at 400°F or 200°C for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.

    To ensure even cooking, shake the air fryer basket every 4 minutes.

    air fried sweet potato cubes

    Mix salad

    To a large mixing bowl, add the roasted sweet potatoes - ideally still warm, so they soak up the dressing - rinsed and drained canned lentils, chopped parsley, and the cumin dressing.

    To make the dressing add all ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and paprika) to a small jar and shake well, or add them to a bowl and whisk well.

    tossing lentil salad with cumin dressing

    Toss well, then transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with toasted pistachios and fresh parsley.

    lentils and sweet potato salad

    Optionally, add crumbled Greek feta cheese on top.

    lentils sweet potatoes and feta salad

    Serving Suggestions

    Lentil and sweet potato salad is wholesome, tasty, and most importantly, very fulfilling, so we recommend it as a nutritious lunch or healthy dinner.

    You can pair it with grilled veggies or with a light tofu dish, such as our tofu scramble, marinated tofu, fried tofu, or vegan fish.

    We love serving this salad for brunch or lunch on a big plate combined with one, two, and often three of our other tasty salads. Try it with our:

    • green bean salad
    • watermelon salad
    • tomato salad
    • chickpea salad
    • avocado salad
    • tomato cucumber onion salad

    Or take your pick from this list of 29 easy and plant-based dinners.

    Variations

    Sweet potato salad

    sweet potato salad with arugula and feta

    If you are into sweet potatoes, you will love this arugula, avocado, and sweet potato salad.

    We make this with a creamy mustard dressing that adds a tangy and slightly sweet taste that pops in your mouth.

    Check out our sweet potato salad recipe.

    Moroccan carrot salad

    moroccan carrot salad with lentils

    Love the cumin dressing? Then you've got to try our Moroccan carrot salad. It's such a simple yet tasty recipe.

    It's perfect as a starter with hummus, avocado spread, Moroccan eggplant salad, eggplant dip, and warm pita bread, or as a side dish to many of our delicious plant-based dinners.

    Make ahead

    You can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days before serving it.

    It's perfect for meal prep, and we often make a double batch to have it for the next couple of meals.

    The flavors have time to meld and grow together into a harmonious dish.

    However, we recommend taking the salad out of the fridge about 15 minutes before eating it to allow the ingredients to reach room temperature and be more flavorful.

    Storage

    Store leftover lentils and sweet potato salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

    You can serve the salad slightly cold or at room temperature. We do not recommend freezing this recipe.

    More salad recipes

    If you're a fan of wholesome salads for lunch and dinner, check out these vibrant and healthy salad recipes:

    • cauliflower lentil salad
      Cauliflower Lentil Salad
    • Rice salad with olives and tomatoes
      Rice Salad
    • zucchini salad
      Zucchini Salad
    • vegan pasta salad in a bowl
      Vegan Pasta Salad
    • Barley salad in a white bowl
      Barley Salad
    • Italian Salad
      Italian Salad
    • chickpea pasta salad
      Chickpea Pasta Salad
    • Tofu Salad with dressing
      Tofu Salad

    Or get more inspiration from our archive of healthy salads recipes -->

    More recipes with root vegetables

    Get more inspiration for cooking with root vegetables from our list of earthy and healthy dishes:

    • Chickpea Stew with naan bread
      Chickpea Stew
    • Moroccan Carrot Salad
      Moroccan Carrot Salad
    • carrot salad
      Carrot Salad
    • Carrot raisin salad
      Carrot Raisin Salad

    For many more side dishes ideas, check out our sides category page.

    Recipe

    lentils and sweet potato salad

    Lentil Sweet Potato Salad

    Author: Nico
    Lentil sweet potato salad is one of our favorite salads ever! It's nutritious, tasty, and aromatic, thanks to a simple cumin and paprika dressing inspired by Moroccan cuisine.
    This salad is the perfect make-ahead meal, and you can enjoy it as a quick and fulfilling lunch or wholesome dinner, bring it to potlucks or serve it for brunch.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Share Recipe
    5 from 2 votes
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 20 mins
    Total Time 30 mins
    Course Main, salad, Side dish, Starter
    Cuisine International
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 372 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    FOR ROASTED SWEET POTATOES

    • 1½ pound sweet potatoes (about 3 large) peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
    • ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 4 twists black pepper

    OTHER SALAD INGREDIENTS

    • 1 can (15 oz) lentils
    • 2 tablespoons pistachio nuts toasted (optional)
    • 2 - 3 ounces feta cheese crumbled (optional)
    • 1 cup flat-leaf parsley

    FOR THE DRESSING

    • 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 2 cloves garlic minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions
     

    ROAST THE SWEET POTATOES

    • Preheat the oven to 400°F or 200°C. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
      Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into 1-Inch cubes, transfer them onto the baking tray, and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
      diced sweet potato on baking tray
    • Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes or until tender and browned.
      roasted sweet potato
    • To cook them in the air fryer, add the sweet potato cubes to a bowl, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then transfer to the air fryer basket. The cubes CAN overlap.
      sweet potato cubes in air fryer
    • Air fry at 400°F or 200°C for about 15 to 18 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.To ensure even cooking, shake the air fryer basket every 4 minutes.
      air fried sweet potato cubes

    MIX SALAD

    • To a large mixing bowl, add the roasted sweet potatoes, rinsed and drained canned lentils, chopped parsley, and the cumin dressing.
      To make the dressing add all ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and paprika) to a small jar and shake well, or add them to a bowl and whisk well.
      tossing lentil salad with cumin dressing
    • Toss well, then transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with toasted pistachios and fresh parsley.
      lentils and sweet potato salad
    • Optionally, add crumbled Greek feta cheese on top.
      lentils sweet potatoes and feta salad

    Video Recipe

    You've gotta try this lentil sweet potato salad

    Notes

    Nutrition information is for 1 portion out of 6, with feta crumbled on top.

    Nutritional Values

    Nutrition Facts
    Lentil Sweet Potato Salad
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 372 Calories from Fat 126
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 14g22%
    Saturated Fat 2g13%
    Trans Fat 0g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
    Monounsaturated Fat 9g
    Cholesterol 5mg2%
    Potassium 836mg24%
    Carbohydrates 49g16%
    Dietary Fiber 16g67%
    Sugar 6g7%
    Protein 15g30%
    Vitamin A 16570IU331%
    Vitamin B6 1mg50%
    Vitamin C 12mg15%
    Vitamin E 2mg13%
    Vitamin K 66µg63%
    Calcium 73mg7%
    Folate 205µg51%
    Iron 4mg22%
    Manganese 1mg50%
    Magnesium 85mg21%
    Zinc 2mg13%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you like this recipe?We are not much on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Leave us a comment below instead, it would mean the world to us 🙂

    If you liked this recipe, you might also like:

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      45 Best Salad Recipes
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    Nico and Louise founders of the Plant-Based School.

    Hi, we are Nico and Louise, and we love cooking! Welcome to our blog.

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