Bright & Nourishing Roasted Beet & Carrot Lentil Salad with Feta, Yogurt & Dill : A Wholesome Winter Favorite

If you’re craving a fresh, colorful, and nutrient-packed dish, this Roasted Beet & Carrot Lentil Salad with Feta, Yogurt & Dill is the winter salad you’ve been waiting for. Packed with earthy beets, caramelized roasted carrots, tender lentils, creamy yogurt, and fresh dill, this salad is hearty enough for lunch yet elegant enough for entertaining. The flavors come together beautifully—sweet root vegetables, tangy dressing, herbaceous brightness, and creamy feta all layer into a truly irresistible winter lentil salad dish.

This salad is the perfect blend of nourishment and comfort. With its rich colors and deep flavors, it brightens winter menus and offers a healthier option among heavier seasonal foods. If you love veggie-forward dishes like Cucumber Shrimp Salad or warm, nourishing bowls like Roasted Butternut Squash, this vibrant lentil salad will fit seamlessly into your weekly rotation.

Save

Why You’ll Love This Winter Lentil Salad Dish

What makes this Roasted Beet & Carrot Lentil Salad with Feta, Yogurt & Dill truly special is its balance. You get the sweetness of roasted carrots, the earthiness of beets, the heartiness of lentils, and the creamy, tangy richness of yogurt and feta. It’s a dish that tastes indulgent but is actually incredibly wholesome.

You’ll love this salad because:

• It’s packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients
• It makes a satisfying vegetarian meal
• The roasted vegetables add depth and warmth
• Lentils keep you full without feeling heavy
• The yogurt and dill add refreshing contrast
• It’s great for meal prepping
• It looks stunning on a platter

This salad is also a beautiful addition to your table during holidays or gatherings, pairing well with overall winter fare like Vegetable Casserole or lighter comfort-food sides such as Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin.

Who This Lentil Carrot Salad Is For

This dish is perfect for:

• Anyone wanting a filling yet healthy vegetarian salad
• Home cooks who love flavorful roasted veggie dishes
• People building meal prep menus rich in protein and fiber
• Fans of Mediterranean flavors and herb-forward dressings
• Those who enjoy creative carrot and lentil salad combinations
• Anyone looking for nutrient-dense, cold-weather side dishes
• Lovers of beets, feta, yogurt, and aromatic herbs

If you enjoy hearty bowls like Garlicky Kale with White Beans or warm plant-based soups like Creamy Mushroom Soup, this lentil salad will become another favorite in your rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the exact ingredients to bring your Lentil Beet Feta Salad to life:

For the Salad

• 1 cup uncooked green or French lentils
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 medium beets, peeled and cut into wedges
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup chopped dill
• ¼ cup chopped parsley
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

For the Yogurt Dill Dressing

• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill

Ingredient Notes & Variations

• Lentils: Green or French lentils hold their shape best. Avoid red lentils for this salad—they break down too much.
• Carrots: Roasting enhances their natural sweetness.
• Beets: You can use golden beets if you prefer less staining.
• Feta: Adds saltiness and creaminess; goat cheese works too.
• Yogurt: Greek yogurt thickens the dressing and balances earthy beets beautifully.
• Herbs: Dill, parsley, mint, or basil add freshness.
• Flavor boosters: Toasted walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or pomegranate seeds add texture and brightness.

To explore more veggie-forward recipes, try Healthy Smashed Carrots or hearty grain bowls like Mediterranean Quinoa Power Bowl.

Save

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Medium saucepan
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step: How to Make Roasted Beet & Carrot Lentil Salad with Feta, Yogurt & Dill

Step 1: Cook the Lentils Properly

Add lentils to a saucepan and cover with water by two inches. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 18–22 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool slightly.

Step 2: Roast the Beets and Carrots

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss carrots and beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25–35 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and caramelized.

Step 3: Prepare the Yogurt Dill Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh dill. Adjust lemon or salt to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Carrot and Lentil Salad

In a large bowl, combine the warm lentils, roasted vegetables, sliced red onion, dill, and parsley. Toss gently to combine.

Step 5: Garnish with Feta and Extra Herbs

Top with crumbled feta cheese and add more dill if desired. Serve with the yogurt dill dressing drizzled on top or on the side.

Pro Tips for the Best Lentil Beet Feta Salad

• Cook lentils until just tender—they should hold their shape.
• Roast vegetables separately if you want carrots and beets to caramelize differently.
• Add feta right before serving to keep it bright and crumbly.
• Warm lentils absorb flavors better than cold ones.
• Use fresh dill for the best aromatic finish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking lentils, which makes the salad mushy.
• Skipping parchment, leading to beets sticking and burning.
• Adding dressing too early, which can dull herb brightness.
• Cutting veggies unevenly, which causes inconsistent roasting.

Serving Suggestions for Roasted Carrot Lentil Salad

This salad pairs wonderfully with:

• Warm pita or sourdough
• Grilled chicken or fish (optional)
• Roasted vegetable platters
• Cozy soups like Creamy Wild Rice Mushroom Soup
• Simple green salads

It’s also beautiful served alongside Garlic Parmesan Chicken Drumsticks for a balanced meal.

Creative Presentation Ideas

• Serve on a white platter to highlight the bold colors.
• Layer lentils on the bottom and vegetables on top for a tiered look.
• Add pomegranate seeds for a jewel-like winter garnish.
• Place the yogurt dressing in a swirl across the top for dramatic presentation.

Flavor Variations: Lentil Salad With Carrots And Herbs

• Mediterranean Twist: Add olives, mint, and lemon zest.
• Sweet Variation: Add roasted sweet potatoes or dates.
• Crunchy Variation: Add toasted walnuts or pumpkin seeds.
• Herb-Forward: Add basil or tarragon.
• Spiced Version: Add cumin, coriander, or smoked paprika to the roasted vegetables.

How to Store and Meal Prep

• Store salad (without dressing) for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Store dressing separately to maintain freshness.
• Add feta only right before serving.
• This salad does not freeze well due to the vegetables and yogurt.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Roast vegetables the day before.
• Cook lentils up to 3 days ahead.
• Mix dressing and store in an airtight container.
• Assemble salad just before serving for the brightest flavor.

Save

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned lentils?
Yes, but rinse well and choose firm lentils to avoid mushiness.

Do I have to roast the veggies?
Roasting adds depth, but steamed or boiled vegetables also work.

Can I make this vegan?
Yes—replace yogurt with vegan yogurt and feta with a plant-based alternative.

Can I use red lentils?
No, red lentils break down and won’t hold their shape.

Can I serve it warm?
Absolutely—this salad is delicious warm, room temp, or chilled.

Final Thoughts: Why This Carrot Salad with Feta and Herbs Is a Keeper

This Roasted Beet & Carrot Lentil Salad with Feta, Yogurt & Dill is one of those dishes that feels comforting, wholesome, and satisfying—all while staying incredibly fresh and vibrant. With layers of color and flavor, it’s a show-stopping salad that fits weekday meals, meal prep sessions, and holiday dinners alike. The combination of roasted vegetables, hearty lentils, creamy yogurt, and bright herbs makes this dish unforgettable and universally loved.

Print