Description
This Roasted Beet & Carrot Lentil Salad is a bright, nourishing winter dish made with earthy roasted beets, sweet caramelized carrots, tender lentils, creamy yogurt dressing, fresh herbs, and tangy feta. It’s hearty enough for lunch, elegant enough for gatherings, and packed with protein, fiber, and deep seasonal flavor. Perfect for meal prep, winter menus, and anyone looking for a wholesome, veggie-forward salad.
Ingredients
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
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped dill
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Yogurt Dill Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill
Ingredient Notes & Variations:
- Green or French lentils hold their shape best; avoid red lentils.
- Roasting carrots enhances their natural sweetness.
- Golden beets may be used for less staining.
- Feta can be replaced with goat cheese.
- Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, mint, or basil add brightness.
- Optional add-ins: toasted walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or pomegranate seeds.
Instructions
- Cook the Lentils: Add lentils to a saucepan and cover with water by two inches. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 18–22 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and cool slightly.
- Roast the Vegetables: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss carrots and beets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25–35 minutes, stirring halfway, until caramelized and tender.
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and dill. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Assemble the Salad: Combine warm lentils, roasted vegetables, sliced red onion, dill, and parsley in a large bowl. Toss gently.
- Finish with Feta: Top with crumbled feta and extra herbs. Serve with yogurt dill dressing on top or on the side.
Notes
- Cook lentils just until tender so they retain shape.
- Roast vegetables separately if you want varied caramelization.
- Add feta just before serving to keep it bright and crumbly.
- Warm lentils absorb dressing flavor better.
- Use fresh dill for best aroma.
- Storage: Keep salad (without dressing) refrigerated up to 4 days. Store dressing separately.
- Make-ahead: Roast vegetables and cook lentils 1–3 days ahead; prepare dressing in advance.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based yogurt and vegan feta.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Roasted & Mixed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Lentil beet feta salad, roasted carrot lentil salad, winter lentil salad, yogurt dill dressing, Mediterranean lentil salad, healthy beet salad, carrot salad with herbs