Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese & Sweet Potatoes

Welcome to a recipe that's sure to be your next weekday staple – our Lentil Vegetable Goat Cheese Salad. A perfect “make ahead” dish to get through your week, this dish combines the earthy flavors of lentils and roasted vegetables with the creamy tang of goat cheese, perfect for a hearty meal, side dish or snack.

This salad combines nutritious green lentils, a medley of roasted carrots, sweet potatoes and shallots, with a homemade vinaigrette. If you're looking to make this into a meal, consider topping with some chicken sausage or another easy-to-prepare protein of choice.

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. Perfect as a main dish or a side, this Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese & Sweet Potatoes recipe is sure to please.

lentil salad with sweet potatoes and goat cheese recipe

Lentil Salad Recipe and Traditional Chinese Medicine

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, the Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese & Sweet Potatoes recipe is seen as a balanced meal that nourishes the body. Lentils, being warming, can help to strengthen Qi (vital energy) and nourish the blood. Sweet potatoes, with their sweet nature, can aid in digestive health and provide vital energy. The inclusion of root vegetables like carrots harmonizes with TCM's emphasis on eating seasonally. Goat cheese, being warming, is beneficial for strengthening the digestive system. Overall, this meal is seen as nurturing, warming, and supportive of overall bodily balance and well-being in TCM.

Lentil Salads for Hormonal Health

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.

lentil salad with goat cheese and sweet potatoes recipe

Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese & Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Makes: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

 

Ingredients:

  • Lentils
  • 1 1/2 cups green lentils
  • 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • Roasted Vegetables
  • 4 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley

Dressing

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp dried thyme (or 1/2 tsp freshly chopped thyme)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 4 oz goat cheese

Serve with crusty bread, and consider topping with a protein (like chicken sausage)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425˚F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with a silicone mat or with parchment paper. 
  2. Rinse lentils under cold water. Drain and add to a saucepan with broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. 
  3. Reduce heat to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender. This will take about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  4. While the lentils cook, prepare the vegetables. Add shallots, carrots, and sweet potatoes to a large bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly. 
  5. 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. 
  6. To make the dressing, whisk together garlic, olive oil, vinegar, mustard, thyme, salt, and pepper until combined. 
  7. 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.

Pro-Tip: if you're looking to add some protein and make this a more complete meal, try adding some chicken sausage on top!