A hearty, vibrant, and protein-rich salad that’s as beautiful as it is nourishing.
The Power of a Salad That Fills You Up
Let’s face it — not every salad satisfies. Some leave you hunting for snacks an hour later. But not this one.
Roasted beet and lentil salad is hearty, earthy, and full of real, filling nutrients. The sweetness of caramelized beets meets the toothsome bite of lentils, all tied together with a tangy vinaigrette and fresh herbs.
Whether you’re plant-based, health-conscious, or just craving a beautiful bowl of color, this salad hits all the right notes.
Why This Salad Is a Meal in Itself
Forget limp lettuce and sad tomatoes. This is salad with substance:
- Plant-based protein from fiber-rich lentils
- Natural sweetness from roasted beets
- Creaminess and crunch from optional add-ins like goat cheese and walnuts
- A zippy vinaigrette to bring it all to life
- Gorgeous colors that make eating feel joyful
It’s perfect as a light lunch, an elegant side, or a dinner when paired with warm bread or a soup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
| Category | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Roasted veggies | Beets (red, golden, or both) |
| Protein base | Cooked green or brown lentils |
| Fresh elements | Arugula, baby spinach, or chopped parsley |
| Dressing | Olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, maple syrup |
| Optional toppings | Goat cheese, toasted walnuts, pumpkin seeds, red onion slices |
Tip: You can prep the beets and lentils ahead for a faster meal when you need it most.
Why Beets and Lentils Are a Dream Team
They may sound humble, but together, they bring balance and bold nutrition:
| Component | What They Add |
|---|---|
| Beets | Natural sugars, antioxidants, fiber |
| Lentils | Protein, complex carbs, iron |
| Olive oil | Heart-healthy fats |
| Lemon & Dijon | Brightness, acidity, and tang |
| Fresh herbs | Fragrance, color, and flavor lift |
The result? A salad that feels like comfort food and clean eating in one.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Roasted Beet and Lentil Salad
🧽 1. Roast the Beets
Peel and cube your beets. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 30–40 minutes, flipping once, until tender and caramelized.
🍲 2. Cook the Lentils
Rinse and simmer 1 cup dry lentils in 3 cups of water with a bay leaf and pinch of salt for 20–25 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool.
🍋 3. Whisk the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 small clove garlic, finely minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taste and adjust — it should be tangy and just slightly sweet.
🥗 4. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, gently toss roasted beets, lentils, and any greens or herbs. Add in red onion or nuts if using.
🧀 5. Top and Serve
Crumble goat cheese or sprinkle toasted nuts on top. Drizzle with extra vinaigrette and enjoy warm or chilled.
Quick Recipe Recap: Roasted Beet and Lentil Salad
| Servings: 4 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins |
Ingredients:
- 3 medium beets, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup dry green or brown lentils
- 3 tbsp olive oil (plus more for roasting)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper
- ½ cup crumbled goat cheese (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or greens (optional)
Instructions:
- Roast beets at 400°F for 30–40 minutes until tender.
- Cook lentils in water until just tender; drain and cool.
- Whisk vinaigrette ingredients together.
- Toss beets, lentils, herbs, and vinaigrette in a bowl.
- Add cheese or nuts, and serve.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 kcal |
| Protein | 14–17g |
| Carbohydrates | 35–38g |
| Fiber | 12–14g |
| Fat | 12–15g |
| Sugars | 5–8g (natural) |
| Sodium | Low–moderate |
This salad is filling, anti-inflammatory, and supports heart and gut health. Bonus: it keeps you energized, not weighed down.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
| Add-In | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|
| Avocado | Creamy texture and healthy fats |
| Roasted carrots | Adds natural sweetness and color |
| Feta instead of goat cheese | A tangier, saltier twist |
| Pumpkin seeds | Crunch and zinc-rich nutrition |
| Orange segments | Brings brightness and contrast to beets |
This salad plays well with creativity. Try what’s in season or what’s in your pantry.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Make-ahead:
- Roast beets and cook lentils up to 3 days ahead
- Store vinaigrette separately to keep texture fresh
Storage:
- Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Best served chilled or at room temperature
Meal prep tip:
Portion into jars or containers with vinaigrette on the bottom and greens on top — shake when ready to eat.
What to Serve With This Salad
While it’s great on its own, here’s what it pairs with:
| Main or Side | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Grilled salmon | Complements the earthy-sweet profile |
| Whole grain bread | Adds warmth and chew |
| Tomato soup | A light pairing for a cozy meal |
| Hummus and crackers | A protein-packed vegetarian combo |
| Quiche or frittata | For brunch or a light dinner spread |
You can keep it light or build it into a full-on feast.
A Personal Note: A Salad That Surprised Me
Confession: I didn’t always love beets. They tasted like dirt to me growing up. But one day, someone roasted them. And added lentils. And poured on this lemony dressing that made everything taste bright and balanced.
That was it. A beet convert was born.
Now this salad is in regular rotation — it’s simple, it stores well, and it makes me feel like I’m eating something special. Not to mention it looks stunning on the table.
Common Questions
Can I use canned lentils?
Absolutely — just rinse and drain them well.
Do I have to peel beets before roasting?
Peeling is optional. You can roast with skins on and rub them off afterward.
Can I make this oil-free?
Yes — try using lemon juice and mustard only for a lighter vinaigrette.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Not really. The texture of lentils and beets changes when frozen. Best enjoyed fresh.
Final Thoughts: Bold Flavor Meets Simple Ingredients
Roasted beet and lentil salad is a beautiful marriage of earthy vegetables, vibrant herbs, and bright dressing — all with serious staying power.
It’s colorful enough for dinner parties and nourishing enough for weekly meal prep. Whether you’re plant-based, curious, or just hungry, this salad delivers satisfaction without complication.
Call to Action
Ready to fall in love with beets (and lentils) all over again? Try this roasted beet and lentil salad and taste the vibrant power of real food.
For more plant-forward inspiration, explore The First Mess or browse salad ideas at Green Kitchen Stories.