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Garlic Sweet Potato Lentil Salad served on a white platter with lemon wedges, fresh herbs, and red onion.
Layla

Garlic Sweet Potato Lentil Salad

Warm roasted sweet potatoes and earthy lentils tossed in a garlicky lemon dressing that somehow tastes even better the next day.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1.5 lb sweet potatoes cut into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 cup green or brown lentils rinsed
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 4 oz feta cheese crumbled

Equipment

  • Rimmed Baking Sheet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Roast the Sweet Potatoes
  1. Heat oven to 425°F. Toss sweet potato cubes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper on a rimmed baking sheet. Spread in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping once, until deeply caramelized at the edges and tender when pierced with a fork.
Cook the Lentils
  1. While potatoes roast, combine lentils with 3 cups water and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes until tender but still holding their shape. Drain any excess water and let cool slightly.
Make the Garlic Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and honey until emulsified. Let sit for 5 minutes to mellow the raw garlic.
Assemble the Salad
  1. In a large bowl, combine warm lentils and roasted sweet potatoes. Pour dressing over top and toss gently to coat. Fold in parsley and feta. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Use French green lentils (Le Puy) if you can find them - they hold their shape better than regular brown lentils and have a pleasant peppery bite. The salad keeps beautifully for up to 4 days refrigerated; the flavors actually improve as the garlic mellows and melds with the lentils. For a vegan version, swap the feta for toasted chopped walnuts and add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.