Are you ready to elevate your salad game with a dish that's not only delicious but also packed with nutrients? This warm lentil and sweet potato salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing! With its vibrant colors and hearty ingredients, this recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or a nutritious lunch. Plus, it's quick to prepare, taking just 45 minutes from start to finish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this wholesome dish that’s as satisfying as it is scrumptious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 1 large sweet potato, diced
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water, removing any small stones or debris.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until lentils are tender but not mushy.
- While lentils are cooking, preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Peel and dice the sweet potato into 1/2-inch cubes. Toss the sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- Roast the sweet potato in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are crispy and center is tender.
- Finely chop the red onion and set aside.
- Once lentils are cooked, drain any excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Add the roasted sweet potato cubes and chopped red onion to the lentils.
- Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Just before serving, fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to slightly wilt from the warm ingredients.
- Serve immediately as a warm salad, garnishing with extra herbs or a light vinaigrette if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Lentils: For this recipe, green or brown lentils work best as they hold their shape well during cooking. Avoid red lentils as they tend to become mushy.
- Roast for Flavor: Don’t skip the roasting step for the sweet potatoes! This brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delightful caramelized flavor that complements the earthy lentils.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and nutrition. You can also toss in some nuts or seeds for added crunch.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro just before serving for a burst of freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavors!
- Serve Warm: This salad is best enjoyed warm, but it can also be refrigerated and served cold. If you do this, allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
