This Black Lentil Salad is loaded with whole, nutrient dense foods for a hearty and healthy dish. Serve this lentil salad as its own meal or as a substantial side.
I love salads that serve as the whole meal. I mean, if you're going to do the work to prepare a salad, it may as well be a dish that you can eat by itself.
This Black Lentil Salad is just that. Black lentils are a great source of fiber and protein. Sweet potatoes are a healthy source of carbohydrates and nutrients. Apples add vitamins and fiber. Pepitas are a great plant-based fat source, with plenty of omega-3s. And arugula is a nutritious leafy green vegetable.
There's so much nutrition and variety in one salad.
Black lentils are a variety of lentil that are - you guessed it - black in color.
Most typically, you'll find brown lentils at the store. You will likely also find red lentils. And maybe even green or yellow lentils.
Black lentils are not as common, but they are a delicious and nutritious option. (And many are grown in the U.S.)
Black lentils are quite similar to brown lentils in that they retain their shape when cooked. Yellow and red lentils tend to break down. But black lentils remain intact, so they are perfect for salads!
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the sweet potato and bake for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through to brown multiple sides of the sweet potato.
Step 2. Meanwhile, in a large pot, sauté the onion over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until starting to soften.
Step 3. Add the garlic, salt, thyme, chili powder, and pepper. Stir.
Step 4. Add the lentils and 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil then simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the lentils are tender. Drain off any excess water.
Step 5. Meanwhile, mix the dressing ingredients.
Step 6. When lentils and sweet potatoes are ready, toss with the arugula, apple, pepitas, and dressing.
Thank you God for this nutrient dense meal. Help this dish to fuel our bodies with good things. Amen.
Looking for more hearty salads? Try these next:
Or, check out my other recipes that use lentils:
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This Black Lentil Salad is loaded with whole, nutrient dense foods for a hearty and healthy dish. Serve this lentil salad as its own meal or as a substantial side.
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