11 Fall Lentil Salads for Plant Protein

Harvest Grain and Lentil Salad With Roasted Vegetables

nutritious autumn lentil salad

Harvest Grain and Lentil Salad With Roasted Vegetables is a nutritious and vibrant dish that celebrates the flavors of the fall season. Packed with protein-rich lentils, hearty grains, and a colorful array of roasted vegetables, this salad is not only satisfying but also visually appealing. It’s perfect as a main course or a side dish, and it can easily be prepared in advance for meal prep.

Ingredients Quantity
Green or brown lentils 1 cup
Quinoa or farro 1 cup
Bell peppers (mixed colors) 2, diced
Zucchini 1, diced
Carrots 2, sliced
Red onion 1, chopped
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Dried thyme 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish) ¼ cup, chopped
Feta cheese (optional) ½ cup, crumbled

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Cook the lentils and quinoa/farro separately according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the diced bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and red onion with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread them on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, quinoa/farro, and roasted vegetables. Mix well and taste for seasoning.
  6. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese if desired. Enjoy your healthy and hearty Harvest Grain and Lentil Salad!

Spicy Lentil and Kale Salad With Citrus Dressing

spicy lentil kale salad

Spicy Lentil and Kale Salad With Citrus Dressing is a bold and invigorating dish that combines the earthy flavor of lentils with nutrient-rich kale and a zesty citrus dressing. This salad not only provides a satisfying crunch but also a punch of flavor, making it a perfect addition to your fall table. Enjoy it as a hearty lunch or a flavorful side dish that will complement any meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Green or brown lentils 1 cup
Kale 4 cups, chopped
Cherry tomatoes 1 cup, halved
Red onion 1, thinly sliced
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons
Fresh orange juice 2 tablespoons
Crushed red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Avocado (for topping) 1, sliced
Pumpkin seeds (for garnish) ¼ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Cook lentils according to package instructions until tender. Drain and let cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils with chopped kale, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, lime juice, orange juice, crushed red pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
  5. Serve with sliced avocado on top and sprinkle with pumpkin seeds for added crunch. Enjoy!

Autumn Quinoa and Lentil Salad With Apples and Pecans

nutty autumn salad recipe

Autumn Quinoa and Lentil Salad With Apples and Pecans is a delightful fall dish that marries the nutty flavors of quinoa and lentils with the sweetness of fresh apples and the crunch of pecans. This salad is not only colorful and seasonal but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a healthy lunch or a festive side dish at any gathering.

Ingredients Quantity
Quinoa 1 cup
Green or brown lentils 1 cup
Apples (diced) 2
Pecans (chopped) ½ cup
Celery (diced) 1 stalk
Dried cranberries ½ cup
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons
Maple syrup 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Fresh parsley (for garnish) ¼ cup, chopped

Cooking Steps:

  1. Cook quinoa and lentils according to their package instructions, ensuring both are tender. Drain and let cool.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, lentils, diced apples, chopped pecans, diced celery, and dried cranberries.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve. Enjoy your autumn-inspired salad!

Warm Moroccan Lentil Salad With Cumin and Dried Fruits

moroccan lentil salad recipe

Warm Moroccan Lentil Salad With Cumin and Dried Fruits is a fragrant and comforting dish that captures the essence of Moroccan flavors. Infused with aromatic spices, this salad combines tender lentils with succulent dried fruits and a citrusy dressing, making it an excellent, hearty option for cooler days or when you’re craving something a bit more exotic.

Ingredients Quantity
Green or brown lentils 1 cup
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Cumin (ground) 1 tablespoon
Cinnamon (ground) 1 teaspoon
Vegetable broth or water 3 cups
Red onion (chopped) 1 small
Carrot (diced) 1 medium
Dried apricots (chopped) ½ cup
Raisins or sultanas ½ cup
Fresh cilantro (chopped) ¼ cup
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped red onion and diced carrot until softened.
  2. Add cumin and cinnamon, stirring for about a minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in the lentils and vegetable broth (or water) and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, until lentils are tender.
  4. Once cooked, add dried apricots, raisins, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat and fold in fresh cilantro. Serve warm and enjoy the Moroccan-inspired flavors!

Lentil Salad With Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Feta

lentil salad with sweet potatoes

Lentil Salad With Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Feta is a delightful and nutritious dish perfect for fall. The sweetness of the roasted sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with the earthy lentils, while tangy feta cheese adds a burst of flavor. This hearty salad is not only pleasing to the palate but also a feast for the eyes, making it a great addition to any autumn meal.

Ingredients Quantity
Green or brown lentils 1 cup
Sweet potatoes (cubed) 2 medium
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Feta cheese (crumbled) ½ cup
Fresh spinach or arugula 2 cups
Red onion (thinly sliced) 1 small
Lemon juice 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and toss the cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. In a pot, cook the lentils according to package instructions until tender, then drain.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, roasted sweet potatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh spinach or arugula.
  4. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently to combine.
  5. Top with crumbled feta cheese, serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Maple-Mustard Lentil Salad With Brussels Sprouts

lentil salad with dressing

Maple-Mustard Lentil Salad With Brussels Sprouts is a comforting and flavorful dish that beautifully combines the nutty taste of lentils with the earthy crunch of Brussels sprouts. The addition of a sweet and tangy maple-mustard dressing brings everything together, making it an ideal salad to savor during the fall months. Packed with nutrients and vibrant flavors, this dish can serve as a delightful side or a wholesome main course.

Ingredients Quantity
Green or brown lentils 1 cup
Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved) 2 cups
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Maple syrup 2 tablespoons
Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon
Apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) ¼ cup

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until they are golden and tender.
  2. While the Brussels sprouts are roasting, cook the lentils in boiling water according to package instructions until tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils and roasted Brussels sprouts. Drizzle with the maple-mustard dressing and toss to combine.
  5. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, either warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

Lentil and Beet Salad With Goat Cheese and Walnuts

lentil beet goat cheese salad

Lentil and Beet Salad With Goat Cheese and Walnuts is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of lentils and roasted beets with the creaminess of goat cheese and the crunch of walnuts. This salad is perfect for fall, as it not only celebrates seasonal ingredients but also offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. It’s hearty enough to be served as a main course or as a side dish.

Ingredients Quantity
Green or brown lentils 1 cup
Beetroots (roasted and diced) 2 medium
Goat cheese (crumbled) 4 ounces
Walnuts (chopped) ½ cup
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Baby spinach or mixed greens 4 cups
Fresh thyme (for garnish) A few sprigs

Cooking Steps:

  1. Cook the lentils in boiling water according to package instructions until tender, then drain and let cool.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Wrap beetroots in foil and roast for about 45 minutes, or until tender. Allow to cool, then peel and dice.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, roasted beets, baby spinach or mixed greens, and walnuts.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  5. Top the salad with crumbled goat cheese and garnish with fresh thyme before serving. Enjoy!

Hearty Lentil and Pumpkin Salad With Sage

lentil pumpkin salad recipe

Hearty Lentil and Pumpkin Salad With Sage is a comforting autumn salad that brings together the nutritional benefits of lentils and the sweet, earthy flavors of roasted pumpkin. Enhanced with the aromatic notes of fresh sage, this dish is perfect as a filling main course or a satisfying side, making it an ideal choice for fall gatherings and cozy dinners.

Ingredients Quantity
Green or brown lentils 1 cup
Pumpkin (peeled and cubed) 2 cups
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Fresh sage leaves 10-12 leaves
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste
Red onion (thinly sliced) 1 medium
Baby spinach 4 cups
Balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons
Feta cheese (crumbled) 4 ounces

Cooking Steps:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the pumpkin cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the lentils in boiling water according to package instructions until tender, then drain and set aside to cool.
  3. In a small skillet, heat a little olive oil and sauté the red onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the fresh sage and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, roasted pumpkin, sautéed onions with sage, and baby spinach. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and toss gently to combine.
  5. Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving. Enjoy your hearty salad!

Asian-Inspired Lentil Salad With Sesame Dressing

vibrant asian lentil salad

Asian-Inspired Lentil Salad With Sesame Dressing is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the hearty texture of lentils with fresh vegetables and a delightful sesame dressing. This salad captures the essence of Asian flavors, making it a rejuvenating accompaniment or a standalone meal that’s perfect for fall or any time of year.

Ingredients Quantity
Green or black lentils 1 cup
Red bell pepper (diced) 1 medium
Cucumber (diced) 1 medium
Carrot (shredded) 1 large
Green onions (sliced) 3-4 stalks
Cilantro (chopped) 1/4 cup
Sesame oil 2 tablespoons
Soy sauce 2 tablespoons
Rice vinegar 1 tablespoon
Fresh ginger (grated) 1 teaspoon
Salt To taste
Black sesame seeds 2 tablespoons

Cooking Steps:

  1. Cook the lentils in boiling water according to package instructions until tender but firm, then drain and let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils with diced red bell pepper, cucumber, shredded carrot, sliced green onions, and chopped cilantro.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and grated ginger to make the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Season with salt to taste.
  5. Sprinkle black sesame seeds on top before serving. Enjoy your Asian-inspired lentil salad!

Mediterranean Lentil Salad With Olives and Bell Peppers

hearty mediterranean lentil salad

Mediterranean Lentil Salad With Olives and Bell Peppers is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings together the earthy goodness of lentils with the vibrant tastes of Mediterranean ingredients. This salad is not only nutritious but also bursting with color and flavor, making it an ideal addition to any fall table or a rejuvenating meal at any time of the year.

Ingredients Quantity
Green or brown lentils 1 cup
Red bell pepper (diced) 1 medium
Yellow bell pepper (diced) 1 medium
Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced) 1/2 cup
Red onion (finely chopped) 1 small
Cherry tomatoes (halved) 1 cup
Cucumber (diced) 1 medium
Fresh parsley (chopped) 1/4 cup
Olive oil 3 tablespoons
Red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons
Lemon juice 1 tablespoon
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Cook the lentils in boiling water according to package instructions until tender, then drain and let them cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils with diced red and yellow bell peppers, sliced olives, chopped red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and chopped parsley.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper for the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a delightful Mediterranean experience! Enjoy your salad!

Curried Lentil Salad With Coconut and Fresh Herbs

curried lentil salad recipe

Curried Lentil Salad With Coconut and Fresh Herbs is a vibrant and aromatic dish that combines the nutty flavor of lentils with the warmth of curry spices and the creaminess of coconut. This salad is perfect for a fall gathering, offering a delightful balance of textures and flavors while being healthy and satisfying.

Ingredients Quantity
Green or brown lentils 1 cup
Coconut milk 1/2 cup
Red onion (finely chopped) 1 small
Carrot (shredded) 1 medium
Fresh cilantro (chopped) 1/4 cup
Fresh mint (chopped) 1/4 cup
Curry powder 1 tablespoon
Olive oil 2 tablespoons
Lime juice 2 tablespoons
Salt To taste
Black pepper To taste

Cooking Steps:

  1. Cook the lentils in boiling water according to package instructions until tender, then drain and let them cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled lentils with finely chopped red onion, shredded carrot, chopped cilantro, and mint.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together coconut milk, olive oil, curry powder, lime juice, salt, and black pepper for the dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the exotic flavors of this curried lentil salad!