Name: Kale Lentil Salad with Roasted Vegetables
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 30, 2026

This hearty lentil and kale salad is packed with nourishing ingredients, vibrant colors, and a perfect balance of flavors. The nutty green lentils and earthy kale provide a rich base, while the citrusy honey lemon dressing and caramelized roasted vegetables add brightness and sweetness. Finished with creamy feta and fresh cilantro, this salad is both satisfying and versatile.

Kale Lentil Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Kale Lentil Salad with Roasted Vegetables cover

From the Cook

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Kale Lentil Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningMilk and 4 other allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Cook 1 cup green lentils in 3 cups of water over medium heat for 20-25 minutes until tender but al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss onion, carrots, and tomatoes with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway.

Massage 2 cups kale with 2 tablespoons lemon juice in a large salad bowl until softened.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, lemon zest, honey, salt, red pepper flakes, and thyme for the dressing.

Add the lentils and roasted veggies to the kale. Toss with dressing, then top with feta and cilantro.

Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Add dressing just before serving for best texture.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Kale Massage Technique 💪
Massage the kale with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil for 2-3 minutes to break down the tough fibers and make it more tender and digestible.
Lentil Cooking Precision 🥄
Rinse green lentils thoroughly and cook in a 3:1 water ratio, adding a bay leaf for extra flavor, and check for doneness at 20 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Roasted Vegetable Caramelization 🔥
Cut vegetables to uniform size and spread them in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they're not overcrowded to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent steaming.
Dressing Emulsification Trick 🥗
Whisk honey, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice first, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuously whisking to create a perfectly smooth and stable dressing.
Flavor Layering Technique 🌿
Toast your spices like cumin and smoked paprika in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding to the roasted vegetables to unlock their deeper, more complex flavors.

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About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.