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Kale and Lentil Salad with Roasted Carrots (Vegan)

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This hearty Kale and Lentil Salad with Roasted Carrots is a nourishing vegan recipe packed with protein-rich black lentils, sweet caramelized carrots, chewy cranberries, and crunchy pumpkin seeds—all tossed in a warm, spiced balsamic-maple vinaigrette. Perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or as a flavorful plant-based side dish.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

½ cup (100g) black lentils or French Du Puy lentils

½ Tbsp (7g) apple cider vinegar (optional, for soaking lentils)

1 lb (453g) carrots, peeled and sliced into 1” pieces

1 Tbsp (15ml) extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp fine sea salt, divided

Freshly ground black pepper

1 bay leaf

1 bunch lacinato kale, de-stemmed and thinly sliced

¼ cup (40g) dried cranberries

¼ cup (28g) pumpkin seeds

For the Dressing:

2 Tbsp (30ml) extra virgin olive oil

1½ Tbsp (22ml) balsamic vinegar

2 tsp (10ml) maple syrup

½ tsp Dijon mustard

⅛ tsp cinnamon

¼ tsp fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. (Optional) Soak lentils with vinegar in water for 4+ hours; drain and rinse.

  2. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss carrots with olive oil, half the salt, and black pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized. Let cool.

  3. Simmer lentils with bay leaf in water until just tender—15 minutes if soaked, 20 minutes if not. Drain and rinse under cold water.

  4. Whisk dressing ingredients until emulsified.

  5. In a large bowl, massage kale with some of the dressing until softened.

  6. Add lentils and carrots to the kale, pour over remaining dressing, and toss gently.

  7. Top with cranberries and pumpkin seeds. Adjust seasoning and serve.

Notes

Soaking lentils is optional but reduces cooking time and aids digestion.

Swap black lentils for brown or green if needed.

Substitute cranberries with raisins or dried cherries.

Use toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts) instead of pumpkin seeds for a crunchier variation.

Best served fresh or slightly chilled—store components separately for meal prep.

 

Find it online: https://familydinnercooking.com/kale-and-lentil-salad-with-roasted-carrots-vegan/