French Lentil Salad Recipe (2024)

Why This Recipe Works

The base of the dish is French green lentils, also known as Puy lentils, which hold their shape when cooked, making them perfect for salads.

The sweet potatoes are tossed in olive oil, salt and pepper and roasted until caramelized to add a touch of sweetness to the salad.

The tangy aromatic dressing features shallot, white wine vinegar, garlic and Dijon for a zesty combination that brings everything together and complements the earthy lentils and sweet potatoes, and the fresh herbs add a pop of freshness to the salad.

Finely, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds and a finely diced vegetables add more flavor, texture and crunch. If you’re looking for a simple salad made with wholesome ingredients that’s perfect for making in advance and can be served as a main dish or side, you’ll love this French lentil salad!

For more easy recipes like this, this Lentil Kale Salad, Mediterranean Rice and Lentils and Roasted Vegetable Lentil Salad are all wonderful plant-based recipes too.

Highlights

• Vegan.
• Gluten-free.
• Good for meal prep.
• Easy to customize.
• Source of plant-based protein.
• High in fiber.
• Easy to make with simple ingredients.
• Ready in 30 minutes.
• Great side dish for picnics and potlucks.

Variations & Additions

This salad is easily customizable and there’s no need to be exact with the veggies so you can easily mix and match to make it your own.

• Chop up 2-3 cups of cauliflower and roast them with the sweet potato, or use instead of sweet potato.
• Serve topped with crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese.
• Red bell peppers can be added in addition to the other vegetables or as a substitute for one of them.
• For a bit of heat, add up to 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes to the salad dressing.
• Mix in a handful of any salad greens or baby spinach at the end to add greens to the salad.

Step 1: Cube the sweet potato and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt and pepper on a baking tray. Roast for about 20-25 minutes at 400 F.

Step 2: Rinse the lentils in cold water then add to a medium pot with 3 cups water. Add the garlic powder and generously salt.

Bring to a boil then reduce the heat, cover and lightly simmer until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain lentils if there is any excess water remaining.

Step 3: Add all of the salad dress ingredients to a large mixing bowl or serving bowl and whisk to combine.

Step 4: Chop the celery, onion, carrot and fresh herbs.

Can I use regular green lentils or brown lentils?

Yes. They’ll have a slightly different flavor and texture than French lentils but they can be used in the recipe, swapped 1:1.

Can I use red lentils?

No. This recipe is best with French lentils (lentilles du puy or le puy lentils), black beluga lentils or regular green or brown lentils.

How long does French lentil salad keep?

You can store this salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Is this a chilled or warm lentil salad?

It can be either. With warm lentils added right after cooking it will be a warm salad. After storing, it can be served at room temperature, chilled or lightly heated in the microwave.