Roasted Carrots and Lentil Salad with Hummus: A Wholesome Bowl of Flavor

There’s something deeply satisfying about a meal that feels as good as it tastes. That’s exactly what you get with a roasted carrots and lentil salad with hummus — a vibrant, nutrient-packed dish that hits all the right notes: earthy, creamy, savory, and just a little bit sweet.

Whether you’re looking to eat more plant-based meals, prep ahead for busy days, or simply explore fresh Mediterranean flavors, this roasted carrots and lentil salad with hummus is a winner. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal, yet elegant enough to serve as a dinner-party starter or light lunch.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make this wholesome salad from scratch, plus tips for variations, make-ahead ideas, and how to serve it to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Roasted Carrots and Lentil Salad with Hummus

This salad is the perfect example of how simple ingredients, when thoughtfully prepared, can create something extraordinary.

Here’s why it stands out:

• 🥕 Roasted carrots become caramelized and tender, adding natural sweetness and depth.
• 🥣 Lentils offer fiber, protein, and a satisfying bite.
• 🌿 Hummus brings creamy richness and ties all the flavors together.
• 🧄 Tahini dressing adds nuttiness and zing.
• 🌈 Colorful and versatile, it’s easy to make ahead and pack for lunch.

Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need.

Ingredients

This roasted carrots and lentil salad with hummus is built on pantry staples and fresh produce. You can customize it with whatever herbs, toppings, or dressings you prefer.

For the Roasted Carrots:

• 6–8 medium carrots, peeled and sliced lengthwise
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lentils:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
• 3 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Salt to taste

For the Tahini Dressing:

• 3 tbsp tahini
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 2–3 tbsp cold water (to thin)
• Salt to taste

For Assembly:

• 1 cup hummus (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional)
• A handful of arugula or baby greens (optional)
• Toasted seeds or nuts (like pumpkin seeds or pine nuts)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Carrots

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the peeled, halved carrots with olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.

The roasted carrots will caramelize beautifully, giving the salad a rich, sweet base that pairs perfectly with the creamy hummus and hearty lentils.

Step 2: Cook the Lentils

1. In a saucepan, combine rinsed lentils, water or broth, and bay leaf if using.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes until tender but not mushy.
3. Drain any excess liquid and season with a bit of salt.

Lentils are the protein powerhouse in this roasted carrots and lentil salad with hummus, making it filling and nourishing without any meat.

Step 3: Make the Tahini Dressing

1. In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt.
2. Add cold water a little at a time until the dressing reaches your desired consistency — smooth, pourable, and creamy.

This tahini dressing adds nutty richness and a zingy brightness that ties the whole dish together.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Spread a generous swoosh of hummus onto the base of each plate or shallow bowl.
2. Layer with lentils, roasted carrots, and your choice of greens.
3. Drizzle with tahini dressing, then top with red onion, parsley, and crumbled feta if using.
4. Finish with toasted seeds or nuts for a satisfying crunch.

Each bite of this roasted carrots and lentil salad with hummus delivers creamy, crispy, and bright flavors that keep you coming back for more.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is as beautiful to serve as it is to eat. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• As a meal prep bowl: Pack the ingredients separately and assemble just before eating.
• For a dinner party: Serve individual plated portions with pita bread and olives.
• As a side dish: Pair with grilled meats or falafel for a Middle Eastern-inspired spread.
• Warm or cold: It’s delicious both ways — serve the lentils and carrots warm or chill everything for a refreshing cold salad.

Variations to Try

The base of this roasted carrots and lentil salad with hummus is highly adaptable. Here are a few creative twists:

1. Spicy Harissa Carrots

Toss the carrots with harissa paste instead of cumin and paprika for a fiery kick.

2. Roasted Beet and Carrot Combo

Add roasted beets for color and an earthy-sweet contrast.

3. Add Grains

Stir in cooked farro, quinoa, or bulgur with the lentils for extra heartiness.

4. Make it Vegan

Skip the feta or use a plant-based alternative. Everything else is already naturally vegan.

5. Hummus Flavors

Experiment with flavored hummus — roasted red pepper, garlic, or lemon zest varieties add extra depth.

Nutritional Benefits

This roasted carrots and lentil salad with hummus isn’t just tasty — it’s packed with nutrition:

• Carrots are rich in beta carotene and fiber.
• Lentils provide protein, iron, and complex carbs.
• Hummus offers healthy fats and plant-based protein.
• Tahini adds calcium and a dose of healthy omega-6 fats.

Eating this dish regularly is a great way to support digestion, energy, and overall well-being.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

This salad is ideal for meal prep. Here’s how to store it:

• Store components separately: Keep lentils, carrots, hummus, and toppings in individual containers to maintain freshness.
• Hummus and dressing: Both last 5–7 days in the fridge.
• Freezing: You can freeze cooked lentils, but not the hummus or dressing.
• Reheat gently: Warm the lentils and carrots before serving if you prefer a warm salad.

Final Thoughts: A Flavor-Packed Meal for Any Occasion

If you’re looking for a meal that’s comforting, colorful, and packed with plant-based goodness, this roasted carrots and lentil salad with hummus ticks every box. It’s easy to prepare, full of bold flavors, and flexible enough for lunch, dinner, or entertaining.

Whether you serve it on a lazy Sunday afternoon or pack it for a weekday lunch, you’ll love how this salad brings together wholesome ingredients in the most satisfying way.

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