Sweet Potato Lentil Bowls

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These meal prep bowls are so delicious and flavourful! The dressing and feta add the perfect burst of flavour. I am constantly looking for new lunch ideas and these were just what I needed. Healthy, vegetarian, and loaded with greens. I like using kale as it allows for salads to keep longer in the fridge! Therefore, perfect for making ahead of time. You can also swap chickpeas for lentils if that's easier for you.

If you’re looking for a vibrant, nutritious, and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and full of flavor, these Sweet Potato Lentil Bowls are exactly what you need. Packed with wholesome ingredients like roasted sweet potatoes, hearty brown lentils, and nutrient-rich kale, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. The warm spices give the bowls a comforting depth, while the tangy, creamy salad dressing ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or craving a healthy dinner, this recipe is a delicious way to fuel your body and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Lentil Bowls

These bowls are perfect for anyone wanting a healthy, balanced meal with minimal fuss. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors makes every bite exciting. Plus, the recipe is highly versatile—you can swap ingredients based on what you have or your dietary preferences without losing the essence of the dish.

Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weekdays or serving up a quick family dinner, sweet potato lentil bowls deliver on nutrition, flavor, and convenience. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal that’s as vibrant as it is nourishing!

How To Make Sweet Potato Lentil Bowls

The Ingredients

Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes provide a natural sweetness and creamy texture when roasted, making them a perfect base for this bowl. Rich in fiber, vitamins A and C, they also add vibrant color to the dish.
Substitutes: Butternut squash, pumpkin, or regular potatoes can be used if sweet potatoes aren’t available.

Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for roasting the sweet potatoes and kale, as well as in the salad dressing, adding richness and healthy fats.
Substitutes: Avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut oil.

Kale
Kale adds a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and a hearty texture, plus it’s packed with vitamins and antioxidants. About half a head, or roughly 8 cups, is ideal for this recipe.
Substitutes: Spinach, Swiss chard, collard greens, or arugula.

Brown Lentils
Brown lentils bring protein, fiber, and a subtle earthiness to the bowls. They hold their shape well after cooking, providing a nice bite.
Substitutes: Green lentils, red lentils (cook quicker but soften more), chickpeas, or black beans.

Red Onion
Red onion adds a mild sharpness and crunch, balancing the sweetness of the potatoes.
Substitutes: Yellow or white onion, shallots, or green onions.

Feta Cheese
Feta cheese adds a salty, tangy creaminess that complements the spices and roasted vegetables perfectly.
Substitutes: Goat cheese, queso fresco, or a dairy-free cheese for vegan options.

Spices: Chili Powder, Cumin, Cinnamon, Cayenne, Salt & Pepper
These warm spices add depth and a subtle kick to the sweet potatoes and lentils. Cinnamon adds a hint of sweetness that enhances the natural flavors, while cayenne is optional for heat.
Substitutes: For chili powder, you can use smoked paprika or a mix of paprika and cayenne. Ground coriander or garam masala can replace cumin for a different twist.


Salad Dressing Explained with Substitutes

The dressing perfectly balances the bowl with bright acidity, slight sweetness, and creaminess.

Olive Oil
A base for the dressing that adds richness.
Substitutes: Avocado oil, walnut oil, or any mild-tasting oil.

Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing with refreshing acidity.
Substitutes: Lime juice or apple cider vinegar.

Mayonnaise
Adds creaminess to the dressing and helps emulsify the ingredients.
Substitutes: Greek yogurt (for a lighter option), vegan mayo, or tahini for a nutty flavor.

Dijon Mustard
Provides tang and helps bind the dressing.
Substitutes: Yellow mustard or whole grain mustard.

Maple Syrup
Adds natural sweetness that balances the tartness of lemon juice.
Substitutes: Honey, agave syrup, or coconut sugar dissolved in a bit of water.

What You Need

The Steps

  • Preheat oven to 400°F
  • Peel and dice sweet potatoes
  • Add to a large bowl and toss with oil and spices
  • Spread on a large baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes
  • Rinse lentils and add to a medium pot with 4 cups of water
  • Cook lentils for 22 minutes and drain extra water once cooking time is done
  • Remove kale from stems, then wash, dry, and chop into small pieces
  • Add kale to a large bowl with a splash of oil and sprinkle of sea salt. Massage with your hand for 3 minutes until kale softens (don't skip this step!)
  • Whisk together salad dressing ingredients
  • Slice red onion
  • Assemble bowls by adding kale, sweet potatoes, lentils, and red onion to each bowl. Top with crumbled feta and drizzle with dressing
  • Store in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 5 days

Recipe Tips

 

Sweet Potato Lentil Bowls

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

Bowls

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ head kale about 8 cups
  • 1 cup brown lentils
  • ¼ of a red onion
  • 1 cup feta cheese
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp cayenne optional
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper

Salad Dressing

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp mayo
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F
  • Peel and dice sweet potatoes
  • Add to a large bowl and toss with oil and spices
  • Spread on a large baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes
  • Rinse lentils and add to a medium pot with 4 cups of water
  • Cook lentils for 22 minutes and drain extra water once cooking time is done
  • Remove kale from stems, then wash, dry, and chop into small pieces
  • Add kale to a large bowl with a splash of oil and sprinkle of sea salt. Massage with your hand for 3 minutes until kale softens (don't skip this step!)
  • Whisk together salad dressing ingredients
  • Slice red onion
  • Assemble bowls by adding kale, sweet potatoes, lentils, and red onion to each bowl. Top with crumbled feta and drizzle with dressing
  • Store in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 5 days

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