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Roasted Mediterranean Creamy Tahini Lentil Salad Recipe served in a blue ceramic bowl with roasted cauliflower and creamy tahini sauce.

Roasted Mediterranean Creamy Tahini Lentil Salad Recipe

A vibrant, protein-packed warm salad featuring earthy lentils, roasted cauliflower, sweet bell peppers, and fresh cherry tomatoes topped with a velvety lemon-tahini dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 36 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

For the Salad Bowl:
  • 1 cup French green or brown lentils rinsed well; avoid red lentils as they get too mushy
  • 1 small head cauliflower cut into small florets
  • 1 large bell pepper orange or red, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup fresh greens chopped kale or baby spinach
  • ¼ cup red onion finely diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for roasting
Seasonings:
  • 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Tahini Dressing:
  • cup tahini sesame paste
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 garlic clove finely minced or crushed
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or maple syrup for balance
  • 3 –4 tbsp warm water to thin out the dressing
  • Pinch of salt and black pepper

Method
 

Roast the Vegetables:
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss your cauliflower florets and diced bell peppers in a large bowl with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are beautifully tender and charred.
Simmer the Lentils:
  1. While the vegetables roast, add your rinsed lentils to a saucepan with 2½ cups of water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15–20 minutes until tender but still retaining an al dente bite. Drain off any remaining liquid and let them cool slightly.
Whisk the Dressing:
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The mixture will initially seize and turn thick. Gradually whisk in warm water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce transforms into a completely smooth, pourable, creamy consistency.
Assemble and Serve:
  1. In a large decorative serving bowl, combine your warm lentils, roasted cauliflower, and roasted bell peppers. Toss in the fresh halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and greens. Pour the creamy tahini dressing over the top or dollop it right in the center as pictured. Dust with an extra pinch of paprika or cracked black pepper and serve immediately.

Notes

• Meal Prep Tip: Keep components separated until ready to eat to keep veggies and greens crisp.
• Crunch Factor: Add toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds right before serving for extra texture.
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