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Home Meal Prep Meal Prep Lunch
4.71
/5
40 minutes minutes

Southwestern Sweet Potato and Lentil Jar Salads

Dairy Free Dairy-Free Gluten Free Gluten Free Nut Free Nut Free Vegan Vegan Vegetarian Vegetarian Meal Prep Meal Prep
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By: Annie52 Comments
Posted: 9/8/16 Updated: 6/16/25

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

These sweet potato & lentil jar salads have the most amazing chili lime vinaigrette! Make them ahead and enjoy throughout the week for an easy, healthy on-the-go lunch.

Southwestern Sweet Potato and Lentil Jar Salads

Now that summer is over and we're back to the old routine, it's time for some more make-ahead lunch recipes.

Sorry PB&J, as easy as you are, you were so often tossed out in favor of the delicious-looking stuff for sale in the food court. Which honestly, was never as tasty as the picture made out. And left me feeling regret, and hunger just a few hours later.

This is why I've been on a bit of a mission this past year. Let's make some easy, healthy lunch recipes that you will actually look forward to, and will never be forgotten in the bottom of your bag, or (gasp) tossed in the trash.

Today's southwestern sweet potato and lentil jar salads are SUPER easy, delicious and they will actually keep you feeling full a lot longer into the afternoon. Woo hoo!

Southwestern Sweet Potato and Lentil Jar Salads

Plus, on the totally superficial side of things, you get to look like a super cool person when you stroll into the lunch room with your rainbow JAR SALAD!

And: your super cool jar salad might lead to some stimulating lunch conversations!

Them: 'Why is your lunch in a jar?'

You:  'Because, look: layering! The dressing is kept far away from the peppers and sweet potatoes, keeping them from turning into mush'

Them: 'You are a genius! Teach me your ways'.

Southwestern Sweet Potato and Lentil Jar Salads

At least...that's how it all goes down in my mind.

Either way, you are going to enjoy your delicious, FILLING sweet potato and lentil jar salad.

It all starts with a simple chili lime vinaigrette, which goes in the bottom of the jars. Next: lentils, then corn, then roasted sweet potato cubes, and finally bell pepper.

This lunch is the perfect way to ease back into your routine. I hope you love it as much as I do!

Watch the video below to see exactly how I prepped these Southwestern sweet potato jar salads. It’s so easy! You can find more of my recipe videos on my YouTube channel, or on Facebook.

More make-ahead lunch recipes for us!

  • these vegetarian Cauliflower Cashew Lunch Bowls
  • or these ULTRA popular Chicken Fajita Lunch Bowls
  • or check out these 19 Healthy Make Ahead Lunch Bowls for a TON of inspiration

Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!

four mason jars filled with southwestern lentil sweet potato lunch bowls

Southwestern Sweet Potato & Lentil Jar Salads

4.71 from 17 votes
Prep Time: 15 minutes mins
Cook Time: 25 minutes mins
Total Time: 40 minutes mins
Print Rate
These sweet potato & lentil jar salads have the most amazing chili lime vinaigrette! Make them ahead and enjoy throughout the week for an easy, healthy on-the-go lunch.
4

Ingredients

Chili Lime Vinaigrette

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 2 teaspoons honey (maple syrup for vegan)

Salad

  • 6 cups sweet potato cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • One 19 oz (540mL can of brown lentils, drained)
  • One 11.5 oz (340mL can of corn kernels, drained)
  • 1 red bell pepper (sliced thinly)

Instructions 

  • Shake together all vinaigrette ingredients and set aside.
  • Heat the oven to 425°F. Toss the sweet potato cubes in the olive oil and chili powder and roast in the oven for 10 minutes, turn, the bake for another 15 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Assemble the mason jars in the following order:- 1 tablespoon of vinaigrette
  • - ½ cup lentils
  • - ½ cup corn kernels
  • - 1 cup sweet potato cubes
  • - bell pepper slices

Storage

  • Store in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Shake out into a bowl to serve.

Tips:

These salads keep for 4 days.

Video

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1jar salad, Calories: 416kcal, Carbohydrates: 66g, Protein: 13g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 710mg, Fiber: 13g, Sugar: 17g
Author: Annie Holmes
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mexican

© Sweet Peas & Saffron - Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Did You Make This?Don't forget to leave a review below, and tag us on Instagram using @SweetPeasAndSaffron or #sweetpeasandsaffron
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Reader Interactions

4.71 from 17 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




  1. Emm says

    Posted on 7/21/19 at Posted on 7/21/19

    Hi this is super recipe ..
    Just a quick question ..for how long can we store vinaigrette. At room temperature and in fridge .
    Thankyou

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 7/22/19 at Posted on 7/22/19

      Hi Emm! This vinaigrette would be good for at least a week, probably more! In the fridge, always.

      Reply
  2. Kelley says

    Posted on 5/4/19 at Posted on 5/4/19

    4 stars
    Super yummy and hearty! Added arugula for added brightness.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 5/8/19 at Posted on 5/8/19

      Great idea! Glad you enjoyed!

      Reply
  3. Amy says

    Posted on 5/2/19 at Posted on 5/2/19

    5 stars
    Thank you so much for this recipe, I have been making it for a good long while now, it really is a go-to favourite. I even took a large serving as my contribution to our Boxing Day picnic last year and it was a hit. I will admit to sneaking in some beetroot too now and then, mainly because I am obsessed with beetroot but also because it does add an extra tang.
    Genuinely thanks again.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 5/8/19 at Posted on 5/8/19

      I'm so happy you enjoy this recipe, Amy! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review 🙂

      Reply
  4. LORI BOLLER-TIAN says

    Posted on 4/16/19 at Posted on 4/16/19

    5 stars
    I prepped this over the weekend and just ate my first serving, and boy is it delicious! Loooove the dressing and how the sweet potato offsets its tanginess. So delicious and such an easy-to-make recipe.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 4/18/19 at Posted on 4/18/19

      I'm really happy to hear you liked it, Lori! The dressing is one of my faves!

      Reply
  5. Matt says

    Posted on 10/27/18 at Posted on 10/27/18

    So I understand the logic of layering so you dont get mush, but are you supposed to shake this up to coat everything before eating?

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 10/29/18 at Posted on 10/29/18

      Hi Matt! Yes! I shake it out into a bowl to eat. If you make it in a large (2 pint) jar you can eat right out of it, but it's hard to get your fork to the bottom.

      Reply
  6. Joslyn says

    Posted on 10/10/18 at Posted on 10/10/18

    Great recipe. I used packaged broccoli slaw instead of corn.

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 10/11/18 at Posted on 10/11/18

      Love that idea! So happy you enjoyed, Joslyn 🙂

      Reply
  7. Michelle says

    Posted on 4/8/18 at Posted on 4/8/18

    Is this ate cold or do you heat it up before serving?

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 4/9/18 at Posted on 4/9/18

      Hi Michelle, we ate it cold as it is a salad, however it might be good heated?

      Reply
  8. Luna says

    Posted on 12/12/17 at Posted on 12/12/17

    Do the lentils need to be cooked first or are they fine right out of the can?

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 12/13/17 at Posted on 12/13/17

      Hi Luna! Yes, they are cooked lentils. I used canned ones for convenience...these ones

      Reply
  9. Veronique says

    Posted on 5/2/17 at Posted on 5/2/17

    5 stars
    Great recipe. Tried it with white beans as well and loved it!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 5/10/17 at Posted on 5/10/17

      I'm so happy you liked it, Veronique!

      Reply
  10. Alison says

    Posted on 4/2/17 at Posted on 4/2/17

    5 stars
    I didn't have lentils in the house so I substituted black beans, and it tastes amazing! Also threw in some shredded chicken bc my husband likes his meals to have "animal protein." 😀

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 4/7/17 at Posted on 4/7/17

      I'm so happy you liked it, Alison! LOL my husband is similar 😉

      Reply
  11. Tia says

    Posted on 3/11/17 at Posted on 3/11/17

    I don't eat corn so what would I use as a substitute?

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 3/12/17 at Posted on 3/12/17

      Hi Tia! You could use some shredded carrots, cabbage, celery for crunch...any vegetable without too much water content would work really! This is the recipe I adapted from, and I used wild rice in it. I bet wild rice would be amazing in this salad too!

      Reply
  12. Debbie says

    Posted on 1/18/17 at Posted on 1/18/17

    Hello!
    I'm new to lentils, so pardon if this is a bad question! I cannot find canned lentils here in my stores. If I get the bagged kind, do they need cooked in any way before assembling the jars?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/19/17 at Posted on 1/19/17

      Hi Debbie! Yes, you will need to cook them first. You want to aim for around 2 cups of cooked lentils for this recipe. Hope you enjoy it!

      Reply
  13. Kathy says

    Posted on 1/8/17 at Posted on 1/8/17

    Hi Denise, this recipe looks so yummy....what size mason jars should I use...?

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 1/8/17 at Posted on 1/8/17

      Hi Kathy, I love 2 cup/ 1 pint mason jars.

      Reply
  14. Regin says

    Posted on 1/8/17 at Posted on 1/8/17

    How much protein in a serving? I try to have about 25 grams per meal

    Reply
  15. Cindy says

    Posted on 9/18/16 at Posted on 9/18/16

    Does it need to be refrigerated? I need some ideas for school lunch

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/19/16 at Posted on 9/19/16

      Hi Cindy, I do recommend that it be refrigerated (long term), however it should be OK at room temperature for a few hours.

      Reply
  16. Lindsay Cotter says

    Posted on 9/9/16 at Posted on 9/9/16

    This is going to be my next go to jar salad! Love everything about this!

    Reply
  17. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says

    Posted on 9/9/16 at Posted on 9/9/16

    I love your jar salads, Denise! They're always so beautiful and filled with lots of veggies. I often forget about lentils, so I'm loving this dish! And sweet potatoes are quickly becoming a new favorite of mine, too. Yum!!

    Reply
  18. Annie says

    Posted on 9/8/16 at Posted on 9/8/16

    Denise you do the most creative things with lentils!! They are such an under used ingredient! I can't wait to make these, I have gotten so bad about not eating much of anything during the day and I need to do better!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/8/16 at Posted on 9/8/16

      Aww thanks, Annie! Lentils are a big blank canvas, aren't they? They're so neutral in flavor. These salads are seriously a lifesaver, and they are nice and filling 🙂

      Reply
  19. Taylor @ The Girl on Bloor says

    Posted on 9/8/16 at Posted on 9/8/16

    I'm obsessed with salad and noodle soup jars! They seriously make the best lunches!

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/8/16 at Posted on 9/8/16

      Definitely! I need to have my lunches made ahead, otherwise I end up buying something and wasting my money 😉

      Reply
  20. Medha says

    Posted on 9/8/16 at Posted on 9/8/16

    Sweet potatoes and lentils are such healthy vitamin rich and protein filled superfoods! Love the Southwestern flavors in this nutritious meal 🙂

    Reply
    • Denise says

      Posted on 9/8/16 at Posted on 9/8/16

      Totally!! It's nice to have a guilt-free healthy lunch 🙂 Thanks, Medha!

      Reply
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