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.
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!
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!
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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'.
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!
Southwestern Sweet Potato & Lentil Jar Salads
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.
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Video
Nutrition Information
© 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.
Emm says
Hi this is super recipe ..
Just a quick question ..for how long can we store vinaigrette. At room temperature and in fridge .
Thankyou
Denise says
Hi Emm! This vinaigrette would be good for at least a week, probably more! In the fridge, always.
Kelley says
Super yummy and hearty! Added arugula for added brightness.
Denise says
Great idea! Glad you enjoyed!
Amy says
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.
Denise says
I'm so happy you enjoy this recipe, Amy! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review 🙂
LORI BOLLER-TIAN says
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.
Denise says
I'm really happy to hear you liked it, Lori! The dressing is one of my faves!
Matt says
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?
Denise says
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.
Joslyn says
Great recipe. I used packaged broccoli slaw instead of corn.
Denise says
Love that idea! So happy you enjoyed, Joslyn 🙂
Michelle says
Is this ate cold or do you heat it up before serving?
Denise says
Hi Michelle, we ate it cold as it is a salad, however it might be good heated?
Luna says
Do the lentils need to be cooked first or are they fine right out of the can?
Denise says
Hi Luna! Yes, they are cooked lentils. I used canned ones for convenience...these ones
Veronique says
Great recipe. Tried it with white beans as well and loved it!
Denise says
I'm so happy you liked it, Veronique!
Alison says
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." 😀
Denise says
I'm so happy you liked it, Alison! LOL my husband is similar 😉
Tia says
I don't eat corn so what would I use as a substitute?
Denise says
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!
Debbie says
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!
Denise says
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!
Kathy says
Hi Denise, this recipe looks so yummy....what size mason jars should I use...?
Denise says
Hi Kathy, I love 2 cup/ 1 pint mason jars.
Regin says
How much protein in a serving? I try to have about 25 grams per meal
Cindy says
Does it need to be refrigerated? I need some ideas for school lunch
Denise says
Hi Cindy, I do recommend that it be refrigerated (long term), however it should be OK at room temperature for a few hours.
Lindsay Cotter says
This is going to be my next go to jar salad! Love everything about this!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
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!!
Annie says
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!
Denise says
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 🙂
Taylor @ The Girl on Bloor says
I'm obsessed with salad and noodle soup jars! They seriously make the best lunches!
Denise says
Definitely! I need to have my lunches made ahead, otherwise I end up buying something and wasting my money 😉
Medha says
Sweet potatoes and lentils are such healthy vitamin rich and protein filled superfoods! Love the Southwestern flavors in this nutritious meal 🙂
Denise says
Totally!! It's nice to have a guilt-free healthy lunch 🙂 Thanks, Medha!