Ready for a colorful, nourishing dinner with just one pan and a bowl? Let me introduce you to the Roasted Lentils Sheet Pan Meal with Maple Tahini Dressing! Itโs an absolute flavor party: roasted veggies and crispy lentils come together with a creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy maple tahini drizzle. Itโs as hearty as it is healthy, packs plant-based protein, and brings weeknight cooking back to joyful simplicity. Every bite is vibrant, savory, and just a little luxurious โ the kind of meal youโll crave all week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Roasted Lentils Sheet Pan Meal with Maple Tahini Dressing is there for a reasonโthink of them as artists adding their own signature brushstrokes. Donโt worry about fancy products; most are pantry staples or easy to find, and together they build a meal thatโs as pretty as it is delicious.
- Lentils: Use canned or cooked brown or green lentils for a protein-packed, hearty base that crisps perfectly in the oven.
- Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness caramelizes beautifully and adds a pop of color and tender bite.
- Red Onion: Roasting turns these into jammy, savory-sweet morsels that add depth.
- Broccoli Florets: For bright green color and roasted, nutty flavorโbroccoli holds up well and adds satisfying crunch.
- Olive Oil: A couple of glugs help veggies brown and lend luscious flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: For a subtle smoky warmth that makes everything more interesting.
- Salt & Pepper: Unskippable! They make all the flavors pop and bring balance.
- Tahini: This creamy sesame paste forms the base of the dressing and gives it luxurious body.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Adds natural sweetness to the dressing that ties everything together.
- Lemon Juice: A hit of brightness and acidity for the Maple Tahini Dressing.
- Water: To thin out the dressing to your desired consistency without dulling flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Easy to mix in, it adds gentle savoriness to the sauce.
How to Make Roasted Lentils Sheet Pan Meal with Maple Tahini Dressing
Step 1: Prep the Sheet Pan Veggies & Lentils
Start by setting your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC) and lining a large sheet pan with parchment for quick cleanup. Spread out the sweet potato cubes, red onion wedges, and broccoli florets. Pat your lentils dry (key for crispiness!) and add them to the pan. Give everything plenty of space so edges get tons of crispy bits.
Step 2: Toss with Olive Oil & Spices
Drizzle olive oil over the veggies and lentils, sprinkle generously with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything right on the tray with your hands or a big spatulaโmake sure every piece gets shiny and seasoned. A little hands-on mixing now means flavor in every bite later!
Step 3: Roast to Golden Perfection
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through. When the sweet potatoes are tender, onions start caramelizing, broccoli turns crispy at the tips, and lentils are golden, youโre ready! Theyโll look so tempting, itโll be hard not to snack straight from the pan.
Step 4: Whisk Up the Maple Tahini Dressing
While your pan is working its magic, whisk tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, garlic powder, salt, and a splash of water in a bowl. At first, the tahini might seize up, but keep whisking and gradually add more water until itโs irresistibly creamy and pourable, perfect for drizzling.
Step 5: Plate and Finish
Divide the roasted lentils and veggies into bowls or plates. Drizzle generously with the maple tahini dressing (donโt be shyโit ties the whole thing together!). Finish with fresh herbs, seeds, or a final grind of pepper for a show-stopping look and flavor.
How to Serve Roasted Lentils Sheet Pan Meal with Maple Tahini Dressing
Garnishes
Amp up both flavor and beauty with a final flourish! Scatter on chopped parsley or cilantro for freshness, toasted sesame seeds for crunch, or even a sprinkle of feta if dairy fits your style. A squeeze of lemon or a tiny drizzle of extra maple syrup can boost brightness. These quick touches will make your Roasted Lentils Sheet Pan Meal with Maple Tahini Dressing extra memorable.
Side Dishes
While this recipe stands tall as a complete meal, it plays well with others. A simple green salad with a punchy vinaigrette is an easy-match, or serve with fluffy quinoa or warm pita wedges for extra comfort or to feed a crowd. Want to keep it super fresh? Try a little tangy yogurt on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
This dish shines at dinner, but your presentation options are endless! Serve in abundant bowls for cozy comfort, pile everything into a warm wrap for a handheld lunch, or set out the components buffet-style for everyone to build their own. For a festive touch, serve on a big sharing platter and let the vibrant colors speak for themselvesโthis is one of those meals that’s equally at home at a weeknight table or a casual gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roasted Lentils Sheet Pan Meal with Maple Tahini Dressing keeps surprisingly well. Allow everything to cool completely, then store the roasted veggies and lentils in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the dressing separately so it stays silky and fresh. This makes weekday lunches a cinch!
Freezing
You can freeze the roasted veggie and lentil mixture if needed; just let it cool, transfer to a freezer bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months. The maple tahini dressing is best made fresh (it can thicken or separate in the freezer), though a quick stir after thawing can sometimes revive it if you need to freeze it.
Reheating
For best texture, reheat the veggies and lentils on a sheet pan in a 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) oven for 10-12 minutes until heated through and edges crisp again. If youโre in a hurry, a microwave worksโjust the veggies will be softer and not quite as crispy. Add the maple tahini dressing just before serving for maximum flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Roasted Lentils Sheet Pan Meal with Maple Tahini Dressing is endlessly customizable. Try cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or zucchiniโjust aim to cut veggies to a similar size so they roast evenly. Use whatโs in season for the best flavor.
What kind of lentils work best?
Brown or green lentils are ideal since they hold their shape and crisp up nicely in the oven. Avoid red lentils, as they tend to get mushy. If youโre using canned, be sure to drain and pat them dry for the best results.
How do I thin out thick tahini dressing?
If your maple tahini dressing is too thick, just whisk in water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Tahini tends to seize and then loosen up as you add more liquid, so keep goingโthe perfect drizzle is just a splash away!
Is this meal good for meal prep?
Yes, the Roasted Lentils Sheet Pan Meal with Maple Tahini Dressing is a meal-prepperโs dream! Both the veggie-lentil mix and dressing keep well for several days, so you can portion it out and grab a healthy lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe oil-free?
Certainly! Skip the olive oil and instead toss veggies and lentils with a few tablespoons of vegetable broth or even a squeeze of lemon juice before roasting. The texture will be a bit different, but youโll still get loads of flavor and plenty of crispy edges, especially with a hot oven and a bit more patience.
Final Thoughts
If youโre looking for a meal thatโs as wholesome and satisfying as it is beautiful, give this Roasted Lentils Sheet Pan Meal with Maple Tahini Dressing a try. Itโs fuss-free, packed with flavor, and never boring. I canโt wait for you to taste just how vibrant and comforting this dish can be โ hereโs to making dinner a celebration!
PrintRoasted Lentils Sheet Pan Meal with Maple Tahini Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Roasted Lentils Sheet Pan Meal with Maple Tahini Dressing is a wholesome, plant-based dinner thatโs full of flavor and texture. Protein-packed lentils, vibrantly roasted vegetables, and hearty chickpeas are baked together on one pan for an easy and nutritious meal. A creamy maple tahini dressing ties everything together with a hint of sweetness and nutty depth.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Lentil Sheet Pan
- 1 cup cooked lentils (green or brown, drained and rinsed)
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Maple Tahini Dressing
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons warm water (more as needed)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
To Serve (Optional)
- Cooked quinoa or brown rice
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Oven & Prep Sheet Pan Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Vegetables & Lentils Add the sweet potato, red bell pepper, red onion, broccoli, lentils, and chickpeas to the sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat.
- Roast the Sheet Pan Spread the mixture into an even layer. Roast in the oven for 25โ30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
- Make the Maple Tahini Dressing While the veggies roast, whisk together tahini, maple syrup, lemon juice, warm water, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Add extra water to thin to your desired consistency.
- Serve Divide roasted veggies and lentils into bowls, optionally over quinoa or rice. Drizzle generously with maple tahini dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- You can swap vegetables based on season or preferenceโtry cauliflower, zucchini, or carrots.
- Make sure cooked lentils are not too soft to keep their texture after roasting.
- Dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- For extra crunch, try adding roasted seeds or nuts on top before serving.
- Leftovers are delicious both warm and cold for lunch the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 13g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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