Spicy Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese and Lentil Salad
Hubby and I have been on a big lentil kick. They’re so easy to make, great for you, and delicious. I saw this salad recently on Smitten Kitchen and knew I needed to make it this week. I used the lentils I had on hand, so I didn’t get the pretty black and orange salad that Deb got, but that’s ok, it’s still pretty freaking awesome.
Hubby and I really enjoyed this salad. It’s very hearty and filling. We ate it for a midafternoon snack and almost didn’t need dinner that night. I’ve written the recipe as I made it below, be sure to click through to Smitten Kitchen to get the original recipe.
This is unfortunately one of those dishes that is difficult to get a great photo of… But it’s really good so I had to post about it. Don’t hate on lentils just because they’re not pretty!
One Year Ago: Apple Cranberry Cake Pie
Two Years Ago: Pie Crust
Spicy Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese, and Lentil Salad
Yield: 3-6
Ingredients:
3/4 cup black or green lentils
6 cups peeled, seeded and cubed butternut squash or sugar pumpkin (1-inch cubes)
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 cup soft crumbled goat cheese
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, plus additional to taste
~1/2 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss squash with 2 tablespoons oil, cumin, paprika and salt. Arrange in a single layer on baking sheet and roast 20 minutes. Flip pieces and roast for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until tender. Cool.
Meanwhile, soak lentils for 10 minutes in a small bowl, then drain. Cook lentils in boiling salted water until tender but firm, about 30 minutes. Rinse with cold water, then drain and cool.
Combine lentils, squash, half of goat cheese, vinegar, and 1 tablespoon oil. Season with salt and pepper and extra vinegar, if desired. Serve with remaining goat cheese to sprinkle.
Recipe adapted from Smitten Kitchen, originally from Bon Appetit
Boston area readers, don’t forget that I’m selling pies for Pie In the Sky. The cost of your pie will feed someone in need for an entire week! Please consider buying a pie for a good cause.
I am Jen the Beantown Baker. Engineer by day and baking maven by night. Hubby serves as my #1 fan and official taste tester. We got hitched back in 2006. Barefoot. In the sand. With the waves crashing behind us. It was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. 
These look great – I did a pumpkin lasagna a while ago and loved it so I know these have to be amazing!
Pam @ From Apples to Zucchini
the rolls are so cute!!! they look delicious!
I have been bookmarking all of your butternut squash recipes, but this one is going to the top of the list! The goat cheese is the perfect flavor accompaniment.
Yay! Another recipe to add to my to-make list. It’s great that you can freeze this because my fiance doesn’t like butternut squash. I can make the whole thing for myself and take it for lunches!
So delicious! I’m loving this week long butternut squash event…so many tasty recipes!
Awesome and delicious-looking idea! I love lasagna that’s different from the typical and butternut squash is perfect!
Sues
I’ve never though of squash rolled up in lasagna noodles–love the idea!!
Delicious use of the squash. I love this lasagna rolls.
I like lasagna rolls too – so much more fun than a traditional lasagna. I like the simplicity of this recipe too. Sounds delicious. I’d love to see you improve Martha’s butternut mac and cheese!!
These lasagna rolls look ADORABLE! I love the idea of a freezer meal party!
what a fabulous idea for freezer meals! and these sound DELISH 🙂
I made these again a few weeks ago – I almost forgot how delicious they are! I love that you subbed in the Greek yogurt and goat cheese, mmm 🙂
I’m making a meatless alternative with a spinach bechamel sauce… Although I do love bacon…
beantownbaker — January 27th, 2013 @ 4:08 pm
That sounds delicious. Let me know how it turns out!
Do you have any idea of the calorie count in these? They look phenomenal!
beantownbaker — November 7th, 2013 @ 7:31 pm
Sorry I don’t calculate nutritional information for my recipes. There are some online tools that you can use to do so yourself if you’re interested.