Place the chopped root vegetables and red onion on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil, sprinkle with half the thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat.
Roast for 15 minutes. Add the broccoli florets to the pan, drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and sprinkle with remaining thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss gently.
Return the pan to the oven and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender and lightly browned.
While the vegetables roast, cook the lentils. Combine the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth (or water) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid.
While the lentils cook, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and maple syrup until smooth.
In a large bowl, combine the warm cooked lentils and the roasted vegetables.
Pour the dressing over the lentil and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Stir in the fresh parsley. Serve warm or chill for later use as a healthy make ahead meal prep option.
Notes
This plant-based protein salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it perfect for your weekly lunch rotation.
For a heartier grain bowl, serve this salad over a base of cooked quinoa or farro.
If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the red wine vinegar by one teaspoon.