Moist and Tender Lentil Loaf (Vegan)

Name: Moist and Tender Lentil Loaf (Vegan)
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 1 cup dry green lentils; 3 cups vegetable broth or water; 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped and toasted); 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (toasted); 3 tbsp flax seeds; 1/2 cup water; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 1/2 cups diced onion; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup diced celery; 1 cup grated carrot; 1/3 cup grated apple; 1/3 cup raisins; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 3/4 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme); salt & pepper (to taste); red pepper flakes (to taste); 1/4 cup tomato paste; 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 Tbsp maple syrup

by Katie Trant on Oct 1, 2019 (last updated Oct 22, 2025) // 26 Comments

Servings

Prep Time30

Cook Time50

Total Time1 20

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4.8 from 10 votes

Looking for a simple, delicious plant-based main dish that’s full of good stuff? Tender lentils, grated apple, loads of carrots, toasted walnuts, and thyme, all baked into a super-flavorful loaf that’s 100% vegan? My lentil loaf recipe is moist, hearty, and holds together beautifully, thanks to a combo of flax seeds, oats, and breadcrumbs.

Overhead photo of vegan lentil loaf on a blue platter topped with some parsley

I loaf you so much

I don't know about you guys, but for me, having perfected this lentil meatloaf recipe is kind of a big deal. Not only is lentil loaf the perfect recipe for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, but it's easy enough to be part of your weekday meal plan.

I'm all about loading vegetarian recipes with a ton of flavor, and my goal as an internet Nutrition Lady is to make vegan recipes you'll come back to again and again.

This vegan lentil loaf is packed with veggies, tender cooked lentils, and grated apple and raisins for a pop of sweetness. Then, the whole thing is finished with a tangy tomato glaze that takes it over the top. Take it to the next level with a drizzle of homemade lump-free vegan gravy. This lentil loaf is every bit as good for you as it is delicious - and my friends, it is very, very delicious.

It's also freezer-friendly, practically begging to be made in advance, and is easily customized to suit your preferences. Just make it, ok? You won't regret it.

lentils, oats, bread crumbs, walnuts, sunflower seeds, grated carrot, diced celery, flax seeds, olive oil, diced onion, garlic, and thyme on a grey background

Let's make lentil loaf together!

Alright, friends. If this looks like a lot of chopping and grating, fear not. It goes quickly, and you can do a lot of it in advance.

Step 1: cook the lentils

I like cooking my lentils from dried because a slightly over-cooked lentil works best in this recipe, but you can absolutely use canned lentils if you prefer.

a wooden spoon holding cooked lentils above a pot of lentils

Combine the lentils with vegetable broth or water (I use broth for the flavor) in a medium-sized pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer with the lid ajar until the lentils are very soft and mushy. This will take about 30 minutes.

Note! We are aiming for overcooked lentils for this recipe. You're going to want them to fall apart and mash up with the other ingredients, which will help to hold the loaf together. See the above photo for reference.

Do ahead: You can cook the lentils up to a day ahead if you want to.

Step 2: cook the veggies

Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then add the onions and sauté until translucent - this will take about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for a minute more.

photo collage of cooked onions and veggies in a frying pan

Add the carrots, celery, apple, garlic, and raisins. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are soft.

Step 3: toast the nuts and seeds

Combine the chopped walnuts and sunflower seeds in a small, dry frying pan. Place over medium heat and toast, stirring often, until the nuts are fragrant.

photo collage of cooked veggies in a frying pan and nuts toasting in a dry pan

Note: This can be done at the same time as you're cooking the veggies, just don't forget to check them often!

Step 4: mix it up!

Combine the cooked lentils, cooked vegetables, toasted nuts, flax seed gel, oats, bread crumbs, thyme, and salt in a large bowl.

photo collage of cooked lentils in a pot and vegan lentil loaf ingredients mixed in a bowl

Mix well, taste, and adjust the seasonings if necessary.

Step 5: form your loaf

Line a loaf pan with parchment paper (this will make it soooooo much easier to remove and slice the loaf later). Press the lentil loaf mixture into the loaf pan. Wet hands do well to form a smooth dome on top.

photo collage of cooked and uncooked vegan lentil loaf with tomato sauce brushed on top

In a small bowl, whisk together tomato paste, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup. Use a brush or spoon to spread it generously over the top of the lentil loaf.

Bake your loaf! It'll bake for 40-50 minutes and should be slightly browned and crisp on top.

Step 6: cool and slice

Remove your loaf from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before you try and slice it.

A lentil loaf on a blue platter with some brussels sprouts and squash in the background

You did it! Yayyyyyyyy!!!

A lentil loaf on a blue platter with a plate of thanksgiving dinner in the background

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4.80 from 10 votes