Easy and Delicious Lentil Salad Recipes

Two vibrant colors dance in your bowl as you toss together a beautiful lentil salad—an explosion of textures and flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. Imagine biting into tender yet firm lentils mingling with crisp veggies and drizzled in a zesty dressing that makes your mouth water with anticipation. This is not just food; it’s an experience that brings smiles, satisfaction, and maybe a little dance in your kitchen!

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Every time I whip up my go-to lentil salad recipe, I can’t help but remember the first time I made it for my friends at a summer BBQ. They dove into the bowl like it was a treasure chest full of gold! Now, this colorful dish has become a staple at gatherings—perfect for picnics or cozy dinners where everyone leaves feeling lighter yet satisfied.

My friends still rave about this salad’s tangy dressing and how they couldn’t stop scooping it onto their plates.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Green or Brown Lentils: Choose firm lentils that hold their shape well after cooking; avoid mushy ones.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Select plump tomatoes for sweetness; they add color and juiciness to the salad.
• Cucumber: Use English cucumbers for their mild flavor and crunchy texture; they elevate the freshness of the dish.
• Red Onion: Pick a small red onion; it offers a nice bite without overpowering other ingredients.
• Fresh Parsley: Choose bright green parsley for its refreshing flavor; it adds needed brightness to the dish.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best; its acidity enhances all other flavors beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for richness; it works wonders in bringing all elements together.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance flavors—don’t skip these!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Lentils: Rinse one cup of green or brown lentils under cold water. In a pot, combine them with three cups of water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer until tender—about 20-25 minutes should do the trick!

Prepare the Vegetables: While your lentils are cooking, chop cherry tomatoes in half and dice cucumber and red onion finely. The more colorful your ingredients look on the cutting board, the more appetizing your dish will be.

Mix Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste test—add more lemon if you’re feeling zesty!

Toss Everything Together: Once your lentils have cooled slightly (you don’t want them steaming hot), combine them in a large bowl with chopped tomatoes, cucumber, onions, parsley, and dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly.

Chill Before Serving: For best results (and flavor melding), cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving—it’s worth the wait!

Enjoy your delightful creation! You now have an irresistible lentil salad ready to impress friends or simply satisfy your own cravings!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water. Then, simmer them in vegetable broth for 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy. This method enhances flavor while ensuring a delightful texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to mix in seasonal veggies or your favorite proteins. Adding diced bell peppers or crumbled feta creates a colorful and hearty meal. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different dressings for variety!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover lentil salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil to revive the flavors.

Sharing my first attempt at making lentil salad always brings laughter. I accidentally mistook cumin for cinnamon—let’s just say my family was confused but amused!

FAQ

What types of lentils work best in salad recipes?

Green or brown lentils hold their shape well and provide great texture.

Can I make lentil salad ahead of time?

Yes, preparing it a day ahead enhances flavors overnight perfectly!

Are lentil salads suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! They store well and are nourishing options for busy lunches.

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Lentil Salad

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• Author: homerecipeseasy
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Enjoy a vibrant and healthy lentil salad packed with fresh veggies and zesty dressing, perfect for any occasion!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup green or brown lentils
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Rinse lentils under cold water. In a pot, combine with three cups of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender.
2. While lentils cook, chop cherry tomatoes in half and dice cucumber and red onion.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Once lentils cool slightly, combine them in a large bowl with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, parsley, and dressing. Toss gently.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 12g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Consider adding seasonal veggies like bell peppers or proteins such as crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor. To elevate the dish, experiment with different dressings or herbs.