Lentil Salad

This Lentil Salad is a hearty, healthful dish that’s filled with protein, contemporary veggies, and a zesty dressing. It’s excellent for meal prep, mild lunches, or as a vibrant aspect dish that provides shade and vitamin to any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lentil Salad is all the things you need in a salad — filling, contemporary, and stuffed with taste. It’s naturally vegan, gluten-free, and loaded with fiber and plant-based protein to maintain you happy. Plus, it’s simple to customise with no matter veggies and herbs you’ve got available. It tastes even higher the subsequent day, making it ultimate for make-ahead meals.

Components

(Tip: You’ll discover the complete checklist of elements and measurements within the recipe card under.)

• Inexperienced or brown lentils, rinsed and cooked
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, diced
• Crimson onion or inexperienced onions, finely chopped
• Bell pepper, diced
• Contemporary parsley or cilantro, chopped
• Feta cheese (non-compulsory, for a non-vegan possibility)
• Olive oil
• Contemporary lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper
• Optionally available: crumbled nuts or seeds for crunch

Instructions

1. Cook dinner the lentils in accordance with bundle instructions till tender however not mushy. Drain and let cool.
2. In a big bowl, mix the cooked lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and contemporary herbs.
3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk collectively the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss till all the things is nicely coated.
5. Add crumbled feta and nuts or seeds if utilizing. Toss once more and style for seasoning.
6. Chill for a minimum of half-hour earlier than serving for the perfect taste.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4–6 servings and takes round 10 minutes to prep plus 20–25 minutes to cook dinner the lentils.

Variations

• Add diced avocado simply earlier than serving for creaminess.
• Combine in cooked quinoa or farro for additional bulk.
• Use roasted veggies like candy potatoes or beets for a hearty twist.
• Swap the lemon dressing for a balsamic French dressing for a unique taste profile.

Storage/Reheating

Retailer Lentil Salad in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days. It’s finest served chilly or at room temperature, so no reheating is required. Stir earlier than serving to redistribute the dressing.

FAQs

Can I exploit canned lentils?

Sure, simply rinse and drain them nicely. Scale back the prep time since they’re already cooked.

Are lentils good for you?

Completely! They’re excessive in protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Which lentils work finest for salad?

Inexperienced or brown lentils maintain their form higher than pink lentils, which are likely to get mushy.

Can I make this salad forward of time?

Sure! It tastes even higher after the flavors have marinated for just a few hours.

Is that this salad vegan?

It’s in case you skip the feta or use a plant-based various.

What ought to I serve with lentil salad?

It’s nice by itself or served alongside grilled fish, rooster, or flatbread.

How do I maintain the salad from getting soggy?

Cool the lentils utterly earlier than mixing with veggies and add delicate elements like avocado simply earlier than serving.

Can I freeze lentil salad?

Freezing isn’t really useful because the veggies can lose their texture.

How do I add extra protein?

Add chickpeas, edamame, or diced grilled rooster in case you’d like.

What herbs work finest?

Parsley, cilantro, mint, or dill are all scrumptious decisions.

Conclusion

Lentil Salad is a contemporary, protein-packed dish that’s simple to whip up and ideal for any event. It’s mild but satisfying, retains nicely for days, and is endlessly versatile. Make an enormous batch and luxuriate in a wholesome, flavorful meal everytime you want it!

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