Lentil Salad
This healthy Lentil Salad is made with green lentils, crunchy cucumber, sweet red bell pepper, onion, herbs, and a simple lemon dressing. It’s packed with flavor and a favorite for lunch or dinner.
Prep: 5min
Total: 20min
Serving Size: 1 serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 217 kcal, Carbohydrate 25 g, Protein 10 g, Fat 9 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Sodium 21 mg, Fiber 11 g, Sugar 4 g, servingSize 1 serving
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked green lentils, (rinsed well and picked over)
- 3 cups water ((or vegetable broth))
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 English cucumber, (finely diced)
- 1 red bell pepper, (stemmed, seeds removed, and finely diced)
- 1/2 small red onion, (finely diced)
- 1/4 cup chopped Italian parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese, (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or pure maple syrup
- 1 clove garlic, (minced)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, (to taste)
Instruction:
- In a large saucepan, combine the lentils, water or broth, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil over medium high heat and then turn to low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until lentils are soft, but still slightly firm. Do not overcook or the lentils will be mushy.
- While the lentils are cooking, make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- When the lentils are done cooking, use a colander to drain the lentils. Discard the bay leaf. Rinse quickly with cold water. Transfer to a large bowl.
- Add the cucumber, red pepper, red onion, parsley, mint, and feta cheese, if using, to the bowl. Stir. Drizzle with dressing and toss until well combined. Serve immediately or let sit for 30 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Healthy & Fresh Lentil Salad Recipe | GetFitWithLeyla
FAQ
Can lentils be eaten cold?
Lentils either come dried and require boiling or they are ready-cooked. Precooked lentils can be eaten cold or heated up in the microwave.
What goes well with lentils?
Many sides go well with Lentils, however, some of the below dishes taste far better than anything else with Lentils.
- 1 – Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins.
- 2 – Cilantro Rice.
- 3 – Asian or Middle Eastern Flatbreads.
- 4 – Tartines.
- 5 – Stir-Fried Vegetables.
- 6 – Green Salads.
- 7 – Spicy Mashed Eggplant.
What makes lentils taste better?
Add aromatics to the water: I almost always add a bay leaf to my lentils for extra flavor, plus maybe a clove or two of fresh garlic. But you can also add in any other fresh herbs that go with your recipe, chicken or veggie bouillon, or any of your favorite spices or seasonings.
What lentils don’t turn to mush?
When it comes to cooking lentils on the stove (for use in other recipes) opt for green lentils, Lentils de Puy, brown lentils or black lentils. Red lentils are best reserved for soups, dals and curries as they’ll easily become mushy.
