Why Make This Recipe
Warm Chickpea and Lentil Salad with Carrots is not just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients. Chickpeas and lentils are great sources of protein, making this salad filling and perfect for any meal. The addition of carrots provides a nice crunch and sweetness, while the spices give it a warm flavor. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
How to Make Warm Chickpea and Lentil Salad with Carrots
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup dried lentils
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- Rinse lentils and cook in boiling water for about 20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onions for around 3 minutes until they are translucent.
- Add garlic, sliced carrots, cumin, and paprika to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until the carrots start to soften.
- Stir in cooked chickpeas and lentils. Heat everything together for 3–4 minutes.
- Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss everything well to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Warm Chickpea and Lentil Salad with Carrots
You can serve this salad warm or at room temperature. It pairs nicely with pita bread or over a bed of greens. It also makes a great addition to a picnic or potluck. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some feta cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Store Warm Chickpea and Lentil Salad with Carrots
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad will keep well for about 3 days. If the salad seems dry after a day in the fridge, simply add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving.
Tips to Make Warm Chickpea and Lentil Salad with Carrots
- Always rinse your lentils before cooking to remove any dust or debris.
- You can mix in other veggies like bell peppers or spinach to add more color and nutrition.
- If you prefer a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Variation
Feel free to customize this salad! You can substitute the lentils with other beans like black beans or kidney beans. If you like a different flavor, try adding herbs like cilantro or dill.
FAQs
Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned lentils. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the pan.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This salad holds up well for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge and enjoy it throughout the week.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan. Enjoy it as is or add your favorite vegan toppings!
Warm Chickpea and Lentil Salad with Carrots
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A nutrient-packed salad made with chickpeas, lentils, and carrots, perfect for a light meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dried lentils
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse lentils and cook in boiling water for about 20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onions for around 3 minutes until they are translucent.
- Add garlic, sliced carrots, cumin, and paprika to the pan. Cook for 5 minutes until the carrots start to soften.
- Stir in cooked chickpeas and lentils. Heat everything together for 3–4 minutes.
- Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Toss everything well to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Add olive oil or lemon juice before serving if it seems dry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chickpea salad, lentil salad, vegan salad, Mediterranean, healthy lunch