why make this recipe
Lentil salad is a nutritious and colorful dish that combines the rich flavors of vegetables with hearty lentils. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even a healthy snack. This salad is not only packed with protein and fiber from the lentils but also offers a refreshing mix of textures and flavors from fresh vegetables. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be made ahead, making it perfect for meal prep.
how to make Lentil Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked lentils (French lentils, black lentils, or brown lentils; about 2 ½ cups cooked)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes), sliced in half (about 2 cups)
- 1 English cucumber (or Turkish cucumber), diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 bell pepper (yellow or red), diced
- ¼ cup red onion, very finely diced
- 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- ¼-½ cup fresh mint, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large lemon, zest and juice
- 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons cumin
Directions:
- Place the lentils in a medium pot with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until al dente, checking at 15 minutes and then every few minutes afterward.
- Drain the lentils and soak them in cold water.
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, mint, and parsley. Place them in a large bowl.
- Add the cooled and drained lentils to the bowl.
- Grate the garlic over the bowl, then add the lemon zest, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, and fresh lemon juice. Stir everything to combine well.
- Adjust the salt and lemon to taste. As the salad sits, the lentils might soak up the salt and lemon, so be sure to taste before serving.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Serve as is or over a bed of dressed baby arugula. You can also add feta cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy!
how to serve Lentil Salad
Lentil salad can be served on its own as a light meal or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or fish. It pairs well with arugula or other greens. For added richness, you can top it with crumbled feta cheese or a dollop of yogurt.
how to store Lentil Salad
Store leftover lentil salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 4 days. If the flavors change or the salad dries out a bit, simply add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving.
tips to make Lentil Salad
- Make sure not to overcook the lentils; they should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Fresh herbs really elevate the flavor, so be generous with the parsley and mint.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding some chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce.
variation
You can customize this salad by adding other vegetables like diced carrots, radishes, or avocado. You can also switch up the herbs by using basil or cilantro instead of mint and parsley.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned lentils for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned lentils to save time. Just rinse and drain them well before adding to the salad.
2. Is this lentil salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad holds up well when made ahead of time. Just remember to taste and adjust the seasonings before serving.
