Best 2 Colorful Lentil Salad Recipes

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Colorful lentil salad is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the goodness of lentils, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing. This salad is not only visually appealing with its vibrant colors, but also a powerhouse of flavors and textures. Packed with fiber, protein, and essential vitamins, it's a wholesome meal that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. Whether you're a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking for a healthy and flavorful addition to your diet, this colorful lentil salad is sure to satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

COLORFUL LENTIL SALAD



Colorful Lentil Salad image

Our taste testers loved the refreshing colors and taste of this versatile salad from Martha Pollock. "I like it because it's different and healthy," she says from Oregonia, Ohio.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

5 cups plus 2 tablespoons water, divided
1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 small cucumber, chopped
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/2 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
1/4 cup chopped sweet onion
1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • In a large saucepan, bring 5 cups water and lentils to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until tender. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place lentils in a large bowl; cool. , Meanwhile, in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the oil, vinegar, mustard, salt, sugar, basil, oregano, garlic, pepper and remaining water; shake well. , Add the cucumber, carrot, red pepper, onion and cilantro to lentils; toss to combine. Add dressing; gently toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 188 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 227mg sodium, Carbohydrate 23g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 11g fiber), Protein 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

REFRESHING LENTIL SALAD



Refreshing Lentil Salad image

I tried to duplicate this light, refreshing salad that my Tunisian in-laws make. I put my own 'twist' on this with the addition of lemon zest. Using colorful vegetables makes for a light salad with a beautiful presentation. Garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs and serve with crusty baguettes.

Provided by TUNISIANSWIFE

Categories     Salad     Beans     Lentil Salad Recipes

Time 1h55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 cups water
salt
1 ¼ cups dry lentils
2 large cloves garlic, minced
2 large roma (plum) tomatoes, seeded and chopped
½ cup chopped red onion
½ cup chopped green bell pepper
1 small green chile pepper, seeded and chopped
1 lemon, juiced
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 small carrot, shredded
½ cup oil-cured black olives
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 hard-cooked eggs, cut in half lengthwise

Steps:

  • Bring the water and salt to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Pour the lentils into the water while stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape, about 30 minutes. Drain well.
  • Transfer the lentils to a mixing bowl and stir in the garlic, seeded tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and chile pepper. Add the juice of 1 lemon plus 1 teaspoon of the zest. Mix in the shredded carrot, olives, and cilantro.
  • Season with salt and black pepper, and drizzle with olive oil; mix well. Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to blend.
  • Before serving, mix the salad again and add more lemon juice or olive oil if needed. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sliced eggs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 430.9 calories, Carbohydrate 44.8 g, Cholesterol 106 mg, Fat 19.4 g, Fiber 20.2 g, Protein 19.9 g, SaturatedFat 2.9 g, Sodium 343.7 mg, Sugar 5.3 g

Tips:

  • Choose fresh, high-quality lentils. Dried lentils should be firm and free of blemishes. Avoid lentils that are cracked or split.
  • Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking. This will remove any dirt or debris.
  • Cook the lentils according to the package directions. Lentils typically take 20-30 minutes to cook, but this can vary depending on the type of lentil.
  • Don't overcook the lentils. Overcooked lentils will become mushy and lose their flavor.
  • Let the lentils cool completely before adding them to the salad. This will help the salad to stay fresh and flavorful.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in the salad. This will add flavor, color, and nutrients.
  • Dress the salad with a flavorful dressing. A simple vinaigrette or lemon-tahini dressing is a great option.
  • Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later. Lentil salad is a great make-ahead meal.

Conclusion:

Lentil salad is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover lentils, and it can be easily customized to your liking. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a lentil salad recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give lentil salad a try. You won't be disappointed!

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