Crunchy lentil salad is a healthy, colorful, and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Packed with protein and fiber from lentils, this salad is a vegetarian and vegan delight that is also gluten-free. It is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your taste preference by adding various vegetables, herbs, and dressings. Whether you prefer a zesty lemon vinaigrette or a creamy yogurt-based dressing, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its vibrant colors and crunchy textures, this lentil salad is a perfect addition to your healthy eating repertoire.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
LENTIL SALAD
My favorite lentil salad recipe is made with cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, fresh mint and a zippy lemon dressing. Super simple to make, and so light and refreshing!
Provided by Ali
Time 40m
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Combine the lentils in a saucepan with 3 cups of water (or veggie broth) and stir to combine. Cook over medium-high heat until the broth reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and maintain the simmer until the lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes depending on the type of lentils used. Use a strainer to drain and rinse the lentils in cold water for 1 minute until they are chilled, and set aside.
- Meanwhile, as the lentils are cooking, combine all of the lemon dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until combined.
- Add the cooked and chilled lentils, cucumber, red onion, mint and sun-dried tomatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle evenly with the lemon dressing and toss until evenly combined.
- Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days.
CRUNCH'S LENTIL SALAD
Steps:
- Bring water and lentils to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until lentils are almost tender, about 15 minutes; add bulgur and salt. Cover saucepan and remove from heat; set aside until bulgur is tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic until until tender and fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and red bell pepper; cook and stir until red bell pepper is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Combine bulgur-lentil mixture and vegetable mixture in a bowl; add balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons olive oil and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 170.6 calories, Carbohydrate 25.7 g, Fat 4.5 g, Fiber 9.8 g, Protein 7.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 9.6 mg, Sugar 3.4 g
CRUNCHY LENTIL WALNUT SALAD
This is a copycat of the fabulous Lentil Walnut Salad from the Kebab Shop in California. You want to make sure not to overcook the lentils...they should have a little bite to stand up to the crunchiness of the walnuts. Unlimited modifications could be made with additions, subtractions and/or tweaks... pine nuts instead of walnuts, add goat cheese or feta, add crunchy carrots too? Enjoy!
Provided by AmyFromSD
Categories Vegan
Time 40m
Yield 4 cups, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Rinse the lentils and put them in a saucepan with plenty of lightly salted water and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, decrease the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 20 - 25 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still have a good crunch/bite to them. Be careful to not overcook them.
- While the lentils are cooking, make the dressing. Mix the vinegar, mustard, oil, garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the dressing as you like to your taste preferences.
- Drain the lentils well and mix them into the dressing while still warm, stirring to cook the lentils. Remove the bay leaf and let cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
- Add in the walnuts and green onion. Taste, and add additional salt, if desired. I serve the salad at room temperature or warm. The salad can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before serving; it may need to be re-seasoned once refrigerated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 141.5, Fat 9.7, SaturatedFat 0.9, Sodium 9.1, Carbohydrate 10.1, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 1.2, Protein 5.7
CRUNCHY LENTIL SALAD
Taken and adapted from Jeanne Lemlin's "Quick Vegetarian Pleasures" -- a superb cookbook that should be in every kitchen! This salad is so much more yummy than you might think from the list of in gredients ....
Provided by KLHquilts
Categories Lentil
Time 20m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Combine lentils, water and bay leaf in saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook, uncovered for 15 minutes (or until lentils are tender but crunchy). Drain thoroughly.
- Mix lentils with minced celery, carrot, onion and parsley. NOTE: This salad is much better if you make sure all vegetables are finely diced; the flavors blend much better than if you've used a regular-to-large dice.
- Mix the dressing: Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, cumin, salt and pepper. Pour over lentils and toss.
- You can serve this right away, but the flavors blend beautifully if you refrigerate for a day or two. Serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 200.7, Fat 13.9, SaturatedFat 1.9, Sodium 620.6, Carbohydrate 15.4, Fiber 5.2, Sugar 3.1, Protein 5.2
Tips:
- To save time, use pre-cooked lentils or canned lentils. You can also cook dried lentils in a pressure cooker or on the stovetop.
- For a more flavorful salad, use vegetable broth instead of water to cook the lentils.
- Add your favorite vegetables to the salad, such as chopped cucumber, diced tomatoes, or shredded carrots.
- For a heartier salad, add some cooked chicken, bacon, or tofu.
- If you like a creamy salad, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later.
Conclusion:
Crunchy Lentil Salad is a healthy and delicious salad that is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a side dish. It is packed with protein, fiber, and vegetables, and it is also very easy to make. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a delicious and nutritious salad that the whole family will enjoy.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love