Lentils are a great way to add extra plant protein and fiber to your meal. Add this simple Lentil Salad that’s minimal on the ingredients but maximum on the flavor to your menu this week!
The common theme these days is fast, flavorful, and minimal work. Am I right? Before starting my master’s program I loved (and I do mean loved) spending time in the kitchen and creating more labor intensive recipes. However, now that time is limited and nutrition is necessary, I’m finding joy in keeping food simple, yet flavorful. Enter this Simple Lentil Salad.
Lentils are SUPER healthy and always a great addition to your meals. As I tell my patients, any and every time you’re able to add lentils to your menu, do so! Lentils are technically pulses – the dry, edible seeds of plants in the legume family, which includes chickpeas, beans, and split peas. Naturally high in protein and fiber, they’re a great plant protein to add to your menu. If you’re looking to add lentils this is a great starter recipe. And if you just want a soup, I’ve got you covered there too – Lentil Soup – perfected during quarantine. I can’t sing the praises of lentils enough. While all beans and legumes are healthy, lentils are a must add-on if you’re not already!
On to the idea for this simple Lentil Salad. Lunch is a rotation of leftovers, a version of my cheeseboards (cheese, crackers, veggies, dip), and/or a bean salad. My go-to are my marinated chickpeas. I make these and add to salads, eat as is, and/or add to greens. Even created this Greek-inspired salad that I throw in a jar for a little variation on a ‘not boring salad’. However, I needed to start rotating beans/legumes to not get bored so easily but also as a dietitian know the importance of getting a variety of nutrition as well. Enter lentils as a salad and not a soup.
Ingredients: Simple Lentil Salad
- Lentils: Recently I figured out the ratio of water to lentils to make in my pressure cooker. Feel free to buy already made lentils if that’s easier and saves you time. However, my store was recently out, and as prices continue to rise, I feel making beans (in the pressure cooker) is actually something I need to start doing more of.
- Lemon Viniagrette: This is my go-to lemon vinaigrette. Simple, yet flavorful, and no added sugar necessary. Promise. It’s a great addition to brighten up any salad!
- Greens: You can either have more lentils and less greens, equal parts lentils and greens, and/or less lentils more greens. Make this fit your likes. I always add a ton of greens. It’s just an easy way to add more fiber and nutrition, but even I get bored sometimes with greens. I encourage you to mix your greens up and rotate for different flavors when you do. Featured here is some arugula, however, use what you like.
- Pickled Red Onion: Always and forever in my refrigerator at all times. The condiment you didn’t know you needed. Some people will just soak raw red onion in water for ~20 minutes to take the bite off. However, raw onion and I do not agree. Pickled Red Onion though, we get along just great!
- Herbs: I used dill here, however, thyme and/or parsley would also be great. If you have the fresh herbs on hand use them. If not, use a dash of dried herbs to add just a little more flavor.
How To Make A Simple Lentil Salad
- Mix – in a large mixing bowl, add your lentils. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the lentils and gently stir to combine.
- Add in the pickled red onion (feel free to use as much or as little as you’d like) and any herbs you’ll be using.
- Place the mixed greens/arugula that you’re using on a plate.
- Scoop and serve the lentils over the mixed greens.
- Eat and enjoy!
Other Lentil Recipes
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Simple Lentil Salad
Lentils are a great way to add extra plant protein and fiber to your meal. Add this simple Lentil Salad that’s minimal on the ingredients but maximum on the flavor to your menu this week!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 1x
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cooked lentils
- 3–4 tablespoons lemon vinaigrette
- 1 cup pickled red onions
- 10 cups arugula
Instructions
- Mix – in a large mixing bowl, add your lentils. Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the lentils and gently mix to combine.
- Add in the pickled red onion (feel free to use as much or as little as you’d like) and any herbs you’ll be using.
- Place ~2 cups mixed greens/arugula that you’re using on a plate – again, use more or less to your liking.
- Scoop and serve 1/2 cup lentils over the mixed greens.
- Eat and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Salads
1 thought on “Simple Lentil Salad”
So simple, yet so satisfying. Can’t wait to try!