Are you in search of a salad that is not only delicious but also nutrition-packed and easy to make? Look no further, because this vegan lentil salad recipe is just what you need! Within 10 minutes, you can have a hearty and satisfying salad that is more of a complete meal that will nourish your body and leave you feeling energized.
In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to make the perfect vegan lentil salad, including the ingredients you will need, prepping the veggies, cooking the lentils, prepping the perfect dressing and tossing everything together. So, let’s dive in and discover how to create this healthy and scrumptious dish!
But first lets talk about lentils:
One of the great things about lentils is that they have many different varieties, each with its unique flavor and texture. In this recipe, I am using green lentils, these lentils are known for their firm texture and nutty flavor, making them a great choice for adding to salads.
Whether it’s green, brown, red, or black lentils, all are packed full of health benefits. They are a great source of plant-based protein and are low in fat, making them a great choice for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet.
Lentils are also high in fiber, which can help regulate digestion and keep you feeling full for longer. Additionally, they are a great source of iron, which is important for maintaining healthy blood cells. if you are interested in more health benefits of lentils , you can read all about it in this post.
Vegan lentil salad ingredients:
Here are all the ingredients you need to prepare the salad:
- Green lentils: I prefer to use green lentils for making salads as it has the perfect texture and flavor. But you can substitute with brown lentils if that’s what you prefer. For making this salad quick you can use a can of green lentils, which you need to drain and rinse under cold water, however for this recipe i have used dry lentils.
- Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers can be used.
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red & yellow pepper
- Radishes
- Red onion
- Fresh herbs: Parsley, mint, and dill.
And here are the ingredients you will need to make the perfect dressing for this lentil salad:
- Dijon mustard
- Fresh lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Garlic clove
- Salt & pepper to taste.
How to make lentil salad:
- Prepping & cooking the lentils: to make the perfect vegan lentil salad, it’s essential to cook your lentils properly. Rinse 1 cup of dry green lentils under cold water and pick out any debris or damaged lentils. Soak the lentils in cold water for 30 minutes, this will reduce the cooking time and make it easily digested and to prevent bloating. Combine your lentils with Vegan stock, salt and bay leaf, and bring them to a boil. Once boiling, let them cook for 8-10 minutes until tender, but not mushy. Remember to not overcook your lentils, or they will turn mushy and lose their shape. Once your lentils are cooked, strain them and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set them aside to cool while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
- Start prepping your veggies, washing them, cutting, and chopping all your veggies and herbs.
- Mix the dressing ingredients and set aside.
- In a large bowl , combine your cooked lentils and all veggies and herbs and toss.
- Drizzle the dressing and mix everything together.
Customize to your taste:
To truly make a dish your own, it’s all about the personal touches. While the recipe for the perfect vegan lentil salad is a great starting point, don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own flair. For example, you could switch out the red onion for shallots or green onion.
If you prefer more of a crunch, consider adding sunflower seeds or chopped almonds, which will also boost the nutritional value of the salad.
Storing:
Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, however, it is best to store the dressing separately to prevent soggy salad.
This lentil salad recipe is great for meal prep as well. Store your cooked lentils, chopped veggies, and dressing each in a separate air-tight container in the fridge, and you can enjoy this healthy Vegan lentil salad for a couple of days.
If you are looking for an easy-to-follow meal planner, make sure to check our free weekly meal planner to help you easily prep your meals.
Whether you’re a seasoned veggie lover or just looking for a quick and easy salad or dinner option, this lentil salad will hit the spot. As you enjoy your meal, take comfort in knowing that you’re fueling your body with essential vitamins and minerals. So why not give it a try tonight and experience the benefits of healthy, tasty eating? As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.”
Recommended Vegan salad recipes to try:
Vegan Lentil Salad
Ingredients
Lentil salad ingredients:
- ⅔ cup Cooked green lentils
- 2 Persian cucumbers chopped
- ½ red bell pepper chopped
- ½ yellow bell pepper chopped
- ½ cup baby cherry tomatoes halves
- 1 radish sliced and halved
- ½ red onion small, chopped
- ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ½ cup fresh dill chopped
- ½ cup fresh mint sliced
Salad dressing ingredients:
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
- ½ lemon juiced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add all the dressing ingredients into a small bowl and mix to combine. Set aside.
- If you are starting with dry green lentils pls refer to the blog post above for instructions on cooking green lentils.
- In a big bowl , combine the cooked lentils , chopped veggies and herbs and mix.
- Drizzle the salad dressing and mix till everything is combined and check for seasoning. Enjoy.
Excellent
Thanks