Easy Warm Lentil Salad
Simple, nutritious, and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this Easy Warm Lentil Salad is your go-to recipe for a wholesome meal. Featuring protein-packed green or brown lentils, crisp baby spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard, this salad is as flavorful as it is satisfying. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, and the optional garnish of creamy feta cheese and fresh parsley takes it to the next level. Whether served as a light main course or a hearty side dish, this vibrant salad is a delicious way to enjoy plant-based comfort food any time of year.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
- 3 cups water
- 0.5 medium red onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup feta cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the lentils under cold water and pick over for any debris or stones.
In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside.
While the lentils cook, finely dice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and mince the garlic clove.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach.
Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss gently to combine. Allow the salad to rest for 5 minutes so the flavors marry.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
If using, crumble the feta cheese and chop the parsley. Sprinkle both over the salad before serving.
Serve the lentil salad warm, either as a light main dish or as a side dish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
860 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.0 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.6 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 2056 mg | 89% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 58.0 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 20.4 g | 73% | |
| Total Sugars | 11.3 g | ||
| Protein | 30.3 g | 61% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 482 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 1273 mg | 27% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
