Elevate your salad game with this vibrant Lentil Salad with Sesame Seeds and Coriander, a dish that seamlessly blends wholesome ingredients with bold, aromatic flavors. Protein-packed green lentils form the hearty base, complemented by crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and the subtle zing of red onion. A zesty dressing of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and ground cumin adds warmth and brightness, while toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful nutty crunch. Freshly chopped coriander (cilantro) ties it all together with its herbal freshness. Ready in just 40 minutes, this salad is not only quick to prepare but also a nutrient-rich choice that's perfect for meal prep, a light lunch, or a healthy side dish. Serve it chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing dish that's sure to impress!
Rinse the green lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any debris.
In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside to cool.
While the lentils cool, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and finely slice the red onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, ground cumin, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Add the cooled lentils to the bowl of vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
Pour the dressing over the salad, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
Gently fold in the chopped fresh coriander and toasted sesame seeds.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or serve immediately.
Calories |
823 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 52.6 g | 67% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.1 g | 40% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1235 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 70.3 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.9 g | 85% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.3 g | ||
| Protein | 25.7 g | 51% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 364 mg | 28% | |
| Iron | 12.2 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 1788 mg | 38% | |
*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.