Simple Lentil Salad
Bright, fresh, and bursting with flavor, this Simple Lentil Salad is the perfect harmony of wholesome ingredients and vibrant textures. Featuring tender green or brown lentils paired with crunchy red bell pepper, crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fragrant parsley, this nutrient-packed dish is both satisfying and refreshing. A zesty homemade dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup ties everything together in every delicious bite. Ready in just 35 minutes, including prep and cook time, this versatile salad makes a quick and easy lunch, a healthy side dish, or a light dinner. Best of all, it's naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, and easily customizable to suit your taste. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this easy lentil salad is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or enjoying fresh flavors straight from your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried green or brown lentils
- 3 cups water
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the lentils under cold water and pick out any debris or stones.
Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the lentils, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
Drain the lentils and let them cool to room temperature.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey or maple syrup, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Add the cooled lentils to the vegetable mixture and toss gently to combine.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat everything evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1234 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 46.7 g | 60% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.7 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1381 mg | 60% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 161.1 g | 59% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 29.9 g | 107% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.1 g | ||
| Protein | 57.8 g | 116% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 355 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 18.3 mg | 102% | |
| Potassium | 2838 mg | 60% | |
*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.
