Aromatic filling salad with lentils

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Here’s a delicious Aromatic Filling Lentil Salad recipe that’s packed with flavor, protein, and fresh ingredients!

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 cup dried green or French lentils (or 2½ cups cooked lentils)
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint or cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for balance)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Lentils:
   • Rinse the lentils under cold water.
   • In a saucepan, combine lentils, water (or broth), and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until tender but not mushy.
   • Drain, discard the bay leaf, and let cool.
2. Prepare the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Assemble the Salad:
   • In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, parsley, mint, and feta (if using).
   • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
   • Sprinkle with toasted nuts for crunch.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
   • Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
   • Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Tips & Variations:

• 🌱 Make it Vegan: Skip the feta or replace it with plant-based cheese.
• 🥑 Add More Creaminess: Toss in diced avocado before serving.
• 🌶️ Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• 🍠 More Hearty: Add roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa for extra texture.

This lentil salad is perfect as a light meal, meal prep option, or a healthy side dish! Let me know if you’d like any modifications. 😊

Aromatic filling salad with lentils

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• Author: Willow
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4

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Description

Here’s a delicious Aromatic Filling Lentil Salad recipe that’s packed with flavor, protein, and fresh ingredients!

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Ingredients

• 1 cup dried green or French lentils (or 2½ cups cooked lentils)
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf (optional, for extra flavor)
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh mint or cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup toasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for balance)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

• Cook the Lentils:

  • Rinse the lentils under cold water.
  • In a saucepan, combine lentils, water (or broth), and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until tender but not mushy.
  • Drain, discard the bay leaf, and let cool.

• Prepare the Dressing:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.

• Assemble the Salad:

  • In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, parsley, mint, and feta (if using).
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  • Sprinkle with toasted nuts for crunch.

• Serve & Enjoy!

  • Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Notes

• 🌱 Make it Vegan: Skip the feta or replace it with plant-based cheese.
• 🥑 Add More Creaminess: Toss in diced avocado before serving.
• 🌶️ Spicy Twist: Add chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• 🍠 More Hearty: Add roasted sweet potatoes or quinoa for extra texture.

• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 20 min