Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vibrant Lentil Salad is a nutritious and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any meal. Packed with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a creamy tahini dressing, it’s a fulfilling vegan meal that’s full of flavor and texture. The tender lentils combine beautifully with the crisp vegetables, and the tahini dressing adds a rich and creamy finish. Whether enjoyed on its own or as a hearty side to a main dish, this salad is both satisfying and healthy! Lentil Salad

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salad:

2 cups uncooked brown lentils
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 English cucumber, chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

1/3 cup olive oil
1 clove garlic, grated
1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons white vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Cook the Lentils:

Rinse the lentils under cold water.
In a pot, add the lentils and cover them with about 5 cups of water.
Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
Drain and let the lentils cool slightly.

Prepare the Salad:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils with the chopped red, orange, and green bell peppers, red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley.
Toss to combine.

Make the Dressing:

In a mason jar or dressing container, add the olive oil, grated garlic, tahini, white vinegar, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Shake or whisk until smooth.

Assemble the Salad:

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.

Serve:

Serve immediately and enjoy!
If you’re not serving right away, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10

Variations

Add more veggies: Feel free to add other fresh veggies like carrots, celery, or radishes for added crunch and flavor.
Add protein: If you want to make this salad more filling, try adding chickpeas, tofu, or grilled vegetables.
Spicy kick: Add a bit of red pepper flakes or chopped chili for a spicy twist.
Use different lentils: You can substitute green or black lentils for brown lentils, though cooking times may vary.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: This salad stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop and become even more delicious as it sits.
Reheating: This salad is best served chilled, but you can also serve it at room temperature if preferred.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

Yes, you can use canned lentils. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the salad. You’ll need about 3 cups of canned lentils to replace the 2 cups of dried lentils.

2. Can I make the salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s perfect for meal prep!

3. Can I add cheese to the salad?

Yes, if you’re not strictly vegan, crumbled feta or goat cheese would be a great addition to this salad for extra creaminess.

4. Can I use a different dressing for this salad?

Absolutely! You can swap the tahini dressing for a vinaigrette, yogurt-based dressing, or a lemon-olive oil dressing if you prefer.

5. Can I serve this salad warm?

This salad is typically served chilled or at room temperature, but you can warm the lentils before assembling if you prefer.

6. Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, as it’s made with lentils and fresh vegetables.

7. How do I make the dressing creamier?

If you’d like the dressing to be creamier, you can add a little more tahini or even a spoonful of plain yogurt for extra richness.

8. Can I add fruits to this salad?

Yes, you can add fruits like pomegranate seeds, apple slices, or dried cranberries for a sweet contrast to the savory vegetables.

9. How can I make the salad more filling?

To make it more filling, consider adding quinoa, couscous, or roasted sweet potatoes for added substance.

10. Can I use a different herb instead of parsley?

Yes, you can substitute parsley with cilantro, basil, or mint depending on your flavor preferences.

Conclusion

This vibrant Lentil Salad is a perfect balance of fresh vegetables, creamy tahini dressing, and earthy lentils. It’s a versatile and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed as a main or side, and it’s a fantastic option for meal prep. Whether you serve it for lunch, dinner, or a light snack, this salad is a delicious and nutritious choice that’s sure to satisfy!

Lentil Salad

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Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 10 servings
Diet: Vegan

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Description

This vibrant Lentil Salad is packed with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a creamy tahini dressing, making it a delicious and nutritious vegan meal. It’s perfect as a stand-alone dish or as a hearty side to complement your main course!

Instructions

Cook the Lentils: Rinse the lentils under cold water. In a pot, add the lentils and cover them with about 5 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Drain and let the lentils cool slightly.
Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils with the chopped red, orange, and green bell peppers, red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley. Toss to combine.
Make the Dressing: In a mason jar or dressing container, add the olive oil, grated garlic, tahini, white vinegar, lemon juice, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk until smooth.
Assemble the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy! If you’re not serving right away, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Notes

This salad is great served chilled or at room temperature.
Feel free to adjust the seasonings, adding more cumin, lemon, or salt to taste.
Add some roasted vegetables or nuts for an extra crunch and flavor boost.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling, Tossing
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 210
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 0mg