Indulge in a symphony of flavors and textures with Crunch's Lentil Salad, a culinary masterpiece that captivates the senses. This vibrant salad features an array of wholesome ingredients, each contributing its unique charm. Lentils, packed with protein and fiber, provide a hearty base, while crisp vegetables like celery, cucumber, and red onion add a refreshing crunch. The salad is further enriched with the nutty flavor of toasted walnuts and the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries. A zesty lemon-tahini dressing brings all the elements together, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
This delightful recipe is accompanied by a collection of equally enticing variations, ensuring that there's something for every palate. For a vegan twist, try the Lentil Salad with Avocado and Mint, where creamy avocado and refreshing mint leaves add a new dimension of flavor. If you're craving a spicy kick, the Lentil Salad with Roasted Red Peppers and Feta is sure to satisfy, with its smoky roasted peppers and tangy feta cheese. And for a more substantial meal, the Lentil Salad with Chicken and Quinoa offers a protein-packed option that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
No matter which variation you choose, Crunch's Lentil Salad is a culinary journey that will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. So gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and embark on a flavor adventure that will redefine your salad experience.
MEDITERRANEAN POWER LENTIL SALAD
This healthy, satisfying Mediterranean lentil salad recipe with spinach, crunchy veggies, and a zippy lime dressing, is the ultimate power bowl! It's easy to make and even better the next day. Add pomegranate seeds (arils) when in season, or leave them out. Keep it vegan or add a sprinkle of creamy feta.
Provided by Suzy Karadsheh
Categories Salad
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cook the lentils. In a saucepan, combine lentils with 3 cups of water and pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil. Cover, and lower heat to medium-low. Let simmer until the lentils are fully tender (anywhere from 25 to 45 minutes depending on the kind of lentils used). Be sure to check and add water if lentils seem too dry during the cooking process (they should absorb a lot of the water. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked lentils with chopped onions, cucumbers, baby spinach, parsley, and pomegranate seeds (arils.) Give everything a gentle toss.
- Make the dressing. In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lime dressing ingredients. Pour the dressing over the lentil salad and toss to combine. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese to finish.
- Allow a few minutes for the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 127.6 kcal, Sodium 15.3 mg, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Carbohydrate 5 g, Fiber 0.8 g, Protein 0.9 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CRUNCH'S LENTIL SALAD
Steps:
- Bring water and lentils to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until lentils are almost tender, about 15 minutes; add bulgur and salt. Cover saucepan and remove from heat; set aside until bulgur is tender and water is absorbed, about 20 minutes.
- Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook and stir onion and garlic until until tender and fragrant, 5 to 10 minutes. Add tomatoes and red bell pepper; cook and stir until red bell pepper is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Combine bulgur-lentil mixture and vegetable mixture in a bowl; add balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons olive oil and toss to coat.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 170.6 calories, Carbohydrate 25.7 g, Fat 4.5 g, Fiber 9.8 g, Protein 7.9 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 9.6 mg, Sugar 3.4 g
CRUNCHY LENTIL WALNUT SALAD
This is a copycat of the fabulous Lentil Walnut Salad from the Kebab Shop in California. You want to make sure not to overcook the lentils...they should have a little bite to stand up to the crunchiness of the walnuts. Unlimited modifications could be made with additions, subtractions and/or tweaks... pine nuts instead of walnuts, add goat cheese or feta, add crunchy carrots too? Enjoy!
Provided by AmyFromSD
Categories Vegan
Time 40m
Yield 4 cups, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Rinse the lentils and put them in a saucepan with plenty of lightly salted water and the bay leaf. Bring to a boil, decrease the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 20 - 25 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still have a good crunch/bite to them. Be careful to not overcook them.
- While the lentils are cooking, make the dressing. Mix the vinegar, mustard, oil, garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the dressing as you like to your taste preferences.
- Drain the lentils well and mix them into the dressing while still warm, stirring to cook the lentils. Remove the bay leaf and let cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
- Add in the walnuts and green onion. Taste, and add additional salt, if desired. I serve the salad at room temperature or warm. The salad can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Let it come to room temperature before serving; it may need to be re-seasoned once refrigerated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 141.5, Fat 9.7, SaturatedFat 0.9, Sodium 9.1, Carbohydrate 10.1, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 1.2, Protein 5.7
CRUNCHY LENTIL SALAD
Taken and adapted from Jeanne Lemlin's "Quick Vegetarian Pleasures" -- a superb cookbook that should be in every kitchen! This salad is so much more yummy than you might think from the list of in gredients ....
Provided by KLHquilts
Categories Lentil
Time 20m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Combine lentils, water and bay leaf in saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook, uncovered for 15 minutes (or until lentils are tender but crunchy). Drain thoroughly.
- Mix lentils with minced celery, carrot, onion and parsley. NOTE: This salad is much better if you make sure all vegetables are finely diced; the flavors blend much better than if you've used a regular-to-large dice.
- Mix the dressing: Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, thyme, cumin, salt and pepper. Pour over lentils and toss.
- You can serve this right away, but the flavors blend beautifully if you refrigerate for a day or two. Serve at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 200.7, Fat 13.9, SaturatedFat 1.9, Sodium 620.6, Carbohydrate 15.4, Fiber 5.2, Sugar 3.1, Protein 5.2
Tips:
- Choose the right lentils. Brown lentils are the traditional choice for lentil salad, but you can also use green or red lentils. Brown lentils hold their shape well, while green and red lentils are more tender.
- Rinse the lentils before cooking. This will remove any dirt or debris.
- Cook the lentils according to package directions. Overcooked lentils will become mushy.
- Let the lentils cool completely before assembling the salad. This will help prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Use a variety of vegetables in your salad. This will add flavor, color, and texture.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. A simple vinaigrette is a good starting point, but you can also try a creamy dressing or a tangy yogurt dressing.
- Serve the salad immediately or chill it for later. Lentil salad is a great make-ahead dish.
Conclusion:
Lentil salad is a delicious, healthy, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a snack. With so many different variations, there's sure to be a lentil salad recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give lentil salad a try!
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