Best 2 Crunchy Lentil Walnut Salad Recipes
Calling all health enthusiasts, vegetarians, and salad lovers! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a Crunchy Lentil Walnut Salad that is not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutrients. Bursting with vibrant colors and textures, this salad features hearty lentils, crunchy walnuts, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and a refreshing lemon-tahini dressing. It's a symphony of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.
In addition to the main Crunchy Lentil Walnut Salad recipe, this article offers two exciting variations to cater to different dietary preferences and taste buds. For those who prefer a vegan option, there's a delectable Vegan Lentil Walnut Salad that swaps out the feta cheese for crumbled tofu, providing a plant-based source of protein. And for those who enjoy the zesty tang of Mediterranean flavors, the Lentil Salad with Lemon-Tahini Dressing incorporates a delightful blend of fresh herbs, lemon juice, and tahini, creating a dressing that perfectly complements the earthy lentils and crunchy walnuts.
Each recipe is meticulously explained with easy-to-follow instructions, ensuring that even novice cooks can create these culinary masterpieces. Detailed ingredient lists and precise measurements guarantee consistent results every time you make them. Whether you're looking for a healthy lunch option, a vibrant side dish, or a refreshing summer salad, these lentil walnut salad recipes are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let's embark on a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight!
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 SPROUTED LENTIL WALNUT SALAD (RAW / LIVE FOOD)
It was a classic case of too much month left at the end of my money and I was in a pinch for what to serve for dinner. These are all things we had on hand and the assembly was super quick (I like that!) and the family loved it (I like that even better!) If you've not sprouted lentils before, it couldn't be easier, but it does take a 2-3 day lead time. See Sharon123's recipe #204489 for instructions and tips. Thanks again Sharon for the inspiration to sprout!
Provided by Glori-B
Categories Salad Dressings
Time 20m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Place sprouted lentils in large mixing bowl. Set aside.
- In a food processor, chop walnuts very small, but do not reduce to a powder. If chopping by hand, you want the walnut pieces to be similar in size to the lentils. Put walnuts in with lentils.
- In a food processor, chop the carrots. If processing by hand, you can also shred on a box grater. Put carrots in with lentils and walnuts.
- Next comes the spinach. Either pulse in food processor or mince with a knife. Put in with carrots, lentils and walnuts. Mix to combine thoroughly.
- For the dressing, shake all the dressing ingredients in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid until thoroughly mixed or use the bowl and whisk method. (if using the mayo, the bowl and whisk is much better suited).
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and combine until thoroughly mixed. We wanted just a little dressing to give a "pop" of flavor. If you like more dressing on your salads, feel free to double the dressing amount. (When we make this with the mayo, we then use this as a sandwich filling).
Nutrition Facts : Calories 401, Fat 30.4, SaturatedFat 3.1, Sodium 31.4, Carbohydrate 25.4, Fiber 9.2, Sugar 6.5, Protein 12.8
Tips:
- Use a variety of lentils. This will give your salad a more complex flavor and texture. For example, you could use a combination of green, red, and black lentils.
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly before cooking. This will remove any dirt or debris.
- Cook the lentils according to package directions. Be sure not to overcook them, or they will become mushy.
- Let the lentils cool completely before adding them to the salad. This will help to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables in your salad. This will give the salad a bright, refreshing flavor. Some good options include chopped cucumber, celery, carrots, and bell peppers.
- Add some nuts or seeds to your salad for extra crunch and flavor. Walnuts, almonds, and sunflower seeds are all great options.
- Use a light, flavorful dressing for your salad. A simple vinaigrette or lemon-tahini dressing is a good option. You could also use a store-bought dressing, but be sure to choose one that is not too heavy or creamy, and avoid dressings with a lot of added sugar.
Conclusion:
A lentil walnut salad is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make dish. It is a great option for a light lunch or dinner, and it can also be served as a side dish. With a little creativity, you can easily customize this salad to your own liking. So experiment with different ingredients and dressings, and enjoy!
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