Best 3 Lemony Lentil Salad Recipes

Are you looking for a healthy, refreshing, and flavorful salad that's perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches? Look no further than this Lemony Lentil Salad! This salad is packed with protein and fiber, thanks to the lentils, and the bright, tangy dressing adds a burst of flavor. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make and can be tailored to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices.

This versatile salad can be served as a main course or as a side dish. It's also great for meal prep, as it holds up well in the refrigerator for several days. You can find three variations of this Lemony Lentil Salad recipe in the article, each with its unique twist. The Classic Lemony Lentil Salad is a simple yet delicious combination of lentils, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and a tangy lemon dressing. The Mediterranean Lentil Salad adds Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh parsley for a flavorful Mediterranean twist. And the Spicy Lentil Salad brings the heat with a spicy dressing made with chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper.

No matter which variation you choose, you're sure to enjoy this healthy and delicious salad. So gather your ingredients and let's get cooking!

Let's cook with our recipes!

LEMONY LENTIL SALAD

Lemony Lentil Salad image

This substantial lentil salad can stand on its own or take a supporting role. It's perfect for a picnic or potluck brunch.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories Food & Cooking Salad Recipes

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 1/2 cups lentils
3/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried tarragon
2 orange, red, or yellow (or a mix) bell peppers, cut into 1/2-inch dices
4 scallions, thinly sliced

Steps:

In a medium saucepan of boiling salted water, cook lentils until crisp-tender, about 15 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop further cooking, and drain again.
Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, mustard, and tarragon. Add drained lentils, bell peppers, and scallions; season well with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 357 g, Fat 11 g, Fiber 18 g, Protein 20 g

LEMONY LENTIL SALAD WITH SALMON

Lemony Lentil Salad With Salmon image

From EatingWell: Summer 2004, EatingWell for a Healthy Heart Cookbook (2008), and The EatingWell Healthy in a Hurry Cookbook (2006). Salmon and lentils are a familiar combo in French bistro cooking; here they combine in a quick and easy salad. For the best presentation, flake the salmon with a fork, then stir gently into the salad to keep it in chunks, not tiny bits.

Provided by kitty.rock

Categories Lentil

Time 15m

Yield 6 1 cup servings, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1/3 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon salt
fresh ground pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and diced
1 cup diced seedless cucumber
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
3 cups cooked brown lentils (see Tip) or 3 cups green lentils (see Tip)
2 (7 ounce) cans salmon, drained and flaked or 1 1/2 cups flaked cooked salmon

Steps:

Whisk lemon juice, dill, mustard, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
Gradually whisk in oil.
Add bell pepper, cucumber, onion, lentils and salmon; toss to coat.
Per serving (1cup): 354 Calories; 18 g Fat; 3 g Sat; 12 g Mono; 31 mg Cholesterol; 25 g Carbohydrates; 24 g Protein; 9 g Fiber; 194 mg Sodium; 743 mg Potassium. 1 Carbohydrate Serving.
Exchanges: 1 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 3 lean meat, 2 1/2 fat.
MAKE AHEAD TIP: Cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.
TIP: To cook lentils: Place in a saucepan, cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until just tender, about 20 minutes for green lentils and 30 minutes for brown. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 372.8, Fat 15.6, SaturatedFat 2.3, Cholesterol 30.4, Sodium 170.6, Carbohydrate 32.7, Fiber 12, Sugar 4.6, Protein 26.9

LEMONY LENTIL AND GOAT CHEESE SALAD

LEMONY LENTIL AND GOAT CHEESE SALAD image

Categories Salad Bean Vegetarian

Yield 2 1/4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 small garlic clove, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 (15-ounce) can lentils, rinsed and drained
1 tomato, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup chopped red onion
3 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
3 cups loosely packed cleaned arugula leaves

Steps:

Combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, oil, garlic, and salt in a bowl. Gently stir in the lentils, tomato, onion, parsley, and goat cheese. Serve over the arugula.

Tips for a Refreshing and Flavorful Lemony Lentil Salad

Use high-quality lentils: Choose lentils that are whole, plump, and free of debris. Avoid lentils that are split or damaged.
Cook the lentils properly: Lentils should be cooked until they are tender but still hold their shape. Overcooked lentils will become mushy.
Use fresh and flavorful vegetables: The vegetables in the salad should be fresh and crisp. Use a variety of colors and textures for a more visually appealing salad.
Make a tangy and flavorful dressing: The dressing is what brings all the flavors of the salad together. Use a combination of lemon juice, olive oil, fresh herbs, and spices to create a dressing that is both tangy and flavorful.
Let the salad marinate: Marinating the salad allows the flavors to meld together and develop. For best results, marinate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Conclusion: A Healthy and Satisfying Salad for Any Occasion

Whether you're looking for a light and refreshing lunch or a healthy and satisfying side dish, this lemony lentil salad is a perfect choice. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this salad is a nutritious and delicious way to enjoy lentils. The tangy and flavorful dressing adds a bright and lively flavor that will wake up your taste buds. So next time you're looking for a healthy and delicious salad, give this lemony lentil salad a try. You won't be disappointed!