Best 5 Savory Lentil Salad Recipes

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**Savor the Goodness: A Culinary Journey Through Savory Lentil Salad Recipes**

Embark on a delightful culinary adventure with our collection of savory lentil salad recipes, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Lentils, the humble yet versatile legume, take center stage in these delectable dishes, offering a hearty and nutritious foundation. From vibrant Mediterranean-inspired salads bursting with fresh herbs and tangy dressings to hearty and comforting bowls brimming with roasted vegetables and warm spices, our recipes cater to every palate and dietary preference. Prepare to be amazed as we guide you through a symphony of textures and flavors, transforming lentils from a pantry staple into a culinary masterpiece.

Let's cook with our recipes!

LENTIL SALAD



Lentil Salad image

My favorite lentil salad recipe is made with cucumber, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, fresh mint and a zippy lemon dressing. Super simple to make, and so light and refreshing!

Provided by Ali

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 cup uncooked lentils (either green, French green or brown lentils), rinsed and picked over
1 English cucumber, finely diced
1 small red onion, finely diced
3/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
1/2 cup diced and drained sun-dried tomatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly-cracked black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine the lentils in a saucepan with 3 cups of water (or veggie broth) and stir to combine. Cook over medium-high heat until the broth reaches a simmer. Then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and maintain the simmer until the lentils are tender, about 20-25 minutes depending on the type of lentils used. Use a strainer to drain and rinse the lentils in cold water for 1 minute until they are chilled, and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, as the lentils are cooking, combine all of the lemon dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until combined.
  • Add the cooked and chilled lentils, cucumber, red onion, mint and sun-dried tomatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle evenly with the lemon dressing and toss until evenly combined.
  • Enjoy immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days.

BULGUR AND LENTIL SALAD



Bulgur and Lentil Salad image

The best lentils for this hearty salad are French green lentils or black beluga lentils. They're more likely to stay intact while cooking than brown lentils.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     easy, lunch, weekday, salads and dressings, main course, side dish

Time 45m

Yield Serves six

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 cup green or beluga lentils, rinsed and picked over
1 small onion, cut in half
2 garlic cloves, slightly crushed
1 bay leaf
Salt to taste
1 cup fine or medium bulgur
4 scallions, thinly sliced (more to taste)
4 to 6 radishes, thinly sliced
1 cup finely chopped parsley
2 to 4 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cumin seeds, lightly toasted and ground
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Combine the lentils, onion, garlic and bay leaf in a saucepan, and add 2 to 3 cups water, enough to cover by an inch or two. Bring to a gentle boil, add salt to taste, reduce the heat, cover and simmer 25 minutes until tender but intact. Remove from the heat. Remove and discard the onion, garlic cloves and bay leaf. Drain.
  • Meanwhile, place the bulgur in a medium bowl, and add salt to taste. Cover with 2 cups hot or boiling water, and allow to sit for 20 to 25 minutes until most of the water is absorbed. Drain through a strainer and squeeze out the water.
  • Combine the lentils, bulgur, scallions, radishes, parsley and mint in a large bowl or salad bowl. Whisk together the lemon juice, cumin, salt and pepper to taste, and the olive oil. Toss with the salad, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 372, UnsaturatedFat 16 grams, Carbohydrate 43 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 8 grams, Protein 12 grams, SaturatedFat 3 grams, Sodium 309 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams

SAVORY LENTILS FROM PANAMA



Savory Lentils from Panama image

Lentils are a comfort food in Panama, and now one of my favorites. They are healthy and delicious and this is the best recipe I have tried.

Provided by blisstir

Categories     Lentil

Time 1h15m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 cup dried lentils
1 teaspoon butter or 1 teaspoon oil
4 cups water
1 red peppers or 1 green pepper, diced (I do a combo)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic or 3/4 tablespoon minced garlic
2 beef bouillon cubes or 2 chicken bouillon cubes
salt & pepper

Steps:

  • Wash lentils thoroughly.
  • Put them in saucepan and cover with water, add butter or oil.
  • Cover and bring to a natural simmer over low heat.
  • *Note-this takes a little while but prevents lentils from breaking.
  • Once at a low boil, you may need to tilt the lid slightly to release steam and prevent overboil.
  • Add onions, peppers, and garlic and continue to simmer for about 45 mins or until lentils are soft.
  • Drain lentils in a strainer with a measuring cup beneath to catch the excess liquid.
  • Pour off all but 1 cup of the liquid (keeping the last cup gives the best texture) and return to the pan with boullion cubes, until dissolved.
  • Return lentils to pan and cook 15 mins more, adding salt& pepper.

SAVORY LENTIL SALAD



SAVORY LENTIL SALAD image

Categories     Salad     Bean

Yield 8 3/4 c servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

Lentils:
2 c dried French green lentils (16oz)
2 stalks celery, with leaves
1 sm onion, peeled, studded w/4 cloves
2 cloves garlic, crushed and peeled
4 sprigs parsley
6 c veg broth
2 T lemon juice
1 T olive oil
coarsly ground black pepper
1/4 c fresh mint leaves
1/2 c lemon mint yogurt dressing
6-8 mint sprigs, for garnish
Lemon Mint Yogurt Dressing:
1 c plain lowfat yogurt
1 t grated lemon zest
1 T lemon juice
1/4 c olive oil
1/4 t black pepper
2 t chopped mint

Steps:

  • 1. Pick over lentils, rinse with cold water. Place in a heavy pot 2. Add celery, onion, garlic, parsley and broth. Bring to a boil: reduce heat to med. Simmer 20 minutes, until just tender, skimming off foam. DO NOT OVERCOOK! Drain lentils, discarding flavoring vegs 3. Gently toss lentils w/lemon juice and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper, toss in mint. Serve dolloped with 1 T dressing; garnish with mint. Each serving 148 cal, 5 g fat Dressing: Mix yogurt, lemon zest and juice. Slowly drizzle in olive oil, whisking constantly, until smooth and thick. Fold in black pepper and mint leaves Per T: 33 cal, 3 g fat

WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE



Warm Lentil Salad With Goat Cheese image

Even people who swear they don't abide beans find pleasure in the distinctive, profound flavor of lentils. They also cook quickly, and you want them on the al dente side for this salad. That means they'll be ready in 25 minutes, still a long enough simmering time to yield a savory broth. Goat cheese and lentils make a particularly good pairing; the little earthy-sweet legumes love a salty-umami complement (that's why you so often see them paired with sausage and other cured pork products), and goat cheese fits the bill. Here the combination is especially cozy, as the cheese melts into the warm lentils, bathing them in a creamy dressing. Lentils and vinegar also marry well. The key here is to add the dressing while the lentils are still warm, even if you don't plan on serving the salad warm. I spoon the mixture onto a bed of wild arugula, though regular will do if you can't find the sharper tasting, wispy wild variety.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, lunch, salads and dressings, side dish

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups/14 ounces green, brown or black lentils, rinsed and picked over
1 small or 1/2 large onion, halved
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 bay leaf
Salt
1/4 cup red wine vinegar or sherry vinegar
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup broth from the lentils
3 to 4 ounces goat cheese (to taste), crumbled
Black pepper
1/4 cup minced chives or parsley, or both
2 cups wild or baby arugula

Steps:

  • In a medium pot, combine lentils, onion, two of the garlic cloves and the bay leaf with 6 cups water. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Add salt to taste, cover, reduce heat to low and simmer 25 minutes, until lentils are cooked through but still have some texture (they should not be mushy). Taste and adjust salt. Using tongs, remove onion and bay leaf. (You may cook lentils up to four days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Bring back to a simmer and proceed with recipe.)
  • In a small bowl or measuring cup, mix together vinegar, remaining garlic, salt to taste and olive oil. Set aside.
  • Place a strainer over a bowl and carefully drain lentils, reserving 1/4 cup of the broth. Return lentils to the pot. Whisk reserved broth into the dressing, then stir dressing into lentils. Add goat cheese and stir until it has melted into the lentils. Season to taste with pepper. Stir in herbs.
  • Line a platter, salad plates or wide bowls with arugula. Top arugula with the lentils. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 427, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 50 grams, Fat 16 grams, Fiber 9 grams, Protein 22 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 335 milligrams, Sugar 3 grams

Tips:

  • Use high-quality lentils: Choose lentils that are plump and free of debris. Avoid lentils that are split or broken.
  • Rinse the lentils thoroughly: This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be present.
  • Cook the lentils according to package directions: Different types of lentils have different cooking times, so be sure to follow the instructions on the package.
  • Don't overcook the lentils: Overcooked lentils will become mushy and lose their texture.
  • Use a variety of vegetables: This will add color, flavor, and texture to the salad.
  • Use a flavorful dressing: A good dressing will help to bring all the flavors of the salad together.
  • Chill the salad before serving: This will help to allow the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion:

Lentil salad is a healthy and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover lentils, and it is also a good source of protein, fiber, and vitamins. With a variety of vegetables and a flavorful dressing, lentil salad is a dish that everyone will love.

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