Best 12 Warm Lentil Salad With Onion Peppers And Spinach Recipes

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**Embark on a Culinary Adventure with Warm Lentil Salad: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures**

Indulge in a tantalizing journey of taste with our warm lentil salad, a delightful blend of hearty lentils, crisp vegetables, and aromatic spices. This nutritious dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a powerhouse of essential nutrients. Discover the perfect balance of textures as tender lentils mingle with crunchy bell peppers, sweet red onion, and baby spinach, each ingredient contributing its unique charm. Infused with a vibrant dressing of zesty lemon, tangy Dijon mustard, fresh herbs, and a hint of sweetness from honey, this salad promises an explosion of flavors in every bite. Dive into a symphony of colors, textures, and tastes that will leave you craving for more.

Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!

MEDITERRANEAN POWER LENTIL SALAD



Mediterranean Power Lentil Salad image

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

1 cup dry green lentils or black lentils
Seeds of 1 pomegranate
Water
Kosher salt
1 small red onion (chopped)
3/4 English cucumber (small diced or chopped (about 2 1/2 cups))
2 to 3 cups baby spinach (or other leafy green of choice)
1 cup chopped fresh parsley
Crumbled feta cheese for garnish
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tsp honey
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground allspice
Salt and pepper

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

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.

EASY WARM LENTIL SALAD



Easy Warm Lentil Salad image

This recipe was featured in this months Family Circle. I have eliminated the sausage called for in the original recipe to make this a great, easy vegan option!

Provided by Miss_Elaine

Categories     Lentil

Time 40m

Yield 4 , 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 1/4 cups lentils, rinsed
1 (8 1/2 ounce) jar artichoke hearts, quartered, drained and rinsed
4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced
1 small sweet red pepper, finely choped
1 carrot, grated
1/4 cup balsamic vinaigrette (I prefer reduced-fat)

Steps:

  • Cook lentils according to package directions, 20-25 minute or until tender. Drain.
  • Stir together lentils, artichokes, scallions, red pepper, and carrot in medium sized bowl. Drizzle vinagrette over top and stir until well blended. Serve immediately.

LENTIL SALAD WITH BALSAMIC VINAIGRETTE



Lentil Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette image

Categories     Salad     Onion     Low Fat     Quick & Easy     Lentil     Spring     Vegan     Parsley     Bon Appétit

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 1-inch-thick slice red onion plus 1 cup chopped red onion
3 fresh parsley sprigs plus 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dried brown lentils
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
8 radicchio leaves

Steps:

  • Bring medium saucepan of water to boil. Add onion slice, 3 parsley sprigs and 1 minced garlic clove and bring to boil. Stir in lentils. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered until lentils are just tender, about 20 minutes. Drain. Discard onion and parsley.
  • Stir oil, vinegar, mustard and remaining garlic in small saucepan over low heat until just warm (do not boil).
  • Place warm lentils in bowl. Add chopped onion, chopped parsley and warm vinaigrette; toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon salad into radicchio leaves; place 2 leaves on each of 4 plates. Serve warm or at room temperature.

ORECCHIETTE WITH LENTILS, ONIONS, AND SPINACH



Orecchiette with Lentils, Onions, and Spinach image

Categories     Bean     Leafy Green     Onion     Pasta     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Parmesan     Spinach     Lentil     Winter     Healthy     Gourmet

Yield Makes 6 main-course servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/3 cup olive oil
3 large onions (2 pounds total), thinly sliced (7 cups)
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 Turkish or 1/2 California bay leaf
1 cup French green lentils
1 pound orecchiette, fusilli, or penne
2 (5-ounce) bags baby spinach
1 1/2 ounces finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons)

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until hot but not smoking, then stir in onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Reduce heat to moderately low and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until onions are very tender and golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Discard bay leaf.
  • While onions cook, cover lentils with water by 1 inch in a 1 1/2- to 2-quart saucepan and boil over moderate heat, covered, until lentils are just tender and most of water is absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and let stand, covered, until ready to use.
  • Cook pasta in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain pasta in a colander and return pasta to pot.
  • Add onions, lentils, and spinach to pasta, then toss with just enough reserved cooking water to wilt spinach and moisten pasta. Add cheese and salt and pepper to taste, tossing to combine.

LENTILS AND SPINACH



Lentils And Spinach image

This is my own adaptation of an Indian recipe. It doesn't look like much, but it is surprisingly yummy. Serve this for dinner over hot rice or a diced baked potato. Pair with carrots, cauliflower, or a fresh sliced tomato for a full meal.

Provided by bobawood

Categories     100+ Everyday Cooking Recipes     Vegan

Time 1h5m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 white onions, halved and sliced into 1/2 rings
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup lentils
2 cups water
1 (10 ounce) package frozen spinach
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 cloves garlic, crushed

Steps:

  • Heat oil in a heavy pan over medium heat. Saute onion for 10 minutes or so, until it begins to turn golden. Add minced garlic and saute for another minute or so.
  • Add lentils and water to the saucepan. Bring mixture to a boil. Cover, lower heat, and simmer about 35 minutes, until lentils are soft ( this may take less time, depending on your water and the lentils).
  • Meanwhile cook the spinach in microwave according to package directions. Add spinach, salt and cumin to the saucepan. Cover and simmer until all is heated, about ten minutes. Grind in plenty of pepper and press in extra garlic to taste.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 165.3 calories, Carbohydrate 24 g, Fat 4.3 g, Fiber 10.4 g, Protein 9.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.5 g, Sodium 639.1 mg, Sugar 3.3 g

SAUTEED SPINACH AND PEPPERS



Sauteed Spinach and Peppers image

We often steam our fresh spinach and eat it plain. But this version dressed up with red pepper, onion and garlic is a nice change. It is really quick and tasty-and pretty, too.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large sweet red pepper, coarsely chopped
1 small red onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
8 cups packed fresh spinach
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon sugar

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add red pepper; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add onion and garlic; cook 1-1/2 minutes longer or until onion is tender. Add remaining ingredients; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until spinach is just wilted.

Nutrition Facts :

LENTIL AND SPINACH SALAD WITH ONION, CUMIN AND GARLIC



Lentil and Spinach Salad With Onion, Cumin and Garlic image

A wonderfully earthy salad that is great for a picnic or with BBQd meats, that improves with standing and that is better served at room temperature rather than chilled. I am posting this Middle Eastern-style salad for the 2005 Zaar World Tour. I found it in English chef Brian Glover's fabulous book 'The Onion Cookbook': a real culinary haven for lovers of onions, garlic, leeks, spring onions, shallots and chives.

Provided by bluemoon downunder

Categories     Spinach

Time 55m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

1 cup puy lentils
1 fresh bay leaf
1 stick celery
1 sprig fresh thyme
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onions or 3 -4 shallots, finely chopped
2 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted, crushed
400 g Baby Spinach
salt, to taste
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, plus a few extra sprigs
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
5 teaspoons red wine vinegar
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon lemon rind, finely grated

Steps:

  • Rinse the lentils and place them in a large saucepan and add plenty of water to cover; tie the bay leaf, celery and thyme into a bundle and add to the pan, then bring to the boil; reduce the heat so that the water boils steadily; cook the lentils for 30-40 minutes or until they are just tender. DO NOT ADD SALT at this stage, as it toughens the lentils.
  • Meanwhile, to make the dessing, mix the oil, mustard, 3 teaspoons vinegar, garlic and lemon rind, and season to taste with pepper and salt.
  • Thoroughly drain the lentils and transfer them to a bowl, add most of the dressing and toss until all the ingredients are well-combined, then set aside, stirring occasionally.
  • Heat the oil in a deep pan and cook the onions or shallots over a low heat for 4-5 minutes, until they are beginning to soften. Add the cumin and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the spinach and season to taste, cover and cook for 2 minutes; stir, then cook again briefly until wilted.
  • Stir the spinach into the lentils and leave the salad to cool. Bring back to room temperature if necessary. Stir in the remaining dressing and chopped parsley, adjust the seasoning, adding extra wine vinegar if necessary.
  • Transfer the salad to a serving platter and scatter over some parsley sprigs.
  • Chef's Note: Puy lentils are named after a town in France. They are considered to have the best and most distinctive flavour and they keep both their shape and colour well when cooked, making them ideal for salads.

MEDITERRANEAN STYLE ROASTED RED PEPPER AND LENTIL SALAD



Mediterranean Style Roasted Red Pepper and Lentil Salad image

A perfect summer salad to share with friends and family over a picnic or for dinner. This whole food lentil salad recipe is super easy to make, plus it's vegan-friendly!

Provided by Pooja Mottl

Categories     Salad     Beans     Lentil Salad Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 ½ large red bell peppers, halved and seeded
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup French green lentils
3 cups cold water
1 pinch sea salt
1 small onion, finely diced
2 stalks celery, finely diced
2 carrots, peeled and finely diced
½ cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 small shallots, coarsely chopped
½ teaspoon sea salt
5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 ½ tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar
½ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  • Toss red pepper halves with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Place them on a baking sheet and roast until the peppers are very soft and crisp at the edges, about 20 minutes. Allow peppers to cool, then dice into 1/4-inch cubes. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  • Combine lentils and cold water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, add a pinch of salt, and simmer, covered, until the lentils are just tender to the bite, about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and cool. Transfer cooled lentils to the mixing bowl.
  • Gently mix in the onion, celery, carrots, and parsley. Add 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and freshly ground pepper.
  • Combine the Dijon mustard, chopped shallots, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, and balsamic vinegar in a blender. Blend on High for 10 seconds. Gradually add olive oil and blend again until the dressing is fully emulsified and smooth. Pour 1/2 cup dressing over lentils and stir gently with a wooden spoon. Taste the salad and add remaining dressing if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 479.5 calories, Carbohydrate 37.5 g, Fat 32.2 g, Fiber 12.1 g, Protein 12 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 673 mg, Sugar 8.9 g

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

BABY SPINACH AND LENTIL SALAD



Baby Spinach and Lentil Salad image

------Lentils are very versatile and packed with protein and fiber. This is delicious served over baby spinach or mixed greens. Developed for RSC #9.------

Provided by PaulaG

Categories     Spinach

Time 45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 cup dried brown lentils
3 cups vegetable stock
2 bay leaves
1 (3 inch) cinnamon sticks
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 medium white onion, chopped
1/4 cup kalamata olive, chopped
1/2 medium green bell pepper, diced
2 medium roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 medium carrot, scrubbed and shredded
2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
1 lemon, juice of
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
1/2 teaspoon oregano (Greek if you have it.)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
salt
pepper
10 ounces Baby Spinach

Steps:

  • Sort and wash lentils, place in a pan with bay leaf, cinnamon stick and stock.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until tender; drain, discarding the bay leaf and cinnamon stick.
  • While the lentils are cooking, place the minced garlic and onion in a small skillet adding 1 to 2 tablespoons of the lentil cooking liquid; cook the onions and garlic until soft and lightly browned.
  • Place the lentils in a large bowl adding the olives through parsley; stir in cooked onion and garlic.
  • Combine the fennel seeds, oregano and red pepper flakes, crushing to release the flavors; add to the lentil mixture.
  • Drizzle with the lemon juice and olive oil.
  • Add feta cheese and mix to combine, season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Chill for several hours before serving.
  • Divide the salad greens among chilled plates and top with lentil salad mixiture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 219.4, Fat 8.4, SaturatedFat 2.7, Cholesterol 11.1, Sodium 226.5, Carbohydrate 25.6, Fiber 11.9, Sugar 3, Protein 12

WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH ONION, PEPPERS, AND SPINACH



WARM LENTIL SALAD WITH ONION, PEPPERS, AND SPINACH image

Categories     Salad     Bean     Side     Low Carb     High Fiber     Wheat/Gluten-Free

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

2/3 cup brown lentils
2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped fine
2/3 red bell pepper
1 2/3 cups vegetable stock
2/3 cup fresh spinach
2/3 small yellow onion
1 bay leaf
1 1/3 tablespoons olive oil
2/3 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Steps:

  • Thinly slice onion. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in small pot. When oil shimmers, add onion and cook, stirring frequently until it starts to brown. Add lentils and bay leaf, then stir to coat with oil. Add vegetable stock and stir. Bring to a boil, then cover and let simmer for 40 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed and the lentils are tender but still holding their shape. Meanwhile, dice the red pepper into 1/4-inch pieces. Once the lentils are ready, remove from the heat and take out the bay leaf. Stir in the spinach and diced red pepper. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve garnished with fresh parsley, remaining olive oil, and balsamic vinegar.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality lentils. Lentils come in a variety of colors and sizes. For this salad, use a small, firm lentil that will hold its shape when cooked, such as brown or green lentils.
  • Cook the lentils properly. Lentils should be cooked until they are tender but still have a slight bite to them. Overcooked lentils will become mushy and lose their flavor.
  • Use fresh vegetables. Fresh vegetables will give your salad the best flavor and texture. If you can't find fresh vegetables, you can use frozen or canned vegetables in a pinch.
  • Don't skimp on the dressing. The dressing is what brings all the flavors of the salad together. Use a flavorful dressing that you enjoy.
  • Serve the salad warm. This salad is best served warm, but it can also be served cold. If you're serving the salad cold, let it come to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion:

This warm lentil salad with onion, peppers, and spinach is a healthy and delicious salad that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. It's packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, and it's a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. Plus, it's easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences.

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