Lentil Salad Recipe
If you’re looking for a fresh, lively, and wholesome dish to brighten up your table, you absolutely have to try this Lentil Salad Recipe. It bursts with the flavors of lemon, fresh herbs, and crisp seasonal veggies—all tossed together with nutty lentils for a salad that’s both satisfying and energizing. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty lunch, a gorgeous addition to your dinner party, or a make-ahead meal for busy days, this recipe delivers generous flavor and nutrition in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Lentil Salad Recipe is that every ingredient, while wonderfully simple, brings its own vibrant note to the dish. Each one is carefully chosen to make every forkful colorful, refreshing, and perfectly balanced. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Lentils: Green or French lentils hold their shape beautifully and provide earthy depth and plenty of fiber.
- Water or Vegetable Broth: Simmering lentils in broth adds savory flavor; water works great if that’s what you have on hand.
- Asparagus: Bright, snappy, and full of spring flavor—cut into bite-size pieces for the perfect tender crunch.
- Sugar Snap Peas: Their sweet crunch livens up the salad; halve them for even distribution.
- Radishes: Peppery and vibrant, they bring lovely color and a crisp bite.
- Red Onion: Finely chopped for a hint of sharpness without overwhelming the other flavors.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens up the salad with fresh, grassy notes.
- Fresh Dill: Its signature tang perfectly complements the lemony dressing and vegetables.
- Feta Cheese (optional): Adds a creamy, tangy touch—use regular or vegan feta as you like.
- Olive Oil: The base of the dressing; use a good quality extra-virgin for best flavor.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings the whole salad to life with zesty brightness.
- Lemon Zest: Extra fragrant and intensely lemony—don’t skip this!
- Dijon Mustard: Gives the dressing depth and a little punch.
- Garlic: Just one minced clove goes a long way for aromatic flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer perfectly.
How to Make Lentil Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Lentils
Start with the key ingredient: your choice of green or French lentils. Rinse them well, then combine with water or broth in a pan. Bring it all to a rolling boil, then lower the heat for a gentle simmer—let the lentils cook for about 20 to 25 minutes. Keep tasting; you want them tender but not mushy. Once they’re ready, drain any excess liquid and spread them out to cool while you prep the rest. This simple step is what gives the Lentil Salad Recipe its hearty backbone.
Step 2: Blanch the Veggies
While the lentils cool, get those beautiful spring veggies ready! Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil and toss in your asparagus and sugar snap peas. Just two or three minutes is all they need to become bright green and tender-crisp—nothing more. Immediately transfer them into an ice bath. This step locks in flavor and color, keeping everything vibrant and fresh for your Lentil Salad Recipe. Drain and pat them dry before tossing into the salad.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
Ready for that signature zing? In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and emulsified. This lemony, herby dressing is what transforms every bite of your Lentil Salad Recipe into a burst of flavor.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now for the fun part! Add the cooled lentils, blanched veggies, thinly sliced radishes, finely chopped red onion, fresh parsley, dill, and savory crumbled feta (if you’re using it) straight into the bowl with your dressing. Toss everything gently so it’s evenly coated and all the ingredients stay vibrant and pretty. You’re almost ready to enjoy!
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Pop the salad in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. This quick chill lets all those fresh flavors mingle and marinate, making the Lentil Salad Recipe even more irresistible. When you’re ready to serve, give it a gentle toss and garnish as you like!
How to Serve Lentil Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Finish the Lentil Salad Recipe with a sprinkle of extra herbs, a scattering of more feta, or even a pinch of lemon zest right before serving. These little touches add both color and flavor, making the salad look as festive as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderfully versatile and shines alongside crusty bread, a bowl of soup, or a platter of grilled chicken or salmon. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own but always welcomes extra company on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn the Lentil Salad Recipe into a main course by adding a sliced hard-boiled egg or grilled halloumi on top. You can also serve it spooned onto a bed of arugula or tucked inside pitas for a colorful handheld lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Store your Lentil Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will stay crisp and delicious for up to three days. The flavors even deepen as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch a real treat.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked lentils on their own, it’s best to enjoy the complete Lentil Salad Recipe fresh. Freezing the salad might dull the herbs and vegetables. If you need to prepare ahead, freeze just the plain lentils, then mix up the salad when you’re ready to eat.
Reheating
This salad truly shines cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. Just give it a quick stir, add a squeeze of lemon if it’s been sitting, and dive in!
FAQs
Can I use brown lentils instead of green or French lentils?
You can, but green or French lentils hold their shape better, so the final Lentil Salad Recipe won’t be quite as firm. If you use brown lentils, cook them for a few minutes less to avoid a mushy texture.
How can I make this salad vegan?
It’s simple: just skip the feta or use your favorite vegan cheese alternative. All the other ingredients in the Lentil Salad Recipe are already vegan.
What can I substitute for asparagus when it’s out of season?
Try using green beans or even broccoli florets for a similar tender crunch. Seasonal swaps keep your Lentil Salad Recipe exciting and fresh all year round.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely! The Lentil Salad Recipe as written contains no gluten. Just double-check any cheese or seasonings you add to be certain.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can make it up to 24 hours ahead. In fact, letting the Lentil Salad Recipe sit in the fridge for several hours deepens the flavors even further. Just add the garnish right before serving for best results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something light, vibrant, and satisfying, you can’t go wrong with this Lentil Salad Recipe. It’s easy, healthy, and utterly delicious—perfect for any occasion. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple on your table, too!
Print
Lentil Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This refreshing Lentil Salad is a vibrant mix of green lentils, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for a light meal or a side dish, this vegetarian salad is packed with flavor and nutrients.
Ingredients
Lentil Salad:
- 1 cup green or French lentils (rinsed)
- 4 cups water or vegetable broth
Vegetables:
- 1 cup asparagus (cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 cup sugar snap peas (trimmed and halved)
- 1/2 cup radishes (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped)
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Lentils: In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and water or broth. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender. Drain and cool.
- Prepare Vegetables: Blanch asparagus and snap peas, then chill in an ice bath. Drain and pat dry.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Add lentils, vegetables, radishes, onion, herbs, and feta. Toss gently to coat.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For added protein, include hard-boiled eggs or grilled chicken.
- To make it dairy-free, use vegan feta or omit the cheese.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
