Lentils are a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can add flavor and texture to any meal. They are packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, making them a popular choice for salads. In this article, I will share ten of the best lentil salad recipes that are not only healthy but also easy to prepare.

Whether you are looking for a light meal or a side dish, lentil salads can be both satisfying and refreshing. From traditional recipes to creative new twists, these salads can accommodate a variety of tastes and dietary needs. With the right mix of ingredients, I can show you how lentils can transform simple meals into something delightful.

Table of Contents

1. Mediterranean Lentil Salad

a close-up overhead shot of lentil salad in a gray bowl with a brown rim. brown lentils are mixed with diced cucumbers, halved red and yellow cherry tomatoes, and thin slices of red onion, garnished with fresh parsley. a lemon wedge is visible nearby on a light gray surface, suggesting a fresh and healthy salad

I enjoy preparing Mediterranean Lentil Salad because it is both nutritious and simple to make. This dish features lentils, fresh vegetables, and a light dressing. Lentils are a great source of protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice for a healthy meal.

To make this salad, I start by gathering the ingredients: 1 cup of cooked lentils, 1 diced cucumber, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup of red onion, and a handful of parsley.

Next, I prepare the dressing with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, salt, and pepper to taste. I mix all the vegetables in a large bowl and add the lentils.

Then, I pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently. It’s best if I let it sit for about 15 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to blend.

This Mediterranean Lentil Salad not only looks colorful but also tastes refreshing. It’s perfect as a light meal or a side dish. I often serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal.

2. Warm Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad

a close-up shot of lentil salad with roasted butternut squash and leeks in a brown bowl with a speckled rim. brown lentils are mixed with cubes of vibrant orange butternut squash and sliced pale green leeks, tossed with herbs. the hearty and colorful salad sits on a light gray surface, suggesting a healthy and flavorful meal

Warm lentil and sweet potato salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish. Lentils are small legumes that are high in protein and fiber. Sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and a creamy texture.

I find this salad easy to make. It usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. The ingredients are simple and can be adjusted to personal taste.

Here are the steps I follow:

Prepare the lentils: Rinse 1 cup of lentils and cook them in boiling water for about 20 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
Cook the sweet potatoes: Peel and chop 2 medium sweet potatoes into cubes. Boil them for about 10 minutes until soft. Drain and set aside.

Sauté vegetables: In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1 chopped leek, 1 carrot, and 1 tablespoon of grated ginger. Sauté for about 10 minutes until soft.
Combine ingredients: Mix the lentils and sweet potatoes into the pan. Stir gently and season with salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice.

This salad is warm, filling, and perfect as a main dish or a side.

3. French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese

a close-up shot of lentil salad, possibly french-inspired, on a light gray plate with a speckled rim. brown lentils are mixed with quartered ripe red tomatoes, diced red onions, and crumbled white feta cheese, tossed with fresh parsley and a light dressing. the colorful and healthy salad sits on a light gray surface

French lentil salad is a tasty dish. It features green or French lentils, which hold their shape well during cooking. This salad pairs perfectly with creamy goat cheese and fresh vegetables.

Making this salad is quite simple. I enjoy it because it requires minimal ingredients and can be ready in about 30 minutes.

To start, I gather my ingredients: 1 cup of lentils, 4 cups of water, ½ cup of diced red onion, 1 cup of chopped tomatoes, ½ cup of crumbled goat cheese, and fresh herbs like parsley.

First, I rinse the lentils under cold water. Next, I boil the lentils in 4 cups of water for about 20 minutes until they are tender.

While the lentils cook, I chop my vegetables. Once the lentils are done, I drain them and let them cool. Then, I combine the lentils with the diced onion, tomatoes, and fresh herbs in a bowl.

Finally, I gently fold in the goat cheese. A drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice add flavor. This salad can be served warm or chilled.

4. Lentil Quinoa Salad

a close-up overhead shot of a vibrant lentil and quinoa salad in a white bowl. brown lentils and fluffy quinoa are mixed with diced cucumbers, red and yellow bell peppers, and fresh parsley. a fork rests in the salad. lemon halves and more parsley are nearby on a white surface, suggesting a fresh and healthy meal

Lentil quinoa salad is a nutritious and filling dish. It combines lentils and quinoa, both great sources of protein and fiber. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side for dinner.

Making this salad is easy and quick. I love how simple the ingredients are, and it takes just about 30 minutes from start to finish.

Here’s how I prepare it:

Rinse 1 cup of lentils and add them to a pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 20 minutes.
While the lentils cook, rinse 1 cup of quinoa under cold water. In another pot, combine the quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
After the lentils and quinoa are cooked, drain excess water if needed. Let them cool.

In a large bowl, mix lentils and quinoa with chopped veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes.
Finally, dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

This lentil quinoa salad is not only tasty but also healthy. It’s a great way to enjoy plant-based ingredients.

5. Greek Lentil Salad with Feta Cheese

a close-up overhead shot of greek lentil salad on a white plate. brown lentils are mixed with diced cucumbers, red and yellow bell peppers, thinly sliced red onions, and crumbled white feta cheese, garnished with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge. the colorful and healthy salad sits on a light gray surface with a blue cloth

Greek Lentil Salad with Feta Cheese is a nutritious and flavorful dish. Lentils are legumes that are high in protein and fiber. This salad is easy to prepare and suitable for any meal.

To make this salad, follow these simple steps:

Cook the Lentils: Rinse 1 cup of lentils and boil them in 3 cups of water for about 20-25 minutes. They should be tender but not mushy.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the lentils cook, chop 1 cucumber, 1 bell pepper, and 1 small red onion.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, chopped vegetables, and 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
Add Dressing: Whisk together 3 tablespoons of olive oil, the juice of 1 lemon, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour this dressing over the salad.

Enjoy: Toss everything together and serve. This dish can be enjoyed immediately or chilled in the fridge for later.

This salad allows the creamy feta to complement the earthy lentils perfectly. It’s a refreshing addition to any meal.

6. Spicy Lentil Salad with Chickpeas

a close-up overhead shot of a vibrant lentil and chickpea salad on a speckled white plate. brown lentils and plump chickpeas are mixed with diced red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion wedges, tossed with fresh cilantro leaves. the colorful and healthy salad sits on a dark surface with a gray cloth napkin

Spicy lentil salad with chickpeas is a nutritious dish packed with flavor. Lentils are small legumes that cook quickly and are high in protein. This salad is easy to make and perfect for a healthy meal.

To prepare, I start by gathering my ingredients. I usually need 1 cup of cooked lentils, 1 can of chickpeas, diced bell pepper, diced red onion, and fresh cilantro. For the dressing, I use olive oil, lemon juice, and chili powder.

Here are the steps I follow:

Cook 1 cup of lentils according to package directions (about 15-20 minutes).

Rinse and drain 1 can of chickpeas.
Dice half a bell pepper and a small red onion.
In a bowl, combine lentils, chickpeas, bell pepper, onion, and chopped cilantro.

In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently.

I let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend before serving. This salad is not only filling, but also a colorful addition to any meal.

7. Lentil Avocado Salad

a close-up overhead shot of lentil salad with avocado and red onion on a speckled white plate. brown lentils are mixed with creamy green avocado chunks and thin slices of vibrant purple red onion, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. the colorful and healthy salad sits on a light gray surface with a gray cloth

Lentil avocado salad is a nutritious dish that combines cooked lentils with creamy avocado. This salad is rich in protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying meal.

I find it quite easy to prepare. You need only a few ingredients and minimal cooking time. Here are the basic steps:

Rinse 1 cup of lentils and add them to a pot of boiling water.

Cook for about 20 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool.
Dice 1 ripe avocado and chop 1 small red onion.
Combine the lentils, avocado, and onion in a mixing bowl.

Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the mixture, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

This salad can be served immediately or chilled in the fridge for an hour to enhance the flavors. It’s a great option for meal prep or a quick lunch. Enjoy the fresh taste and health benefits it offers.

8. Curried Lentil Salad

a close-up overhead shot of green lentil salad on a speckled white plate. cooked green lentils are mixed with diced cucumbers, halved red cherry tomatoes, and small pieces of red onion, tossed with fresh parsley and a light dressing. the colorful and healthy salad sits on a wooden surface with a gray cloth napkin

Curried Lentil Salad is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines lentils with spices and vegetables. It is simple to prepare and can be a great addition to any meal.

To make this salad, I start by cooking lentils. For each cup of lentils, I use three cups of water. I typically boil them for about 15-20 minutes until tender.

While the lentils are cooking, I prepare the dressing. I mix olive oil, lemon juice, and curry powder in a bowl. This gives the salad its distinct flavor.

Once the lentils are done, I drain them and let them cool. I then combine the lentils with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions in a large bowl.

Finally, I pour the dressing over the salad and mix well. This salad can be served warm or chilled. It’s a versatile dish that works well for lunch or as a side at dinner.

I enjoy making this salad because it is healthy and satisfying. The combination of spices brings a delightful taste that is hard to resist.

9. Lentil Salad with Roasted Vegetables

a close-up shot of lentil salad with roasted vegetables on a teal plate with a brown rim. brown lentils are mixed with charred zucchini rounds, diced orange and red bell peppers, and fresh parsley. the warm and colorful salad sits on a light gray surface, suggesting a healthy and flavorful vegetarian meal

Lentil salad with roasted vegetables is a nutritious and versatile dish. It combines hearty lentils with a mix of your favorite roasted veggies.

Making this salad is easy and takes about 30 minutes. I often use any combination of bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, and onions. The roasting brings out their natural sweetness.

To prepare, follow these steps:

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Chop vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread the veggies on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes or until tender.

Cook 1 cup of lentils according to package instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils and roasted vegetables.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice and fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro.

This salad can be enjoyed warm or cold. It’s filling, packed with protein, and perfect as a side dish or a main meal.

10. Lemon Herb Lentil Salad

a close-up overhead shot of a vibrant lentil salad on a white plate. cooked green lentils are mixed with diced cucumbers, halved red cherry tomatoes, and chopped green onions, garnished with fresh parsley, dill sprigs, and lemon wedges. the colorful and healthy salad sits on a light gray surface

Lemon Herb Lentil Salad is a bright and refreshing dish. It combines lentils with fresh herbs and a hint of citrus. This salad is not only tasty but also simple to prepare.

To make it, I start by cooking one cup of green or brown lentils in water for about 20-25 minutes until tender. After draining, I let them cool slightly.

In a large bowl, I mix the cooked lentils with the juice of one lemon and the zest for added flavor. Chopped herbs like parsley, dill, and green onions make it fragrant.

Next, I add one diced cucumber and one cup of cherry tomatoes, halved. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper enhance the taste. I toss everything gently to combine.

This salad can be served immediately or chilled in the fridge for an hour. It’s a perfect side dish or a light main course. Enjoying this Lemon Herb Lentil Salad is a great way to add healthy ingredients to my meals.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Lentils?

Lentils are packed with essential nutrients that make them a great choice for salads. They offer high protein content, rich fiber, and a variety of vitamins and minerals, contributing to a balanced diet.

How Do Lentils Provide High Protein Content?

Lentils are an excellent source of protein, making them a favorite among vegetarians and vegans. One cup of cooked lentils contains about 18 grams of protein. This is nearly as much as a serving of meat.

Including lentils in my diet helps me meet my protein needs without the added fat found in some animal products. The amino acids in lentils support muscle repair and overall health.

Protein from lentils is also more affordable than meat. This makes lentils a budget-friendly option for getting enough protein in my meals.

Why Are Lentils Rich in Fiber?

Lentils are also rich in dietary fiber, with one cup providing approximately 15 grams. This fiber helps with digestion and can prevent constipation.

Eating fiber-rich foods like lentils can help me feel full for longer. This is especially useful if I’m watching my weight.

Fiber is known to support heart health by lowering cholesterol levels. Regularly consuming lentils contributes to my overall wellness.

What Vitamins and Minerals Are Found in Lentils?

In addition to protein and fiber, lentils are a good source of essential vitamins and minerals. They provide significant amounts of iron, folate, and magnesium.

Iron in lentils is vital for transporting oxygen in the blood. Folate is important for cell division and can be particularly beneficial for pregnant women.

Magnesium aids in muscle function and supports a healthy immune system. Including lentils in my meals can help me cover my daily nutritional needs effectively.

What Are the Ideal Dressings for Lentil Salads?

When preparing lentil salads, choosing the right dressing enhances flavors and complements the texture. I find that both vinaigrettes and creamy dressings can elevate these dishes. Here are my favorite options for each type.

What Are Some Vinaigrette Variations for Lentil Salads?

Vinaigrettes are versatile and can bring a bright, tangy flavor to lentil salads. I often mix 3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar for a classic balance. You can use different types of vinegar, such as balsamic or apple cider, to change the flavor profile.

Adding mustard, honey, or herbs like thyme or basil can provide depth. For a Mediterranean twist, I sometimes incorporate lemon juice and olive oil. This combination pairs well with lentils and fresh vegetables.

Here’s a simple recipe that I enjoy:

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Shake the ingredients in a jar or whisk them in a bowl. Pour over the lentil salad before serving for a refreshing taste.

How Can Creamy Dressings Be Used with Lentil Salads?

Creamy dressings can add a rich texture to lentil salads. I often use Greek yogurt or tahini as a base. They offer a creamy consistency without being too heavy.

For a flavorful twist, I blend in garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs. This not only enhances the taste but also adds nutritional benefits. A specific mix I enjoy includes:

½ cup Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons tahini
2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 garlic clove, minced
Salt to taste

This dressing works well with protein-rich lentils, making for a hearty meal. Drizzle it over the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.

10 Best Lentil Salad Recipes for Healthy Eating