What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This cold lentil salad is a revitalizing and nutritious dish perfect for any occasion.
It’s easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. You’ll love it because it’s quick to make, requires minimal cooking, and offers a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.
It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite veggies or dressings. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead meal that stays fresh for days.
Recipe
Cold Lentil Salad is a revitalizing and nutritious dish, perfect for a light meal or a side dish. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, making it a healthy choice for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 cups water
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled lentils, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes:
- For added protein, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or chickpeas.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Serving: 4
- Calories: 250 per serving
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
This cold lentil salad is a nutritious and satisfying dish, perfect for a light meal or side. Below is the nutritional information per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugars | 5 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my cold lentil salad with grilled vegetables, like zucchini or bell peppers, because they add a smoky flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
Fresh bread, like a crusty baguette or warm pita, is another go-to for me, as it’s great for soaking up any dressing.
These combos make the meal feel complete and satisfying every time.
Grilled Vegetables
A few grilled vegetables can turn a simple cold lentil salad into a hearty, satisfying meal. I love adding grilled zucchini for its mild, slightly charred flavor. I slice it thick, brush it with olive oil, and grill until tender.
Marinated bell peppers are another favorite—I toss them in a mix of garlic, herbs, and balsamic vinegar before grilling. The sweetness of the peppers pairs perfectly with the earthy lentils.
Together, these veggies bring color, texture, and a smoky depth that makes the dish feel special. It’s a simple upgrade that always impresses, even on busy nights.
Fresh Bread Pairings
Grilled veggies and lentils are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with a slice of fresh bread on the side.
I love pairing this salad with warm, crusty artisan breads like sourdough or ciabatta—they’re perfect for soaking up the tangy dressing.
If you’re avoiding gluten, don’t worry! There are plenty of gluten-free options, like a hearty seed loaf or a soft, chewy baguette made with alternative flours.
I often tear off a piece and dip it right into the salad—it’s messy but so worth it. Trust me, the combo is simple, satisfying, and makes every bite feel like a treat.
