Lentil Salad - Refreshing and Hearty
This Lentil Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish perfect for a light meal or side. Packed with nutritious lentils, fresh vegetables, and a zesty vinaigrette, it’s flavorful and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a refreshing dinner option, this lentil salad will leave you feeling satisfied and nourished.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Optional: feta cheese, crumbled for topping
Directions
Cook the lentils. In a medium pot, bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add the lentils and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess liquid and let them cool.
Prepare the vegetables. While the lentils cook, chop the onion, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and parsley. Place them in a large salad bowl.
Make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Combine the salad. Once the lentils have cooled, add them to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, top with crumbled feta cheese for an extra flavor boost. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.
Recipe tips
Cooking the lentils in vegetable broth instead of water adds more depth of flavor. Allow the lentils to cool to room temperature before combining with the vegetables to prevent wilting. dd in extras like avocado, roasted nuts, or olives to enhance texture and taste. The salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. The flavors actually get better as it sits!
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
This Creamy Pasta Salad is a delightful mix of tender pasta, fresh vegetables, and a rich, tangy dressing. It’s perfect for those warm days when you want something light but satisfying. The flavors meld beautifully, making each bite refreshing and comforting. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or just need a quick meal, this pasta salad will surely impress.
A Chef Salad is a classic, refreshing dish that brings together crisp greens, savory meats, cheeses, and a variety of vegetables. This hearty salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. It’s versatile, customizable, and packed with flavor. The combination of textures and tastes makes it a favorite for those who want a delicious, nutritious meal in a short amount of time.
This kale salad is a fresh, vibrant dish that’s perfect for those who love to cook their own healthy meals. Packed with nutritious ingredients like kale, avocado, and seeds, this salad offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The slight bitterness of the kale is balanced by the creamy avocado, while a tangy lemon dressing ties it all together. This salad is a versatile dish that works well as a light lunch, a side dish, or a quick dinner.
This Mixed Greens Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish perfect for a light meal or a refreshing side. Packed with leafy greens, crunchy vegetables, and a simple vinaigrette, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. You can customize it by adding your favorite toppings like nuts, seeds, or cheese. Whether you need a quick lunch or a side for dinner, this salad will add a healthy and delicious touch to your meal.
Barley salad is a refreshing and healthy dish that's perfect for any meal. Nutty barley combined with fresh vegetables, tangy lemon dressing, and a sprinkle of herbs makes this salad light yet filling. It’s a great option for meal prep and can be served warm or cold. Whether you're looking for a wholesome side dish or a hearty lunch, this barley salad is a go-to choice.
This refreshing Carrot Salad is the perfect combination of crisp, sweet, and tangy flavors. It's a simple yet delicious dish that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh carrots, balanced with a tangy dressing and a hint of herbs. Whether you're looking for a light side dish or a healthy snack, this salad will leave you satisfied without any guilt. It's great for picnics, barbecues, or just a quick and easy addition to your everyday meals.
Panzanella Salad is a classic Italian dish that makes use of stale bread and fresh summer vegetables. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Traditionally, Panzanella combines ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and chunks of bread soaked in olive oil and vinegar. This dish is perfect for summer meals, when tomatoes are at their ripest. It’s easy to prepare, with no cooking required, making it a great option for a quick lunch or a side dish at dinner. Plus, it’s customizable — feel free to add your favorite vegetables or even some cheese for a heartier version.
This refreshing Pear Salad is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, combining juicy pears, crunchy nuts, creamy cheese, and fresh greens. The light honey and lemon dressing adds a delicate touch of sweetness that complements the salad beautifully. It's an easy-to-make dish that works wonderfully as a light lunch or a side dish for dinner, and it's great for impressing guests with its elegance and simplicity.
A fresh, vibrant Garden Salad is a perfect addition to any meal, or a light, satisfying dish on its own. Crisp greens, juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and colorful bell peppers come together in this easy-to-make salad, finished with a simple homemade vinaigrette. This healthy, versatile dish brings the flavors of a summer garden to your table, making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch. Customize with your favorite vegetables or add-ons like cheese or croutons for extra flavor.
This classic Macaroni Salad is the perfect side dish for summer picnics, barbecues, or any family gathering. With its creamy dressing, crunchy vegetables, and tender pasta, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. It's easy to prepare, and you can customize it with your favorite ingredients like boiled eggs, pickles, or even a hint of mustard. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe delivers a delicious result every time.
This fresh and vibrant spinach salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, featuring crisp baby spinach, sweet cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, crunchy red onions, and toasted almonds. A homemade balsamic vinaigrette ties it all together, making this dish a delightful option for any meal. It’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for those who want to cook their own meals.
Egg salad is a simple, satisfying, and versatile dish that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or even as a side salad. It’s creamy, tangy, and full of flavor, making it a go-to option for a quick lunch or snack. This easy recipe uses just a few basic ingredients, but the result is rich and delicious. Whether you're making it ahead for meal prep or whipping it up fresh, egg salad is always a winner.
Lasagna is a hearty and comforting dish that brings rich layers of flavor with each bite. It’s a classic Italian meal that combines tender pasta sheets, savory meat sauce, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese. This recipe is ideal for family dinners or special gatherings, and its deep, satisfying taste makes it a favorite at the table. If you’ve never made lasagna from scratch before, don’t worry – with a little time and care, you’ll have a homemade lasagna that rivals any restaurant dish.
Onion gravy is a delicious and savory addition to any meal, especially with roasted meats, mashed potatoes, or Yorkshire pudding. This rich and flavorful gravy is made by slowly caramelizing onions until golden brown, then simmering them in a broth base to bring out their sweetness. It's a comforting classic that’s easy to make and adds a depth of flavor to your dishes. Whether for a Sunday roast or a holiday dinner, this onion gravy will elevate your meal with minimal effort.
Meat pies are a savory delight packed with a flavorful mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and herbs, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust. Perfect for a hearty meal, these pies are comforting and satisfying, whether served hot or cold. This classic recipe brings together tender beef, rich spices, and a perfectly golden crust that will make it a family favorite. Meat pies are versatile and can be enjoyed at any time of the day, making them a must-try dish for home cooks.
Juicy, smoky, and bursting with authentic flavor, Carne Asada is a classic Mexican grilled steak that's perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners. Marinated in a blend of citrus, spices, and herbs, this tender, char-grilled beef is ideal for tacos, burritos, or just enjoying on its own. Simple to make but rich in flavor, this Carne Asada will make your kitchen feel like an authentic Mexican taqueria.
This hearty black bean soup is rich in flavor and packed with nutrients. It’s a perfect meal for chilly days, offering a warm, comforting dish that’s easy to make. The beans are simmered with aromatic vegetables and spices, giving the soup a deep, savory taste. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for guests, this black bean soup is a versatile, healthy option that's both filling and delicious. Plus, it's naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
This flavorful Cajun Gravy is the perfect way to spice up your meals. Rich with traditional Cajun seasonings, this gravy pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, biscuits, fried chicken, or even rice. Its deep flavors come from a simple roux and bold spices, making it a versatile and satisfying addition to your Southern-inspired dishes.
This herb-infused gravy is rich, flavorful, and perfect for adding a fresh twist to any roast, mashed potatoes, or holiday meal. Infused with a blend of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage, this gravy adds an aromatic depth that complements the natural flavors of your dish. With a velvety texture and savory taste, it's a great addition to elevate any comfort food spread, whether it’s for a holiday feast or a simple weeknight dinner.
Stuffed grape leaves, or Dolma, is a traditional dish that brings together the bold flavors of lemon, herbs, and rice, wrapped in tender grape leaves. This delicious Mediterranean and Middle Eastern favorite is packed with fragrant herbs like dill and mint, and a hint of olive oil for a smooth, rich finish. A perfect appetizer or side dish, these little rolls are light, tangy, and satisfying. They can be served hot or cold, making them a versatile option for any meal or gathering.
KFC-style gravy is a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, chicken, or even biscuits. With just a few simple ingredients, you can recreate that iconic flavor at home. This recipe is quick and easy, giving you smooth, flavorful gravy just like your favorite fast-food restaurant. Get ready to elevate your meals with this delicious gravy!
Stuffed Bell Peppers are a delicious and colorful way to enjoy a healthy, filling meal. Juicy bell peppers are filled with a savory mix of ground meat, rice, and spices, then baked to perfection. This dish is versatile, satisfying, and can easily be adapted to different diets or flavors. The combination of textures—from the tender peppers to the hearty filling—makes it a favorite for families or meal prep. It’s also a fantastic way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while enjoying a protein-packed meal.
Strawberry shortcake is the perfect dessert for summer, featuring soft, buttery shortcake biscuits topped with juicy strawberries and fresh whipped cream. This classic treat is light, slightly sweet, and bursting with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you're celebrating a holiday or just want a simple dessert, strawberry shortcake offers a delightful balance of textures and freshness.
These homemade chicken nuggets are crispy, tender, and full of flavor—a great alternative to fast food. Made with real chicken breast and seasoned breading, they're perfect for any meal or snack. Kids and adults alike will love this crunchy, juicy bite-sized treat that pairs well with a variety of dips.
Fresh, light, and packed with colorful veggies, these Spring Rolls are a delightful appetizer or snack that you can easily whip up at home. Traditionally found in Vietnamese cuisine, these rolls are wrapped in rice paper and served with a savory peanut dipping sauce. They are versatile, refreshing, and perfect for those looking for a healthy yet satisfying dish.
This Roasted Red Pepper Soup is a rich, vibrant dish packed with smoky-sweet flavors of roasted red peppers, garlic, and onions. It’s creamy, healthy, and comforting, perfect for cool days when you crave something warm and nourishing. With a blend of spices and a hint of creaminess, this soup is simple to make yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. Pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal, or enjoy it as a light starter.
This rich, savory Instant Pot Gravy is perfect for your holiday dinners or whenever you’re craving something comforting. With the Instant Pot, you can make flavorful, silky gravy in just a few minutes, using only a handful of ingredients. Say goodbye to lumps and uneven textures—this easy method yields consistently smooth results every time. Whether it's for a Thanksgiving turkey, mashed potatoes, or any other dish needing a comforting touch, this gravy will quickly become your go-to!
This Creamy Chicken Gravy is a rich, flavorful sauce perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or chicken dishes. Made with simple ingredients, this recipe is easy to whip up, and it adds a comforting, savory element to any meal. The combination of chicken stock and cream makes for a luscious, silky gravy that’s sure to impress your family and guests.
Stuffed Jalapeños are a delicious, spicy appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering. These bite-sized treats are filled with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and topped with savory seasonings that balance the heat of the jalapeños. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving a snack, these stuffed jalapeños are quick, easy, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
A Cheese Danish is a delightful pastry that pairs a buttery, flaky crust with a smooth, creamy cheese filling. It's the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-afternoon snack. While it may seem like a treat you'd only buy from a bakery, this recipe will show you how easy it is to make your own at home. You’ll impress your family and friends with this light, flaky pastry filled with a rich cream cheese filling.
If you're craving something sweet with a tangy twist, these Lemon Bars will hit the spot! A buttery, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust topped with a smooth, zesty lemon filling. They're the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making them ideal for a light dessert or afternoon treat. This simple recipe can be whipped up in under an hour and is guaranteed to brighten your day with a burst of citrus flavor.
Pho is a flavorful, aromatic Vietnamese noodle soup, perfect for any occasion. The broth is infused with spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves, simmered with beef bones to develop a rich, savory base. Rice noodles and tender slices of beef are added to create a comforting bowl of goodness. Topped with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime, Pho delivers a perfect balance of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. It’s a delicious dish for those who enjoy making hearty meals from scratch and brings authentic Vietnamese flavors to your kitchen.