Lentil Salad – A Bold, Flavor-Packed Dish You Need to Try!
If you’re looking for an easy and healthy dish, this lentil salad recipe is a must-try! Bursting with fresh, zesty flavors and a perfect balance of textures, it’s a versatile dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
It has a slight sweetness and a bit of spice. Full of bright citrus and warm spices like cumin, curry powder, and a hint of cinnamon. For an easy meal prep option or a great potluck dish, this easy salad is perfect.
A Go-To Lentil Salad Recipe for Any Occasion
This is easily one of my most made and most loved recipes on the blog. It’s the kind of dish that surprises people with just how much flavor you can pack into one bowl.
The mix of fresh herbs, dried fruit, and crunchy veggies makes every bite an absolute delight. Plus, it’s a healthy, protein-packed option that keeps well in the fridge, making it a staple for busy weeks.
Meal Prep, Potluck Hero, or the Ultimate Dip
What I love most about this lentil salad is how flexible it is. It works beautifully as a hearty salad on its own, but you can also scoop it up with tortilla chips as a unique dip. Trust me, if you’ve never tried it this way, you’re missing out—the combination of crunch, spice, and freshness is next-level.
Planning for the week ahead? This dish holds up like a champ for up to five days in the fridge, making it one of my go-to easy lentil recipes for meal prep. And if you’re heading to a potluck, this is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love it!
Let’s Talk Ingredients
This lentil salad recipe is packed with nutritious ingredients and bold flavors that come together in the best way. Here’s what makes this dish shine:
Lentils
Lentils are the heart of this dish. You can use dried lentils or canned—both work great.
I typically go with canned, brown lentils for ease and speed. Plus, they pack a punch with 18g of protein per cup! They’re also a fantastic source of fiber, folate, and potassium, making this dish both delicious and nutritious.
Spices that Make the Difference
Cumin and curry powder add a warm, earthy flavor. A hint of cinnamon gives a light sweetness that brings it all together. These spices add a Moroccan chickpea salad-style depth of flavor that adds medium heat and makes this dish stand out from other lentil salad recipes.
Fresh Citrus & Herbs
The zing of fresh lemon juice and zest brightens everything up, while a mix of cilantro and mint adds layers of herby goodness. The cilantro brings a tangy, citrus-like note, while the mint adds a hint of cooling freshness. This combination is a game-changer for a bold and balanced lentil salad recipe.
Crunch & Sweetness from Veggies & Dried Fruit
A great salad is all about texture, and this one delivers. Red onion and red bell pepper bring the crunch, while dried cranberries add a chewy pop of sweetness. The balance of flavors—sweet, tangy, spicy, and savory—is what makes this dish so special.
A Splash of Red Wine Vinegar, A Touch of Honey and a Drizzle of Olive Oil
Red wine vinegar adds a bright acidity that enhances all the flavors. A drizzle of honey balances the tanginess with a hint of sweetness. The olive oil brings everything together. These three simple ingredients work together to round out the dish perfectly.
How to Serve This Delicious Dish
While I love eating this lentil salad on its own, there are so many ways to enjoy it:
- With Chips: Scoop it up with tortilla chips (Tostitos Scoops are my go-to). The combo of crunch, spice, and zest is unreal.
- With Greens: Serve it over a bed of spinach salad for an extra boost of greens and a fresh, vibrant meal.
- As a Side: This dish pairs amazingly alongside grilled chicken or fish.
Why You’ll Love This Lentil Salad Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Takes just 10 minutes to throw everything together in a large bowl.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep and stays fresh for up to five days.
- Packed with Flavor: Spices, citrus, fresh herbs, and dried fruit come together beautifully.
- Versatile: Works as a salad, dip, or side dish.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Loaded with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
If you’re looking for easy lentil recipes that check all the boxes, this one is an absolute must-try.
You can make it for a quick lunch. Also perfect for meal prep for the week. If you bring it to a potluck, everyone will want more!
Give it a try and let me know what you think. Can’t wait for you to taste just how good this delicious dish truly is!
Other Recipes You Will Love!
Ingredients:
- 2 cans lentils – well drained
- ½ cup diced red onions
- ⅓ cup diced red peppers
- 1 apple, diced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
- ¾ cup dried cranberries
- zest from 1 lemon
- juice from 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp olive oil
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients into a bowl. Mix and serve! Salad will stay in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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What size is a ‘can’ of lentils
Hi James, I used two 540 ml cans. Hope that helps!
Hi Andy! Love, love, love all of your recipes and content and cannot wait to make this salad!!!! I JUST went out and got all the ingredients for it but knew I had bagged red lentils at home so will use those, but I’m just wondering what size of cans you’re using? Thanks so much!!!
Hi Nicolle, I used two 540 ml cans of lentils for this recipe. Please report back and let me know what you think. Enjoy!
I think there’s a typo for the vinegar and olive oil quantities in the recipe. Perhaps the amounts have been reversed? The description shows a drizzle of olive but the recipe has only a tsp of oil. I think a drizzle is much more than a tsp…
Hi there! Personally, I tend to eyeball the dressing ingredients to taste (a little more olive oil, a splash of vinegar), but the recipe gives you a solid starting point. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your preferences!
Soooo….YUMMY! This dish is deeee-lish! I made this as a meal prep item to keep me snacking on healthy items. Andy said it was a house hold staple and worth the try. I was a little skeptical because it has a lot of flavors going on, but some how they create a beautiful symphony all in one bite. I had friends over and let them try and they asked for the recipe!
Love this so much,BJ—thank you! Totally get the initial skepticism with all those flavors, but I’m thrilled it came together for you. Thanks for trusting the process and sharing the love!
This is delicious and so easy to make. Thank you!
Thanks for trying this and sharing the love, Julie! It’s a great recipe!