Garden Vegetable Lentil Salad

Bursting with vibrant colors and wholesome flavors, this Garden Vegetable Lentil Salad is the perfect balance of health and taste. Packed with hearty green lentils, crisp carrots, refreshing cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and sweet red bell pepper, this salad brings together a medley of garden-fresh vegetables. Tossed in a zesty homemade dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a hint of cumin, it’s a light yet satisfying dish that’s ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Ready in under an hour, this protein-rich, plant-based recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for anyone seeking a nutrient-packed salad that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Enjoy it as a standalone meal, or pair it with your favorite protein for an irresistible side dish!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Green lentils
• 3 cups Water
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 medium Carrot
• 1 small Cucumber
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium Red bell pepper
• 0.25 medium Red onion
• 0.25 cup Fresh parsley
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 clove Garlic
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the green lentils under cold water to remove any debris.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils, 3 cups of water, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer the lentils for 20-25 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool completely.

Step 4

While the lentils are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the carrot, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes.

Step 5

Finely chop the fresh parsley and set it aside.

Step 6

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, and black pepper to make the dressing.

Step 7

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils, chopped vegetables, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt or pepper if desired.

Step 9

Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1124.2 grams (1124.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	487

Total Fat 43.20g	55%
Saturated Fat 6.70g	34%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 77mg	3%
Total Carbohydrate 23.40g	9%
Dietary Fiber 6.30g	23%
Total Sugars 10.30g
Protein 3.70g	7%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 134mg	10%
Iron 3mg	17%
Potassium 785mg	17%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 78.2%

Protein: 3.0%

Carbs: 18.8%