Red Lentil and Watercress Salad

Brighten up your mealtime with this vibrant Red Lentil and Watercress Salad, a perfect balance of nourishing ingredients and zesty flavors! This healthy and easy-to-make dish combines protein-packed red lentils, peppery watercress, juicy cherry tomatoes, and crisp cucumber for a delightful texture and taste. A tangy homemade dressing made with extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard ties it all together, adding a touch of sweetness and depth. Ready in just 30 minutes, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying option for a light meal or an elegant side dish. With fresh parsley as a finishing touch, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Perfect for those seeking a nutrient-rich, plant-based recipe packed with flavor and vibrant greens!

Nutriscore Rating: 82/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 200 grams red lentils
• 100 grams watercress
• 150 grams cherry tomatoes
• 1 medium-sized cucumber
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Place the lentils in a medium-sized pot, cover with 3 times the amount of water, and bring to a boil.

Step 2

Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook the lentils for 10-12 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside to cool.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooling, wash the watercress thoroughly and pat dry. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 5

In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked lentils, watercress, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and chopped parsley.

Step 6

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper to your preference.

Step 8

Serve immediately as a light meal or side dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	748.2 grams (748.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	703

Total Fat 44.60g	57%
Saturated Fat 6.40g	32%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1359mg	59%
Total Carbohydrate 63.00g	23%
Dietary Fiber 19.60g	70%
Total Sugars 17.60g
Protein 23.30g	47%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 223mg	17%
Iron 9mg	47%
Potassium 1822mg	39%

*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: 53.8%

Protein: 12.5%

Carbs: 33.8%