American Lentil Salad
Prep
15 mins
Cook
30 mins
Servings
4
Difficulty
Easy
This American lentil salad has become my go to weeknight dinner because it's ready in less than an hour and costs just a few dollars to make. Red lentils are packed with protein and fiber, keeping you satisfied long after you've finished eating. The beauty of this salad is how forgiving it is. You can swap vegetables based on what's in your fridge, and the apple cider vinaigrette brings everything together with a bright, tangy flavor. It's wholesome comfort food that actually makes you feel good about what you're eating.
Ella x
Ingredients
- 250 gred lentils
- 100 gchopped onion
- 100 gchopped bell pepper
- 100 gchopped carrot
- 100 gchopped celery
- 150 gchopped cucumber
- 200 gdiced apple
- 80 mlapple cider vinaigrette
- 2 gsalt
- 1 gblack pepper
- 20 gchopped fresh parsley
- 50 gcrumbled feta cheese (optional)(adds a tangy flavor)
Detail level
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the lentils and soak them in water for 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Tip: Use a fine mesh strainer for easy draining.
- 2
Heat the apple cider vinaigrette in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Tip: Whisk constantly to prevent scorching.
- 3
In a large bowl, combine the lentils, chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, celery, and cucumber.
Tip: Massage the vegetables with your hands to release their juices.
- 4
Add the diced apple, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss to combine.
Tip: Adjust seasoning to taste.
- 5
Stir in the cooked lentils and chopped parsley.
Tip: Use a gentle folding motion to avoid breaking the vegetables.
- 6
Drizzle the heated vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine.
Tip: Use a large serving spoon to coat the salad evenly.
- 7
If using feta cheese, crumble it over the salad and toss gently.
Tip: This adds a tangy flavor, but feel free to omit if you prefer.
Recipe Variations
Get AI-powered ingredient substitution suggestions.
You Might Also Like
Beergarita
My go to drink for summer gatherings is this refreshing Beergarita, and let me tell you, it's a total crowd pleaser. The combination of tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and a cold Corona creates something that tastes way more complicated than it actually is. Lime juice is packed with vitamin C, which is great for your immune system, and the whole thing takes just five minutes to throw together. Best part? It's incredibly budget friendly since you're probably already stocking most of these ingredients anyway.
Tropical Quinoa
This tropical quinoa bowl has become my go to weeknight dinner because it comes together in just forty minutes and tastes like a mini vacation on a plate. Quinoa is one of my favorite ingredients since it's a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, making it so satisfying and perfect for keeping energy levels steady. The combination of papaya, red bell pepper, and fresh cilantro brings vibrant flavors and colors, while the rice wine vinegar and orange zest add just the right brightness. Best part is the ingredient list is simple and affordable, yet feels fancy enough to impress anyone at your table.
Crispy seabass with preserved lemon yogurt
This is one of my favorite quick weeknight dinners because it comes together in just ten minutes flat. Crispy seabass with preserved lemon yogurt is that perfect balance of impressive and effortless, with tangy Greek yogurt and zingy preserved lemon creating a sauce that feels restaurant quality but tastes like home. The seabass gets beautifully golden and flaky while the freekeh provides substantial whole grains packed with fiber and protein. It's the kind of meal that makes you feel like you're treating yourself without any fuss.
Reviews
Sign in to write a review.