Savor the Flavor of our Vegan Lentil Salad
Indulge in a nutritious and flavorful dish with our Vegan Lentil Salad recipe. Packed with protein, fiber, and an array of vibrant vegetables, this salad is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a wholesome meal prep option, this recipe has you covered. Read on for a detailed guide to creating this delectable dish, along with nutritional information and Smart WW points to help you stay on track with your wellness goals.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the Lentils:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed lentils and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Drain any excess liquid and let the lentils cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice the cucumber, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the fresh parsley and cilantro.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon juice, maple syrup or agave nectar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled lentils with the diced vegetables and chopped herbs. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste if needed.
- Chill and Serve:
- Cover the lentil salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light and nutritious main course.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cup of salad
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 12g
Smart WW Points:
- Each serving of this Vegan Lentil Salad is calculated to be 6 SmartPoints, making it a satisfying and healthful addition to your WW meal plan.
Useful Information:
- This salad can be customized based on your preferences and what’s in season. Feel free to add other vegetables like diced avocado, shredded carrots, or chopped spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors may even improve as they have more time to meld together.