Looking for a healthy and delicious salad option that is both satisfying and bursting with flavor? This easy lentil salad with citrus dressing is the perfect choice! Packed with protein-rich lentils, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy citrus dressing, this salad is a treat for your taste buds and a nutritious addition to your meal. Whether you’re a vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this salad is a winner!.
Ingredients
For the salad:.
- 1 cup lentils, cooked and drained
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
For the citrus dressing:.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, fresh parsley, and fresh mint. Toss gently to mix all the ingredients together.
2. Make the citrus dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic clove, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well combined and the dressing emulsifies.
3. Dress the salad
Pour the citrus dressing over the lentil salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
4. Let it marinate
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Serve and enjoy!
Once chilled, give the salad a final toss and transfer it to a serving bowl or portion it into individual plates. Serve and enjoy this refreshing and nourishing lentil salad with citrus dressing!.
Benefits of Easy Lentil Salad
By incorporating this easy lentil salad into your diet, you’ll reap a variety of health benefits:.
1. High in Protein
Lentils are an excellent source of plant-based protein, making this salad a great option for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to increase their protein intake.
2. Rich in Fiber
Both lentils and the vegetables in this salad are rich in dietary fiber, which helps support a healthy digestive system and can aid in weight management.
3. Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
The combination of vibrant vegetables, such as bell peppers and cherry tomatoes, provides a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals that are important for overall health and well-being.
4. Supports Heart Health
The citrus dressing in this salad provides a dose of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the extra virgin olive oil. Additionally, lentils contain beneficial compounds that may help lower cholesterol levels.
5. Promotes Weight Loss
Thanks to their high protein and fiber content, lentils help promote feelings of fullness and can aid in weight loss or maintenance.
Conclusion
This easy lentil salad with citrus dressing is a simple and nutritious recipe that can be enjoyed as a main meal or as a refreshing side dish.
Packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, this salad is not only incredibly delicious but also supports a healthy lifestyle. Whip up a batch today and experience the goodness of this vibrant and flavorful lentil salad!.