Delicious and Nutritious: Red Lentil Salad Recipe
Are you looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy lentils? Look no further than this delicious Red Lentil Salad Recipe. As a chef, I have always been drawn to the hearty, nutty flavor of lentils, and this recipe brings out the best in these protein-packed legumes.
Not only is this salad easy to make, but it’s also healthy and vegan-friendly. It’s the perfect meal for those who want something light and refreshing without sacrificing flavor.
What sets this Red Lentil Salad apart from others is the variety of fresh ingredients that are included. With boston lettuce leaves, fresh mint, cilantro, red bell pepper, radish, carrot, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, this salad is like a confetti celebration on a plate.
To add even more depth to the flavors, the dressing includes cardamom seed, black mustard seeds, cumin seed, garam masala, garlic cloves, fresh ginger, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
I promise that this recipe will leave you feeling satisfied and energized – perfect for any meal of the day! So let’s get started in creating an easy and healthy dish packed with flavor – my red lentil salad recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you tired of the same old boring salad recipe? Do you want to spice up your mealtime with some new and exciting flavors? If yes, then my red lentil salad recipe is perfect for you!
This salad is packed with flavor, texture, and nutrition. The star ingredient, red lentils, provides a hearty base that’s packed with plant-based protein and fiber. The various fresh veggies such as radish, bell pepper, and carrots give this salad a satisfying crunch, while the mint and cilantro add a bright pop of freshness to every bite.
But what really sets this dish apart are the spices. My secret blend of black mustard seeds, cumin seed, cardamom seed, garlic cloves, garam masala, and fresh ginger gives the red lentils a burst of warm and savory flavor. This isn’t just any ordinary salad – it’s an explosion of deliciousness that will have your taste buds dancing.
And did I mention it’s easy to prepare? This recipe requires no complicated techniques or special equipment. All you need are some simple ingredients and about 30 minutes to cook the lentils. You can even make it ahead of time for a quick lunch or dinner option during busy weekdays.
Lastly, this recipe is a great option for anyone looking for a vegan and gluten-free meal. It’s perfect on its own or as a side dish to complement your main course. Trust me; once you try this red lentil salad recipe, you won’t want to go back to any other boring salads again!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need for this deliciously healthy Red Lentil Salad Recipe:
- 1 cup dried red lentils, cooked
- 1/2 red pepper, finely diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and grated
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 Boston lettuce leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 3 radish, sliced
For the dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
For the spice mix:
- 1/4 tsp cardamom seeds
- 1/2 tsp black mustard seeds
- 1/2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp garam masala
For the lentil confetti (optional):
- 1 bay leaf
- Cooked red lentils (from the ingredient list above)
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have introduced and highlighted the reasons why you’ll love this Red Lentil Salad Recipe, let’s dive right into how to make it!
Cooking the Lentils
- Step 1: Rinse and sort 2 cups of dried red lentils.
- Step 2: Add the lentils to a pot with 4 cups of water, 1 bay leaf, 1 crushed garlic clove and bring to a boil.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to low then let it simmer for around 15 minutes until the lentils are tender enough but still retain their texture. Drain them in a colander and get rid of the bay leaf and garlic clove. Don’t forget to reserve some cooking water, just in case you need it later.
Sautéing the Spices
- Step 4: In a pan, heat up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Step 5: Add in three Indian-origin spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom seed. Cook until they give off a flavor, for about one minute.
Preparing the Vegetables
- Step 6: Remove seeds from 1 large red bell pepper then finely slice into thin pieces.
- Step 7: Finely dice half a red onion.
- Step 8: Cut off stems from around 6 carrots then chop them into small pieces
- Step 9: Chop into small dice 6 radishes.
- Step 10: Thinly slice lengthwise 4 Boston lettuce leaves.
- Step 11: Half 20 cherry tomatoes.
Creating Dressing
- Step 12: In a small mixing bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients; 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, ⅛ cup red wine vinegar, ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1 garlic clove (minced), salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Combining All Ingredients
- Step 13: Pour your cooked lentils in your serving dish then add all vegetables: Red Bell Pepper, Red Onion, Tomatoes, Shoestring Carrots, Radish & {red pepper freshly chopped herbs}
- Don’t forget to reserve some vegetables for garnish.
Mixing EVERYTHING Together
- Step 14: Drizzle your dressing over everything; toss well. (Just keep some aside)
- Reserve some salad dressing for right before serving.
Now that we’ve completed all these steps…Congratulations! You’re done with your easy Red Lentil Salad recipe! Enjoy your healthy confetti salad with family or friends.
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have all the ingredients listed in this recipe for red lentil salad? No worries! This salad is versatile and can be adjusted to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
For a vegan version of the salad, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative. You can also add some roasted chickpeas for extra protein and crunch.
If you’re not a fan of red lentils, you can use green or Puy lentils instead. These will provide a slightly different texture and flavor to your salad, but they will still work well with the other ingredients.
For those who aren’t fond of cilantro or mint, you can substitute these herbs with parsley or basil. You can also use different types of lettuce such as arugula or mixed greens if you don’t have Boston lettuce available.
To spice things up, add some sliced jalapeños or chili flakes to give it an extra kick. You can also experiment with different dressings such as a lemon-herb vinaigrette or tahini dressing to switch up the flavor profile.
For a heartier meal, you can turn this salad into a pasta recipe by adding cooked pasta like fusilli or penne. The dressing and flavors will still work perfectly with the addition of pasta.
Overall, this red lentil salad is open to endless variations and substitutions depending on what’s available in your pantry or what suits your taste buds. So be creative and feel free to make it your own!
Serving and Pairing
This red lentil salad is an excellent option for those looking for a tasty, nutritious and vegan meal. You can serve it as a main dish, side dish or take it to a potluck. The dish is quite versatile, and it can be enjoyed in different ways.
The salad’s flavors are perfectly balanced for pairing with other dishes. You can serve it with grilled vegetables or roasted chicken to add more texture and flavor to your meal. You could also try pairing the salad with lentil soup or even lentil curry. It complements mediterranean lentil salad beautifully, and you could also use it as a pasta recipe by tossing it with some noodles for an added burst of color.
One of the best things about this recipe is that it offers so much freedom for creativity when making variations. For example, you could top the salad with some crumbled feta cheese for an extra touch of deliciousness.
For serving at parties or get-togethers, you should choose a large bowl to allow easy mixing of ingredients without any spillage. There’s no need to mess up your presentation! Once you’ve assembled all ingredients, top off your salad with fresh cilantro and mint leaves to add even more zing to the flavors.
Moreover, you can enjoy this salad throughout the seasons because of its warm or cold servability. Warm up on chilly evenings with fragrant cardamom seed or cumin seeds spiced lentils dressed with extra virgin olive oil, plenty of lemon juice; on sunny days just swap out those spices for raw pepper freshly chopped herbs such as cilantro, mint or parsley done in easy dijon mustard red wine vinegar dressing, and tart citrus like lime juice.
In conclusion, this easy red lentil confetti salad recipe is perfect for all occasions–from hosting a posh dinner party to eating alone at home: Its versatility makes us return time and time again.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this red lentil salad recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days, making it the perfect option for meal prep or a quick lunch on-the-go.
To make the most of your vegetable-loaded salad, cook up extra lentils and store them separately in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy another bowl of freshness, simply add the cooked lentils to your prepped vegetables, drizzle with your favorite dressing and you’re good to go!
The beauty of this easy vegan salad is that it tastes just as delicious after sitting in the fridge for a day or two. The flavors meld together and intensify, making each bite even more satisfying than the last. Plus, it’s the perfect way to save time on busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
If you’re looking to reheat your red lentil salad, simply pop it in the microwave for a minute or two until it’s warmed through. Be sure not to overheat it though, as the delicate herbs and vegetables could wilt and discolor.
Overall, this easy red lentil confetti salad is versatile and can be easily modified to suit your preferences. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days without losing its taste or texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients ready to go, let’s talk about some tips to ensure perfect results for your Red Lentil Salad recipe. With these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious salad that everyone will enjoy.
Firstly, make sure to cook the lentils properly. Overcooked or undercooked lentils can ruin the texture of your salad. It is crucial to simmer them gently until tender but not mushy. When cooking red lentils, keep an eye on the pot as they tend to cook much faster than other varieties.
Another tip is to add a bay leaf and a few whole spices like cardamom, mustard seeds, and cumin seeds while cooking the lentils. This will add extra flavor and aroma to the salad.
If you are short on time or prefer a more crunchy texture, use raw vegetables instead of cooked ones. However, if you’d like the veggies to be softer and more tender, it’s best to blanch them briefly in salted water before adding them to the salad.
When making the dressing, use freshly squeezed lime juice and high-quality olive oil for maximum flavor. You can also add chopped fresh herbs like mint or cilantro for an extra pop of freshness.
If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce the amount of garam masala and chili flakes according to your taste preferences. On the other hand, if you love spice, feel free to increase these ingredients a bit.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with this recipe! Experiment with different toppings such as crumbled feta cheese or sliced avocado, or try adding cooked rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
By following these tips, you’ll end up with a perfect bowl of Red Lentil Salad each time you make it. Enjoy!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an easy, healthy and delicious recipe that’s perfect for any meal or occasion, you must try this red lentil salad recipe. With its colorful confetti of vegetables like red bell pepper, radish and carrot, fragrant herbs like cilantro and mint, and a flavorful dressing made with olive oil, Dijon mustard and lime juice, the red lentil salad is both satisfying and refreshing.
Whether you prefer to serve it as a vegan main dish or a side salad with some grilled fish or chicken, the red lentil salad is versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. You can also customize the recipe to suit your taste by adding or substituting ingredients like cherry tomatoes, feta cheese or black rice.
Moreover, the red lentil salad recipe is not only delicious but also nutritious. Red lentils are an excellent source of protein, fiber and essential vitamins and minerals that support a healthy lifestyle. They also cook faster than other types of lentils and don’t require soaking beforehand.
So why not break away from your usual routine and treat yourself to something new and exciting today? With this easy red lentil salad recipe on hand, you’ll be able to create a colorful masterpiece that will impress your friends and family alike. Give it a try and discover how simple it can be to make a healthy and tasty meal that satisfies your cravings without compromising your well-being.
Red Lentil Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole almond
- 1 cup dried red lentils
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons garam masala
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seed
- 1/2 teaspoon black mustard seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom seed
- 1 pinch coriander seed
- 1 lime, juice of
- 1 cup carrot, grated
- 1 cup radish, grated
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of fresh mint, chopped
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
- 8 boston lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Toast the almonds in a heavy skillet over medium heat until they are golden and very aromatic, 5-6 minutes. Roughly chop them and set aside.
- Put the lentils in a medium saucepan and cover with cold water. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Cook until they are just barely tender and still quite red, about 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process. Shake out all excess water and then put the lentils into a large bowl.
- Pour the oil in a skillet and when hot, add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the garam masala, cumin, mustard, cardamom and coriander seeds and cook for 1 minute. Add the lime juice and pour over the lentils. Add the carrots, radish, red peppers, cilantro and mint. Season with salt and pepper and toss well to combine.
- Line a serving platter with overlapping lettuce leaves. Mount the lentil salad over them. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and serve.
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