Who ever said a salad had to mean greens topped or mixed with some veg never tried a good lentil salad, corn salad, or black eyed pea salad. I’ve always loved lentils but love them even more since learning about marinated lentils and the many ways to use them. Like this super simple Marinated Lentil Salad Bowl.
In 2020, I joined in the Epicurious Cooking Through It framework & ever since then I try to keep a batch of marinated lentils in the fridge as much as possible. These days I add veggies like chopped carrots, celery, onions & garlic to the mix.
They’re equally delicious on they’re own or added to soups & salads. And lentils are super nutritious because they are high in fiber, protein, vitamins & minerals. They’re also low in calories so using them in recipes is a WIN!
Marinated Lentil Salad Bowl
This particular recipe is super simple & quick, especially if you make it a habit of keep a jar of marinated lentils on hand. It comes together in as little time as it takes to slice a cucumber, tomato, & avocado. The onion is totally optional but adds a nice kick.
I topped mine with a tablespoon of hemp seeds & a few sprays of EVOO + hemp oil for a super boost of omega fatty acids.
Best of all there’s no need for any dressing because the lentils are already full of flavor from the marinade. Just a tiny sprinkle of salt & cracked black pepper and it’s done!
Marinated Lentil Salad Bowl
Ingredients
- ½-1 cup Marinated Lentils (with chopped carrots, celery, & onions)
- ½ Sliced cucumber
- 1 Sliced roma tomato
- ½ Sliced avocado
- Fresh basil leaves
- 1 T EVOO
- salt & pepper to taste
- OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS:
- Diced onions
- Hemp seeds
- Hemp oil
Instructions
For a pretty presentation, fan out the sliced veggies on one side of the bowl.
Layer the fanned tomatoes with whole basil leaves.
Add the lentils to the opposite side keeping everything separate.
Top everything with hemp seeds & chopped onions (if using).
Sprinkle with sea salt & fresh cracked black pepper.
Spritz the entire dish with EVOO & hemp oil if you're using it.
Enjoy alone, with crusty bread, or as a side dish.
Notes
As always, leave out or substitute any items you don't love or already have on hand with what you do love or have.
You can use plain marinated lentils using this recipe from Epicurious.
Add mozzarella cheese to the tomato & basil for full Italian flair.
Add other fresh herbs that you love for extra flavor.
You could also give the finished bowl a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a little extra zing.
Add tuna, seared steak, or chicken if you want more protein & are not vegan or vegetarian. Any of these options will also keep it light.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 1 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving:Calories: 753Total Fat: 58gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 48gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 315mgCarbohydrates: 47gFiber: 18gSugar: 11gProtein: 23g
I am not a nutritionist or dietician. Please consult one or your doctor if you are on a special diet. These numbers are auto-generated based on the ingredients in my recipe.
That looks delicious. I have done blackeye pea salad and of late sweet potato salad. Sweet potato salad is my favorite of the two. Lentil salad will be on list to try.