If you are already reading this article, you probably want to bring a little variety to your culinary outlook. And we will gladly help you with this. Today we will talk about how to cook a salad with lentils. The recipe for such a dish can be called almost ideal for a healthy diet, and many will like it. A lot of different delicacies are prepared from lentils, and in some countries it occupies almost the first place in cooking. In our country, dishes from these legumes are not so popular, but thanks to a wide range of products imported to supermarkets, today lentils have become easily accessible.
Oldest of cultures
Yes this is true. Lentils are one of the most famous and oldest cultures on the planet. Its use is so great that in many countries it was used initially as a medicine, and after that they learned how to bake bread and prepare a lot of delicious dishes from it, and even today lentils are considered the “queen” of all legumes.
One can talk endlessly about its beneficial qualities, but we will only make a small emphasis on exactly what lentil salad will be useful for. The recipe will certainly include fresh vegetables and beans (canned or boiled). Fresh vegetables will play an important role - due to their vitamin C content, the beneficial properties of tiny beans will be fully utilized. The body will be able to absorb as much as possible all the trace elements and vitamins it needs, which are so rich in lentils. Salad recipes (we will also attach a photo to them) will be relevant for people who are overweight, because there are a lot of protein in lentils, which is so necessary for us to be strong and energetic, but there is practically no fat in it. This is a great diet dish that will be hearty and light at the same time. So let's get started.
Chicken and Lentil Salad
We suggest you try the chicken salad with lentils. A recipe with a photo and description will help you prepare. A completely simple version of a summer dish, which can be used both as an appetizer and as a main one. A great solution for a light and tasty dinner.
You will need:
- a can of canned lentils;
- 200 g of boiled chicken;
- a handful of green beans;
- 200 g of fresh tomatoes;
- lemon;
- 2 eggs (hard boiled);
- 1 tbsp. l mild mustard;
- 10 pitted olives or olives (optional);
- olive oil;
- raw egg yolk;
- greens, salt and ground pepper.
How to cook:
Boil bean pods in salted water for about 5 minutes, remove and cool.
Pour the canned beans into a spacious bowl. Add a little grated lemon peel to them, mix.
In a separate bowl, combine mustard, raw egg yolk and a tablespoon of oil, this is your dressing. Finely chop the greens and fill it with the juice of squeezed lemon, let it stand for a bit.
Add the olives, sliced tomatoes, beans and chicken to the lentils. After - greens and dressing, salt to taste and season with black pepper. Before serving, decorate the dish with slices of boiled egg. The treat is ready.
Tomato and Lentil Salad
A simple and easy salad with lentils, the recipe contains a minimum of products, but it turns out very tasty!
You will need:
- 400 g of boiled lentils (rinse and dry);
- 2-3 fresh tomatoes;
- 1 large sweet pepper;
- medium onion;
- ½ lemon, olive oil, herbs, salt and pepper to taste.
How to cook:
Cut all the vegetables into small cubes, onions in half rings, and combine with the cooled boiled lentils. You can use canned, it’s a matter of taste. Combine lemon juice with oil, add a little salt and pepper, pour salad with lentils with this dressing.
The recipe is extremely simple, and it will take very little time to cook. This is one of the simplest but at the same time great recipes.
Salad with beets, feta cheese and lentils
This is a very tasty and original salad with lentils. A recipe with a photo and description will help you prepare a healthy and beautiful dish. It contains ingredients that are perfectly combined with each other and contain a lot of useful trace elements and vitamins.
You will need:
- 1 small beetroot;
- 1 cup boiled lentils;
- 100 g of feta cheese;
- a handful of peeled nuts;
- a bunch of lettuce leaves or any greens of your choice;
- olive oil, a pinch of salt and black pepper.
How to cook:
Cut the beets into small pieces, season with salt, pepper and pour a little oil. Send it to the oven (200 degrees) to bake. As soon as it becomes soft - remove and cool. Fry the nuts a little in a pan and chop.
In a separate bowl, mix the boiled beans with beets, add spices if desired. Lay the greens of your choice on a large dish, on top - lentils and beets, and on them - pieces of soft cheese and chopped nuts. Sprinkle the salad with vegetable oil, now it can be served.
Warm salad with mushrooms and lentils
Very simple and delicious warm mushroom salad with lentils. A fasting recipe can be prepared with vegetable oil, and on a typical day, season with mayonnaise, sour cream or add a few crispy crackers.
You will need:
- a glass of boiled lentils;
- 2 tomatoes;
- 100 g of champignons;
- 1 small onion;
- salt, oil and herbs.
How to cook:
Cut the onion into half rings, mushrooms into slices. Fry in sunflower oil, slightly salted. Combine the boiled lentils with mushrooms, send chopped greens and medium-sized tomatoes to the same place. Salt and add black pepper to taste. Salad is ready.
Warm Salad with Pumpkin and Lentils
Original and tasty autumn salad. With canned lentils, recipes are prepared much faster, but you can boil fresh and use it for salad. Cheese can be taken any soft, to your taste. The dish will certainly turn out delicious, and the herbs will give it a refined aroma.
You will need:
- a jar of lentils (canned);
- 300 g pumpkin;
- 200 g soft cheese (feta);
- greens (spinach and arugula);
- 1 tsp. Provencal herbs and balsamic sauce;
- olive oil, salt.
How to cook:
Cut the pumpkin into cubes and salt, add the Provence herbs to it , fry in vegetable oil.
Prepare a salad dressing: mix balsamic sauce with vinegar (you can add a little honey) and mix well.
Combine the lentils with pumpkin, put the mixture on a pillow of fresh herbs and pour over the prepared dressing. Lay on top slices of soft cheese. The dish is ready.
Here are just a few great options for making light and tasty lentil salads. We hope that they will certainly find their admirers among you, and you, in turn, will discover something new, tasty and healthy. Good appetite!