Lentil Salad For One

Lentil salad is a fantastic single serving lunch or light dinner option that’s packed with protein and flavor. This recipe features hearty lentils tossed in a simple vinaigrette and served over a bed of fresh greens, with juicy tomatoes and creamy avocado slices adding bursts of color and taste. It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort – perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a healthy and satisfying meal for one.

Enjoy this versatile lentil salad as a standalone dish or pair it with flavorful Baked Chicken Thighs, juicy Broiled Chicken, or alongside Creamy Tomato Soup. It’s also perfect when topped with succulent Baked Salmon or enjoyed with a slice of crusty French Bread to absorb the delightful dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Lentil Salad Recipe

• Packed with Protein: Lentils are a fantastic source of plant-based protein, keeping you feeling full and energized.
• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and cooking time, making it perfect for quick and easy meals.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or cheeses to personalize the salad according to your taste.
• Affordable: Lentils are a budget-friendly ingredient, making this salad a cost-effective and nutritious choice.
• Deliciously Versatile: This salad can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it perfect for any season or occasion.

Check out our other Single Serving Salad ideas!

Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this lentil salad recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

• Lentils: I recommend using brown lentils for this salad. They cook in about 20 minutes and maintain their shape well. Green lentils are also an option but take a bit longer to cook. Avoid red and orange lentils, as they tend to lose their shape when cooked.
• Onions and Garlic: Adding finely chopped onions and garlic is crucial for infusing the lentils with rich flavor. They’re key ingredients, so try not to skip them.
• Seasonings: Use dried thyme, salt, and black pepper for simple yet effective seasoning.
• Olive Oil: The recipe calls for extra virgin olive oil, known for its robust flavor and high quality. It’s less processed, retaining more of the natural flavors and nutrients of olives. However, if you prefer, a lighter olive oil can be used as a substitute.
• Red Wine Vinegar and Dijon Mustard: These add a zesty and tangy flavor to the salad, enhancing the overall taste.
• Lettuce: You have options here – romaine, arugula, iceberg, or spinach. Choose any as the salad base depending on your preference.
• Tomatoes and Avocado: These are added to enrich the salad with fresh, juicy textures and flavors.

Recipe Variations

• Mediterranean Lentil Salad: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, chopped red onion, and chopped cucumber.
• Roasted Vegetable Lentil Salad: Introduce a rich depth of flavor by adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. Roasting these veggies brings out their natural sweetness, which complements the savory profile of the salad.
• Sweet and Crunchy Lentil Salad: For a unique sweet and savory combination, toss in some dried cranberries or chopped apples. The sweetness of the fruit balances the savory notes of the lentils, while adding a pleasant crunch.
• Lentil Salad With Nuts: Add a handful of toasted nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts for a delightful crunch and a nutty taste. This adds not only texture but also healthy fats and proteins.

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How To Make A Lentil Salad

See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

Cooking Lentils

• Start with Lentils: Begin by combining lentils and water in a pot. Add in chopped onions, garlic, a pinch of dried thyme, and a little salt.
• Cooking Process: Bring the pot to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer. This should take about 20 minutes.
• Finishing Touch: Once the lentils are tender, drain any remaining water and allow them to cool down.

Making the Dressing

• Dressing Preparation: In a separate bowl, mix together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Mix with Lentils: Drizzle this dressing over the cooled lentils and toss them gently to ensure they’re well coated.

Salad Assembly

• Laying the Foundation: Arrange your favorite salad greens on a plate.
• Adding the Core: Spoon the dressed lentils over the greens.
• Final Toppings: Complete the salad by adding fresh tomato halves and avocado slices on top.

Expert Tips

• Lentil Prep: Rinse the lentils thoroughly and check for any small stones or debris.
• Dressing Balance: Taste as you go and adjust the vinegar and mustard to suit your preference.
• Chill the Lentils: Allow the cooked lentils to cool down before mixing with the salad greens to maintain their crispness.
• Avocado Freshness: Add the avocado right before serving to prevent browning.
• Seasoning: Don’t forget to season each component, including the lentils and dressing, for a well-rounded flavor.
• Feel free to experiment: Get creative and add other ingredients like chopped nuts, crumbled cheese, or your favorite herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions