Lentil Salad
A 10-minute lentil salad with no cooking: canned brown lentils, cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil and avocado in a lemon, garlic and chilli dressing. It's vegan, high in protein and keeps well for lunch boxes.
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
- ¼ Lemon
- 150 g Cherry tomatoes
- 130 g Brown lentils, canned
- 10 g Basil
- ½ Avocado
Seasonings and other
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- ½ clove Garlic
- a pinch Salt
- ¼ tsp Black pepper
- ¼ tsp Red chili flakes
- ¼ Red onion
Instructions
- Combine the Core Ingredients
Place the halved cherry tomatoes in a large bowl and add the rinsed and drained brown lentils, followed by the finely chopped red onion.
- Season and Toss
Drizzle the olive oil directly over the mixture and squeeze in the lemon juice. Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes, then toss everything together until well coated.
- Add Basil and Avocado
Tear or chop the basil leaves and fold them in, then slice or cube the avocado and gently stir it in just before serving. Adjust the seasonings if needed. Enjoy!
Tips for the best lentil salad
- Rinse and drain canned lentils well, then pat them dry, so the dressing clings instead of getting watery.
- Let the dressed lentils sit for 10 minutes before adding the avocado: they soak up the flavour.
- Soak the sliced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes if you find it too sharp.
- Add the avocado just before serving so it stays green.
Variations
- Use green or black lentils you've cooked yourself. See how to cook lentils so they hold their shape.
- Add cucumber, roasted peppers or a handful of rocket.
- Vegetarian: crumble over a little feta.
- Make it heartier with cooked quinoa or bulgur.
Storing
Without the avocado, the salad keeps 3–4 days in a closed container in the fridge. Add fresh avocado and basil when you serve it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use canned lentils for lentil salad?
Yes. Canned brown or green lentils work well. Rinse and drain them first.
Which lentils are best for salad?
Green, brown, black (beluga) or French green lentils hold their shape. Red lentils turn soft and are better for soups and curries.
Is lentil salad good for meal prep?
Yes. It keeps 3–4 days in the fridge; add the avocado on the day you eat it.
Is lentil salad high in protein?
Lentils are one of the best plant protein sources. Our guide to protein in lentils has the numbers.
