Curried Red Lentil Salad

Brighten up your mealtime with this vibrant and hearty Curried Red Lentil Salad, a perfect fusion of bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Tender red lentils provide a hearty base, paired with crunchy grated carrot, sweet red bell pepper, and zesty scallions, all brought together by a fragrant dressing of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, curry powder, and a hint of honey. Finished with fresh cilantro and optional chopped nuts for an extra layer of texture, this protein-packed dish is as nutritious as it is flavorful. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy recipe is ideal as a refreshing vegetarian main or a colorful side dish. Enjoy it on its own, or elevate it by serving over crisp mixed greens for a satisfying meal full of exotic spice and wholesome goodness. Keywords: Curried Red Lentil Salad, vegetarian salad, healthy lentil recipes, quick side dish, protein-packed salad.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup red lentils
• 2 cups water
• 1 medium, grated carrot
• 1 medium, diced red bell pepper
• 3 stalks, thinly sliced scallions
• 0.25 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1.5 teaspoons curry powder
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 cup chopped almonds or cashews (optional)
• 2 cups mixed greens (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the red lentils under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the red lentils and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and let the lentils cool completely.

Step 3

While the lentils are cooling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, curry powder, ground cumin, honey, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils, grated carrot, diced red bell pepper, scallions, and chopped cilantro. If using, mix in the chopped almonds or cashews for added crunch.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the lentil mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference.

Step 7

Serve the curried red lentil salad on its own or over a bed of mixed greens for additional freshness. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1486.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	976.2

Total Fat 58.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.0g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2437.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 84.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 35.0g	0%
Total Sugars 20.5g
Protein 37.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 616.3mg	0%
Iron 18.8mg	0%
Potassium 2833.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.1%

Protein: 14.6%

Carbs: 33.3%