healthy lentil salad

Port Orchard, WA
Updated on Jan 6, 2026

This is a very wonderful, tasty salad. You can serve it plain or on a bed of lettuce. Family and friends will love it. This is one of my favorite recipes for keeping my weight in check and leaving me full and satisfied at the table. Never leave the table hungry, that's my kind of recipe.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

Rich in flavor and soulfulness, this healthy lentil salad is a great go-to dish when you're craving something a little lighter. The lentils are soft, and the fresh bell peppers and onions have a satisfying crunch. Fresh cilantro adds tons of flavor, too. Everything is tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing. This is a simple salad that can be modified by adding Feta cheese or fresh jalapenos for another punch of flavor. The dressing is quite tangy, but the flavor can be lightened up by adding a little honey.

prep time 1 Hr 15 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Stove Top
yield 8 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup dried lentils
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 - bay leaf
  • 1/4 cup chopped red pepper or orange pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 clove chopped garlic
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions or white onion
  • 1/2 teaspoon marjoram
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme or ground thyme
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt and pepper, to taste (optional)
  • - parsley sprigs

How To Make healthy lentil salad

  • Add washed lentils to a saucepan with water and a bay leaf.
    Step 1
    Wash lentils well and drain. Combine lentils, 2 cups water and bay leaf in medium saucepan. Bring to boil.
  • Cover and simmer for 30 minutes.
    Step 2
    Reduce the heat, cover, and cook just below a simmer for 30 minutes, until lentils are cooked but still firm. Cook gently so the lentils do not fall apart.
  • Drain and rinse with cool water.
    Step 3
    Drain and rinse with cool water. Chill lentils until cool to touch.
  • Combine peppers and chopped onions in a bowl.
    Step 4
    Combine red or (orange) peppers, green peppers, and chopped onions in a small bowl.
  • In another bowl, combine vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic.
    Step 5
    In a separate bowl, make the dressing by combining vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic.
  • In a mixing bowl, add the chopped veggies, thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper.
    Step 6
    In a mixing bowl, add the chopped veggies, thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the cooled lentils and cilantro. Toss everything together.
    Step 7
    Add the cooled lentils and cilantro. Toss everything together.
  • Add the dressing.
    Step 8
    Add the dressing.
  • Gently toss together.
    Step 9
    Gently toss together.
  • Cover and chill for 1 hour.
    Step 10
    Cover and chill for 1 hour or longer before serving.

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)
calories: 75 kcal, carbohydrates: 13 g, cholesterol: 0 mg, fat: 0 g, fiber: 6 g, protein: 5 g, saturated fat: 0 g, sodium: 43 mg, sugar: 2 g, unsaturated fat: 0 g
*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

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