Cold Lentil Salad

This vegan, gluten free salad is packed with protein and fiber and perfect to bring along to work, picnics, and BBQ's.

If you haven't tried lentils before, then my Cold Lentil Salad is a great recipe to start with.

What are lentils?

Lentils are part of the legume family, in addition to beans, peas, and peanuts. However, compared to other dried beans, lentils are fairly quick and easy to prepare. They don't need to be pre-soaked, which will dramatically reduce your cooking time.

Lentils are the perfect blank canvas for your meals. They will soak up any type of flavor you add and are perfect for soups, stews, and salads.

How do you cook lentils?

To cook lentils, place your desired amount into a pot and cover with water or broth. Boil for approximately 2 to 3 minutes, then reduce to a simmer until tender. Depending on the variety of lentil you have, the cooking time may take anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hour.

There are three main types of lentils, brown, green, and red.  Brown lentils cook fairly quickly and can be mushy if you cook them too long. Green lentils have a thin shell, are slightly tough, and take longer to cook. Red lentils have the hull removed and cook quicker than the other two varieties. They do not hold their shape well, but are great to help thicken a dish or to create a puree.

What Ingredients do I need for Cold Lentil Salad?

• 4 cups Cooked Lentils
• 1 Cucumber
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 3 tablespoon Fresh Parsley
• ½ Onion
• 1 teaspoon Minced Garlic
• ⅓ cup Olive Oil
• ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Salt & Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Chili Powder

**Detailed instructions will be in the recipe card below**

I love that this cold salad is full of different textures! The crunchy vegetables and chewy lentils make for the perfect well-rounded dish.

You will definitely want to make this recipe part of your summer routine. It's a great side dish, or even light dinner salad. Enjoy!