Skip to main content

Lemony Lentil Salad

Lentils are a particularly robust source of protein, folate, and iron. Red, orange, and yellow bell peppers provide more vitamin C and carotenoids than green ones; these powerful antioxidants support eye health, boost immunity, and fight heart disease. This nutritious make-ahead salad is perfect for a packable lunch, picnic, or barbecue.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Serves 6

Ingredients

Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
1 1/2 cups brown or French green lentils
3/4 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh tarragon leaves, finely chopped
2 orange, red, or yellow bell peppers (or a mix), cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 2 cups)
4 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced (1 cup)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil; add 1 teaspoon salt. Cook lentils until tender but not at all mushy, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain in a fine sieve, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking, and drain again.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, whisk together lemon zest and juice, oil, mustard, and tarragon in a serving bowl. Add lentils, bell peppers, scallions, and 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste); season with pepper. Salad can be refrigerated, covered, up to 1 day. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

  2. nutrition information

    Step 3

    (Per Serving)

    Step 4

    Calories: 257

    Step 5

    Saturated Fat: 1g

    Step 6

    Unsaturated Fat: 7.1g

    Step 7

    Cholesterol: 0mg

    Step 8

    Carbohydrates: 36g

    Step 9

    Protein: 15g

    Step 10

    Sodium: 34mg

    Step 11

    Fiber: 7.7g

Power Foods
Read More
Like carrot farro salad and chicken paella.
A crowd-friendly, crisp-edged chicken and vegetable rice from chef José Andrés.
Like miso-peanut hibachi chicken and spring orzotto.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
The magic of this hibachi chicken recipe comes from a combination of miso and peanut butter and how it beautifully caramelizes when it hits the grill.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Chicken breasts reach their full potential in this spicy, saucy stir-fry with blistered green beans.