Name: Big Green Lentil Salad
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups green lentils, rinsed; 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more; 1 1/3 cups plain Greek yogurt; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric; Freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup unsalted, roasted sunflower seeds; 1 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice; 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling; 1 ripe avocado, cut into cubes; 1 cup baby arugula; 1 cup basil leaves, torn if large

A whipped yogurt sauce spread on a large plate piled high with Puy lentils arugula and avocado.

Photo by Chelsie Craig, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton

Cool yogurt, crunchy seeds, and herbs turn lentils into a lunch salad you’ll actually be excited to eat. Serve it with warm pita for swiping up the garlicky yogurt for a speedy weeknight dinner.

Recipe information

Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups green lentils, rinsed

3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided, plus more

1 1/3 cups plain Greek yogurt

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/2 tsp. ground turmeric

Freshly ground black pepper

1 cup unsalted, roasted sunflower seeds

1 Tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

1 ripe avocado, cut into cubes

1 cup baby arugula

1 cup basil leaves, torn if large

Preparation

Step 1
Cook lentils in a large saucepan of simmering salted water until they are tender but still retain their shape, 20–30 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold running water, and drain well again.
Step 2
Mix yogurt, garlic, turmeric, 1/4 tsp. salt, and a generous grind of pepper in a small bowl to combine; set aside.
Step 3
Toss lentils, sunflower seeds, lemon juice, 3 Tbsp. oil, and remaining 1/2 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Gently fold in avocado, arugula, and basil.
Step 4
Spread reserved yogurt sauce across a platter and spoon lentil mixture on top; drizzle with oil.

TagsSalad Green Lentil Lentil Bean and Legume Vegetable Main Side Lunch Dinner Vegetarian Easy Weeknight Meals Simmer Bon Appétit

Recipe notes

See Related Recipes and Cooking Tips

31 Hearty Lentil Recipes to Keep You Nourished
From quick pantry dinners to a company-worthy Instant Pot stew.
Our 47 Best Salad Recipes
A bowl of leaves has never looked this good.
35 Budget Meals That Taste Like a Million Bucks
Everything's more expensive these days, which is why you need this list of filling, flavorful budget meals. These satisfying dinners (and lunches and breakfasts) all clock in under $5 per serving.
87 Best Thanksgiving Salad Recipes to Round Out Your Holiday Table
It's all too easily forgotten, but your guests will welcome something light and refreshing among the hefty spread.
81 Dinner Ideas That Aren’t All Pasta
How can it be almost dinner time *again*? We don't know, either. But we have recipes that can help.
81 Best Easy, Healthy Recipes for the Week Ahead
Eating healthy has never been so quick and easy.
11 Recipes for the Last Weekend of Summer
Summer is officially coming to an end—here's how to close out the season.