Skip to main content
Epicurious
Cookbooks

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
TagsSaladBrown LentilLentilBean and LegumeVegetableGreen LentilFrench LentilBell PepperSideMainLunchDinnerBrunchVeganVegetarianDairy FreeGluten FreeQuickEasyMake AheadCookbooks
Read More
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
31 Cashew Recipes That Go Beyond the Snack Bowl
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Fudgy Chocolate Bundt Cake
Glossy, intensely chocolaty, and spiked with coffee and sour cream, this Bundt is the ultimate all-purpose dessert.
13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.
Classic French Vinaigrette
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.