Lentil Salad with Roasted Peppers and Herbs

Earthy lentils meet sweet roasted peppers in this protein-packed salad with a bright lemony herb dressing. Perfect for meal prep.

vegetarian vegan gluten free dairy free
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Prep 15 min
Cook 25 min
Total 40 min
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Cook lentils: Bring 3 cups water to boil, add lentils and 1/2 tsp salt. Reduce heat, simmer 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and spread on a sheet pan to cool slightly.

  2. Make dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.

  3. Add warm lentils to dressing and toss. Lentils absorb dressing best when warm.

    Tip: Dressing warm lentils is the secret to maximum flavor penetration.
  4. Add roasted peppers, red onion, parsley, and mint. Toss gently.

  5. Let sit at least 10 minutes for flavors to develop. Taste and adjust salt and lemon before serving.

Storage & Meal Prep

Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a strong meal-prep salad. The lentils absorb the dressing as it sits, so refresh leftovers with a squeeze of lemon and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.

FAQ

Is lentil salad good for meal prep?

Yes. Lentil salad holds up very well in the refrigerator for several days and usually tastes better after the flavors have time to meld.

Can I use canned lentils for lentil salad?

Yes. Canned lentils work well if they are drained and rinsed, though French green lentils or brown lentils give the best firm texture.

What goes well with lentil salad?

Lentil salad pairs well with grilled fish, roast chicken, feta, yogurt sauces, or simply warm pita and extra herbs for a simple Mediterranean meal.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings

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Legumes
Lentils (Cooked)
198 g
Vegetables
Red Bell Pepper
119 g
Red Onion
55 g
Garlic
3 g
Oils & Fats
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
54 g
Herbs & Spices
Fresh Parsley
32 g
Fresh Mint
20 g
Lemon Juice (Fresh)
45 g
Ground Cumin
1 g
Salt
4.5 g
Black Pepper
0.5 g

Per Serving

195kcalCalories
5gProtein
14gCarbs
14gFat
5gFiber
Sodium
30mg1% DV
Potassium
281mg6% DV
Calcium
21mg2% DV
Iron
2.1mg12% DV
Magnesium
25mg6% DV
Vitamin C
41.3mg46% DV
Vitamin A
52µg6% DV
Vitamin K
15.9µg13% DV
Folate
107µg27% DV
Lentils (Cooked)
Red Bell Pepper
Red Onion
Fresh Parsley
Fresh Mint
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
+5 more
* Nutrition is an estimate; actual values vary by ingredient brands and cooking methods. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

The Story Behind This Dish

This lentil salad is the answer to “what should I make for lunch this week?”

It holds up beautifully in the fridge, actually improving after a day or two as flavors deepen. The protein and fiber keep you full without heaviness.