cheap and easy lentil salad

Author of this recipe: Tyrell Snook

Quick & budget-friendly Lentil Salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, & feta - perfect for summer! 🌿💚 #lentils #saladrecipe #veggiebowl

Tag your creation with #EatsNowRecipes!

Ingredients

• - **Lentils** - Choose brown, green, or red lentils depending on your preference; they cook quickly and hold their shape well.
• - **Chopped Tomatoes** - Fresh tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color to the salad.
• - **Red Onion** - Finely chop one small red onion for a nice crunch and mild sweetness.
• - **Cucumber** - Diced cucumber pieces will provide moisture and a slight cooling effect, enhancing the texture of the salad.
• - **Garlic Cloves** - Crushed or minced garlic gives a subtle, zesty flavor.
• - **Fresh Cilantro** - Use chopped cilantro for a fresh aromatic taste; it complements the lentils nicely.
• - **Lemon Juice** - A key ingredient that brightens flavors and adds acidity without overpowering other ingredients.
• - **Olive Oil** - Use extra virgin olive oil to give your salad richness and a smooth texture.
• - **Salt and Pepper** - To season the salad, making it tastier; adjust according to personal preference.
• - **Cumin** - Adds a warm, earthy flavor that pairs well with lentils.
• - **Vegetable Broth or Water** - For cooking the lentils if needed; use vegetable broth for added depth of flavor.
• Remember to include these ingredients in your recipe for a delicious and budget-friendly lentil salad. Don't forget to optimize your SEO by using descriptive keywords like "lentil salad," "healthy recipes," and "budget-friendly meals" throughout your content.

Steps

1. ### Easy Lentil Salad Recipe: A Budget-Friendly Meal
3. #### Introduction to Lentil Salad
5. Lentils are not only one of the most affordable legumes but also packed with protein and fiber, making them a great addition to any diet. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or dinner option, this lentil salad recipe is perfect. It's easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized according to your taste preferences.
7. #### Ingredients
9. - 1 cup green or brown lentils
10. - 2 cups water or vegetable broth
11. - Salt and pepper to taste
12. - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
13. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
14. - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
15. - 3 tablespoons olive oil
16. - 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
17. - Optional additions: cherry tomatoes, cucumber, crumbled feta cheese
19. #### Step-by-Step Instructions
21. 1. **Prepare the Lentils**
22. - Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
23. - In a medium saucepan, combine the lentils and 2 cups of water (or vegetable broth). Bring to a boil over high heat.
25. 2. **Cook the Lentils**
26. - Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 20-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender but still firm.
27. - Drain any excess liquid if needed, then transfer the cooked lentils into a large bowl.
29. 3. **Add Aromatics**
30. - While the lentils cook, finely chop the red onion and mince the garlic.
31. - Add these aromatics to the cooked lentils in the bowl.
33. 4. **Mixing Ingredients**
34. - Drizzle 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the mixture and toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
35. - If desired, squeeze a teaspoon of lemon juice on top for an extra zingy flavor (optional).
37. 5. **Adding Fresh Herbs and Optional Vegetables**
38. - Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley to add freshness to your salad.
39. - For added color and crunch, you can also include cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices.
41. 6. **Seasoning**
42. - Taste the lentil salad and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning based on personal preference.
44. 7. **Serve or Refrigerate**
45. - The salad is ready to serve immediately after mixing all ingredients together.
46. - Alternatively, you can refrigerate it for a few hours before serving to let the flavors meld together.
48. #### Tips and Variations
50. - **Customize with Other Legumes**: You can mix in chickpeas or black beans if you prefer different textures.
51. - **Different Herbs**: Experiment with other fresh herbs like cilantro or basil.
52. - **Protein Additions**: For a higher protein content, consider adding grilled chicken breast pieces or tofu.
54. #### Conclusion
56. This simple lentil salad is not only delicious but also budget-friendly and packed with nutritional benefits. It’s perfect for meal prepping or as an everyday lunch option. By following these detailed steps and tips, you can enjoy a hearty, healthy, and satisfying meal that won’t break the bank!
58. ### Keywords for SEO
59. - Cheap Lentil Salad Recipe
60. - Easy Lentil Salad
61. - Affordable Legume Dish
62. - Lentil Salad Ingredients
63. - Quick Lentil Meal
64. - Budget-Friendly Vegan Salad
66. By incorporating these keywords into your content, you can optimize it for search engines and attract more visitors interested in affordable and nutritious meal ideas.

Relevante Seiten

• cheap and easy lentil salad