Description
A cozy, protein-packed vegan dish made with tender lentils, hearty chickpeas, and sweet carrots tossed in warm spices and a bright lemon dressing. This warm salad is perfect for easy weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, or a nourishing side dish.
Ingredients
1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
¼ tsp ground coriander
¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Dressing
3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Add lentils to a pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 18–20 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and carrots and sauté for 6–8 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cooked lentils and chickpeas to the skillet and stir gently to combine. Warm through for 2–3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the warm salad and toss gently. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
Add toasted almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch.
This salad is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
