Cilantro Lime Lentil Salad
A refreshing way to enjoy lentils. This Cilantro Lime Lentil Salad pairs protein packed green lentils with crunchy radishes and green onions. Tossed with an easy cilantro lime Vinaigrette
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 cup uncooked green or brown lentils see notes if using cooked lentils
- 1 small bundle of red radishes, thinly sliced about 6-8 radishes
- 3-4 green onions, chopped
- Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
- 1/2 lb Cilantro, about half a bundle washed. Use stems and leaves.
- 3 Limes about 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1/4 cup Honey or Agave
- 2 tsps Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 cup olive, avocado, or any neutral oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
Wash & Cook Lentils
- Pick through 1 cup of green or browns lentils and make sure to remove and rocks, or odd pieces. Then place lentils into a strainer and give them a quick rinse just to make sure they're free of any dust.
- Place 1 cup of rinsed lentils into a medium saucepan with 4 cups of water and a large pinch of salt.
- Bring pot to a boil to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling reduce heat to low, allowing the lentils to simmer gently uncovered for about 20 minutes.
- Lentils are done when they're tender, but not mushy.
- Strain cooked lentils and quickly rinse with cold water. Set aside to drain & remove any excess moisture.
Make Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette
- While the lentils cook, make the dressing.
- In the bowl of a food processor or blender add in cilantro, lime juice, Dijon mustard, honey or agave, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Pulse or blend mixture until cilantro is finely chopped and everything is well incorporated, about 10-15 long pulses.
- Set the food processor to low and then slowly stream in 1/2 cup of oil of your choice. Taste vinaigrette and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
Make the Salad
- In a large bowl combine cooked lentils, sliced radishes, chopped green onions, and all of the cilantro lime vinaigrette. Gently toss to combine.
- Transfer salad to an air-tight container and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Eat & Enjoy! Cilantro Lime Lentil Salad should keep in the fridge for at least 5 days.
Notes
If using pre-cooked canned lentils, rinse well with cold water before using in salad. You'll need 2-2 1-2 cups of cooked lentils
When adding the dressing it may appear to be a lot, but the lentils absorb the vinaigrette as it sits. You can use only half the dressing if you want the salad lightly dressed.
If you don't like radishes, 2 medium carrots can be used in their place.
Cilantro Lime Lentil Salad should keep in the fridge for at least 5 days.