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Lentil Tomato Basil Salad
This lentil tomato basil salad combines protein-rich lentils with fresh summer vegetables to create a nutritious and satisfying meal. The vibrant flavors of cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, and tangy lemon dressing make this dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. You’ll discover how simple ingredients transform into a restaurant-quality salad that’s both healthy and delicious.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation that takes only 40 minutes from start to finish
- Packed with plant-based protein and fiber to keep you satisfied for hours
- Fresh Mediterranean flavors that taste amazing at room temperature or chilled
- Perfect for meal prep and stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
- Budget-friendly ingredients that are available year-round at most grocery stores
Why This Lentil Tomato Basil Salad Recipe Works
The secret to this recipe lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Tender lentils provide a hearty base while cherry tomatoes add juicy sweetness. Fresh basil brings aromatic freshness, and the simple lemon vinaigrette ties everything together without overpowering the natural ingredients.
Cooking lentils properly ensures they maintain their shape while becoming tender enough to absorb the dressing. The combination of olive oil and lemon juice creates an emulsified dressing that coats each ingredient evenly, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Why You’ll Love This Lentil Tomato Basil Salad
This salad offers incredible versatility for any occasion. You can serve it as a light lunch, hearty side dish, or protein-packed dinner. The Mediterranean-inspired flavors appeal to various dietary preferences, making it suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
The recipe scales easily for meal prep or entertaining guests. You can prepare large batches and store them in the refrigerator for quick, healthy meals throughout the week. The flavors actually improve after sitting, making it an ideal make-ahead dish.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity (Approx) | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green or brown lentils | 1 cup | Protein base, provides hearty texture |
| Cherry tomatoes | 1 cup (halved) | Adds sweetness and juicy texture |
| Fresh basil leaves | ½ cup (sliced) | Aromatic herb for fresh flavor |
| Red onion | ¼ cup (thinly sliced) | Adds sharp, crisp contrast |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 3 tbsp | Dressing base, adds richness |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tbsp | Provides acidity and brightness |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Essential seasoning for flavor balance |
Tools
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Medium saucepan | For cooking lentils properly |
| Fine mesh strainer | Rinsing and draining lentils |
| Large mixing bowl | Combining all salad ingredients |
| Small bowl | Whisking dressing ingredients |
| Sharp knife | Chopping vegetables and herbs |
| Cutting board | Safe surface for food preparation |
How to Make Lentil Tomato Basil Salad
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1. Cook Lentils | Rinse lentils under cold water. In a pot, combine with 3 cups of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and cool. |
| 2. Prepare Vegetables | While lentils cook, chop cherry tomatoes, slice red onion, and prepare fresh basil. |
| 3. Make Dressing | Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. |
| 4. Combine Ingredients | In a large bowl, combine lentils, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and basil. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently. |
| 5. Serve | Serve immediately or chill in the fridge before serving. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcook lentils – they should be tender but still hold their shape for the best texture
- Let cooked lentils cool slightly before adding dressing to prevent the basil from wilting
- Use the freshest basil possible and slice it just before serving to maintain bright color
- Soak red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness if desired
- Taste and adjust seasoning after mixing – you may need more lemon juice or salt
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Tips
Serve this salad at room temperature or chilled for the best flavor experience. It pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or as a side dish to hearty main courses. For entertaining, present it in a large serving bowl garnished with extra basil leaves.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors develop and improve over time, making it perfect for meal prep. Give it a gentle stir before serving leftover portions.
Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid overcooking the lentils, which causes them to become mushy and break apart. Test for doneness by tasting a few lentils – they should be tender but still maintain their shape. Undercooked lentils will be too firm and won’t absorb the dressing properly.
Don’t add the dressing to hot lentils, as this will wilt the basil and make the salad soggy. Let the lentils cool to room temperature before mixing with other ingredients. This ensures the vegetables stay crisp and the herbs remain vibrant.
You Must Know
- Green and brown lentils hold their shape better than red lentils for this salad recipe
- Fresh basil is essential – dried basil won’t provide the same aromatic quality
- The salad tastes best when allowed to sit for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld
- Always taste and adjust seasoning after mixing all ingredients together
Tips and Tricks for Lentil Tomato Basil Salad
For extra flavor depth, add a minced garlic clove to the dressing or include crumbled feta cheese for richness. You can also substitute different herbs like oregano or parsley for variety. Professional chefs often recommend letting the salad marinate for better flavor development.
Consider adding toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutrition. A splash of balsamic vinegar can complement the lemon juice for a more complex dressing profile.
Suggestions for Lentil Tomato Basil Salad
Transform this basic recipe into different variations by adding cucumber, bell peppers, or avocado. You can also incorporate different lentil varieties like French green lentils for a more sophisticated texture. Culinary experts suggest experimenting with seasonal vegetables.
Serve alongside pasta dishes or incorporate into grain bowls for complete meals. The salad also works well as a filling for wraps or pita pockets.
FAQs:
Yes, you can use canned lentils for convenience. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water and drain well before using. Canned lentils may be slightly softer than freshly cooked ones, but they work perfectly fine in this recipe.
The salad stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after the first day as the ingredients marinate together.
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Add fresh basil just before serving for the best flavor and appearance.
You can substitute fresh parsley, oregano, or mint for different flavor profiles. Avoid dried herbs as they won’t provide the same fresh taste and texture that makes this salad special.
Yes, this salad is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. It’s also high in protein and fiber, making it suitable for various dietary needs and preferences.
Conclusion
This lentil tomato basil salad proves that healthy eating doesn’t require complicated recipes or expensive ingredients. With simple preparation and fresh flavors, you’ll create a satisfying dish that works for any meal or occasion. The combination of protein-rich lentils, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil creates a Mediterranean-inspired salad that’s both nutritious and delicious.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving guests, this versatile recipe adapts to your needs. Try it today and discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality flavors in your own kitchen.
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📖 Recipe Card
Lentil Tomato Basil Salad
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 days. the flavors develop and improve over time, making it perfect for meal prep. give it a gentle stir before serving 1x
Description
A delicious and easy recipe for lentil tomato basil salad that you’ll love making at home.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 red onion
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Lentils: Rinse lentils under cold water. In a pot, combine with 3 cups of water, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain and cool.
- Prepare Vegetables: While lentils cook, chop cherry tomatoes, slice red onion, and prepare fresh basil.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine lentils, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and basil. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently.
- Serve: Serve immediately or chill in the fridge before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcook lentils – they should be tender but still hold their shape for the best texture
- Let cooked lentils cool slightly before adding dressing to prevent the basil from wilting
- Use the freshest basil possible and slice it just before serving to maintain bright color
- Soak red onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes to reduce sharpness if desired
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285 calories
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lentil tomato basil salad, recipe, homemade, cooking, food, easy recipe
