Summer Lentil Salad (V,GF,DF)

I wanted to make sure to share this one with ya’ll before the holiday weekend arrives because this easy summer salad is my favorite to bring to any function! This completely customizable dish takes zero prep time and comes together in less than 15 minutes! I love a simple healthy dish that also looks super pretty for the whole fam to enjoy!

Fair warning- this is one of those salads that you bring to a party that everyone thinks “I’m not eating that, it’s too healthy” and later those same people end up loving it and asking for the recipe 🙂 

 

 

You guys already know by now that I really really REALLY love Trader Joe’s. One of my favorite products of theirs is the pre-package lentils! These lentils come vacuum packed and last in your fridge for at least a couple weeks.  I always have a package or two of these in the fridge for times like this- I wasn’t planning on going to a birthday party, but last minute threw this together to bring. Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and contain a good source of fiber. What I love about these ones is that they have minimal ingredients and taste delicious hot or cold. 

Like I said earlier, this dish is completely customizable- meaning you can add or omit whatever ingredients you like. I just added whatever veggies I had in the fridge and a simple dressing. As is, this dish is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. I bet sprinkling a little feta cheese on top would be delish! 

INGREDIENTS:

For the salad:

  • 2 1/2 cups of cooked lentils (1 package)
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/3 chopped cherry tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup diced cucumber 
  • 1/3 cup diced yellow bell pepper 
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 
  • 4 celery stalks (diced)
  • 2 avocados (diced)

For the dressing: 

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/2 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 tbsp stone ground mustard
  • 2-3 tsp sea salt
  • Black pepper to taste

PROCESS:

  1. Cut all your veggies and add to your pre-cooked lentils.
  2. Mix together dressing ingredients.
  3. Wait to dice the avocado and dress your salad until right before you are ready to serve.
  4. Enjoy 🙂