This Lentil Bean Cucumber Salad is the perfect summer salad. Packed with protein from the lentils, and crunch from the cucumbers. Then dressed with a light vinaigrette(Vegan, Gluten Free).
Hello friends and Happy Monday to you!
Did everyone enjoy their Mom's day weekend?
Whether you had breakfast in bed or just spent the day hanging out and appreciating all the fantastic Moms ....hoping it was anΒ AMAZING dayΒ however you spent it!
And since I truly feel special everyday...Mother's day is just one more reminder of how lucky I am to have such amazing now adult children and a wonderful husband who makes me feel special everyday π
So on to the the Lentil Bean Cucumber Salad, cause this my friends is going make you smile.
Easy, tasty, healthy and make ahead.
Everything I enjoy all in one big bright colorful bowl!
Lentil beans I must tell you are definitely one of my favorite beans to cook with.
And I use them quite frequently in so many recipes.
Since they require no soaking ahead of time and they are loaded with so much protein and flavor they have definitely become my go to bean.
So making them the star of an easy summer salad was my next mission.
Cause bean salads are just the perfect addition to any meal or gathering! Well I actually can eat this just as a meal by itself.
Flavorful, filling and will keep you satisfied for hours.
And since it keeps well in the fridge and the flavors actually develop better after a few hours its the perfect make ahead meal.
But if you're looking for other tasty ways to prepare lentils other than this Lentil Bean Cucumber Salad I have several listed here below...
- Slow Cooker Barbecued Lentils
- Lentil Sweet Potato Stew
- Lentil Bean Chili
- Slow Cooker Black Bean Lentil Chili
- Ultimate Vegetarian Lentil Loaf
And will be continuing to add to the the above list.
π Recipe
Lentil Bean Cucumber Salad
Ingredients
- 1 Β½ cups dried green lentils
- large English Cucumber
- ΒΌ large red onion
- Β½ pint of grape tomatoes
- 2 tbsp. capers
- optional: cilantro
- salt & pepper to taste
- Dressing:
- β cup olive oil
- ΒΌ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves finely minced garlic
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Rinse dried lentils and place in large sauce pan and cover lentils about 2 inches above beans.
- Bring to boil then reduce heat to medium.
- Cook about 20 minutes until tender, making sure to check water as to not let them dry out.
- Remove from heat, drain, rinse and place in large mixing bowl.
- Add diced cucumber, chopped red onion, sliced grape tomatoes, capers and salt and pepper to taste.
- Meanwhile in small bowl combine olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, minced garlic, and mustard and whisk together.
- Pour dressing over salad and mix well.
- Can top with cilantro.
- Cover and store in fridge for up to five days.
Adriana Martin
I have a lentil fixation just love them. Use them in so many ways and this salad is really tempting me. Looks so fresh and yummy =)
Uma Srinivas
I agree this salad is perfect for summer. Looks bright and colourful with lot of goodness.
VeenaAzmanov
So true !! Mothers Day sure makes me feel blessing and lucky. This salad looks so awesome. Nutritious and filling. My kinda salad.
Stephanie
Thanks Veena π
Valerie Gray (@valmg)
Wow that salad has really great color! I've never seen lentils used this way before, it's very creative.
Stephanie
Thanks Valerie!
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day
Stephanie, this salad looks so delicious! I never remember to use lentils. I can't wait to try this salad. P.S. I love the bowl you used!
Stephanie
Thanks Amy π And I hope you get to Enjoy this soon..
Pam Wattenbarger
Lentils are so filling and healthy. This is a great meal for the summer, especially with the cucumber.
Stephanie
Yes they are Pam and great for the summer π
Christine - Jar Of Lemons
LOVE cucumber in salads, especially in the summer! And love the variation here. Looks delicious!
Stephanie
Thanks Christine and me too π
Dahn
I love lentils and how fast they are to make. What a great salad!
Stephanie
Thanks Dahn!
Platter Talk
I really love this recipe, with the different tastes and textures. Would love some now! Keeping this one for later.
Stephanie
Thanks π
Everyday Sarah Jane
This looks delicious and sounds so flavorful! Will be absolutely perfect for summer BBQs!
Stephanie
Thanks and great for BBQ's π
Dancing with Fireflies
Lentils are coming into fashion it seems. I am seeing more and more uses for them that I had never thought of before. Great recipe.
Stephanie
Thanks π
peter @feedyoursoultoo
This recipe is so fresh and so healthy. Note to self, make it!
Stephanie
Thanks Peter!
Kristina - Love & Zest
Aww, sweet post! And great recipe! This looks amazing!
Stephanie
Thanks Kristina and hope you get a chance to try it π
Emily
This recipe looks delicious! I also love that lentils require so little soaking time and are so filling and healthy!
Stephanie
Thanks Emily.
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Awwww, I love your attitude, girlfriend! Not enough people realize how blessed they are to be loved and have a loving family. It's so sweet that your family makes you feel special every day! LOVE that! And I love this salad! I'm a huge fan of lentils, so this definitely has my name written all over it! Cheers!
Stephanie
Thanks Cheyanne and I definitely feel very fortunate π