Description
A vibrant and nutritious warm lentil and veggie salad featuring sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion tossed with tender green or brown lentils and a bright lemon dressing. This easy, wholesome dish is perfect for a healthy lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Legumes
- 1 cup green or brown lentils
Vegetables
- 2 medium bell peppers, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 small red onion, chopped
Seasonings & Oils
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Rinse Lentils: Rinse the green or brown lentils under cold water until the water runs clear to remove any debris and excess starch.
- Cook Lentils: Place the rinsed lentils in a medium pot with 3 cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water if necessary.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the lentils cook, chop the bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and texture.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables, season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender but still retain some bite.
- Combine Lentils and Veggies: Add the cooked lentils to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Then, squeeze in the juice of one lemon to add a fresh, tangy flavor.
- Serve Warm: Serve the lentil and veggie salad warm immediately as a hearty and healthy dish. Enjoy!
Notes
- Lentils can be cooked ahead of time and refrigerated to save time when preparing the salad.
- You can add a handful of fresh parsley or cilantro for extra freshness and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with more lemon juice or spices to your taste preference.
- This salad can be served as a side dish or a light main course, especially good with crusty bread.
- For a vegan protein boost, sprinkle some toasted nuts or seeds on top before serving.
