When you’re really hungry, just having a salad can be risky. While fresh and nutritious, many salads lack the fiber, protein, and fat that will keep you satisfied until your next meal. The challenge of building a hearty and filling salad can be especially tricky if you eat a plant-based diet. Enter this lentil and beet salad.
If you’re picturing a mushy pile of lentil soup on top of your baby kale, we’ll stop you right there. There are many different types of lentils, and some are better than others for adding to salads. Some are perfect for lentil soup, while Black lentils and French lentils are best for non-soup applications; they’re sturdy and hold their shape when cooked. In fact, these legumes look positively elegant when paired with colorful veggies, fresh herbs, and a simple vinaigrette.
A cup of cooked lentils provides nearly 18 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber. The soluble fiber in lentils helps with balancing your blood sugar, while the insoluble fiber promotes healthy digestion. In addition to protein and fiber, lentils are also a fantastic source of iron, which is especially important for those who are vegetarian or vegan. Further sweetening the deal, lentils contain a broad range of phytochemicals that protect against diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
This lentil beet salad challenges the notion that salads have to be chock full of leafy greens. French lentils, beets, cucumber, mint leaves, and pine nuts, along with a zippy vinaigrette, combine to create a fresh and flavorful salad that will leave your taste buds and hunger level satisfied.
Mint can help with digestion and bloating. Beets have so many benefits, including vitamin C, vitamin B, and magnesium. Just don’t forget that you ate them!
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 5 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Ingredients:
For the salad:
1 cup French lentils, sorted and rinsed
2 small golden beets, trimmed
2 small red beets, trimmed
½ cucumber
¼ cup pine nuts
Small handful of fresh mint leaves
For the dressing:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 ½ tablespoons golden balsamic vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic, minced
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
Pinch of sea salt and black pepper
Directions:
Combine the French lentils with 2½ cups of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until the lentils are tender for about 25 minutes. Drain and rinse the lentils with cool water and return to the saucepan.
Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise and use a spoon to scrape out the seeds. Slice the cucumber into ½-inch half moons.
To make the dressing, combine the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, dijon mustard, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk to combine and adjust flavors to taste. Pour some over the lentils and toss to coat.
To assemble, add a scoop of lentils to each plate. Top with beets, cucumber, pine nuts, and mint leaves. Drizzle with the rest of the dressing and serve.
Recipe and photography by Kate Kasbee
If you like this recipe, you might also like This summer salad brings the best of the season.
Fall in Love With This Magnesium Coconut Water Mocktail
Celebrate romance and self-care with this Valentine’s Day Mocktail. Made with coconut water and magnesium, this mocktail supports relaxation, hydration, and wellness.
Read more
No-Bake Vegan Golden Milk Mini Cheesecakes
Vegan mini cheesecakes with a golden milk twist. Gluten-free, raw, and no-bake, these cheesecakes are packed with clean ingredients but taste like an indulgent treat.
Read more
Fall Simmer Pot for Wellness
Fall simmer pots enhance your well-being with seasonal spices like cinnamon, cloves, and oranges. Learn the benefits of this natural aromatherapy for relaxation and coziness.
Read more
Love Your Gut With These Healthy Homemade Gummies
Healthy gummies made with protein-rich gelatin, real fruit, monk fruit, and no artificial anything. Paleo, gluten-free, and packed with gut health benefits.
Read more
Lychee Smoothie With Thai Basil for an Antioxidant Boost
Make this refreshing lychee smoothie recipe packed with tropical flavor, creamy coconut yogurt, and Thai basil. Perfect for summer breakfasts or a healthy treat during your cleanse!
Read more
Quick & Easy Cucumber Kimchi for a Spicy Kick
Made with crisp cucumbers, garlic, ginger, Korean chili flakes, and apple cider vinegar, this dish is both healthy and delicious. Ready in minutes, it's a must-try for your next summer gathering!
Read more
Yuzu Mojito Mocktail for a Revitalizing Summer Drink
Try a refreshing Yuzu Mojito Mocktail, a zesty twist on the classic cocktail. This alcohol-free, sugar-free drink is perfect for summer, and bursting with citrus flavor.
Read more
Adaptogenic Tropical Ginseng Smoothie for a Refreshing Energy Boost
Want to boost your energy for the day? Then this Adaptogenic Tropical Ginseng Smoothie is for you. Loaded with ginseng benefits and featuring mango, pineapple, and coconut, this revitalizing smoothie delivers a delicious taste of the tropics. Whether you’re looking for an energized start to your day or a healthy...
Read more
![](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 525.5 525.5"><path d="M381.3 247.3c.3-1.2 1.2-3.4 3.4-4.2l2.5-.9c.5-.2.8-.5.9-1l3.8-16.2c.1-.4 0-.8-.2-1.1-.2-.3-.6-.5-1-.6-61.1-8.3-93.8-.3-113.3 4.6-6.4 1.6-11.1 2.7-14.6 2.7s-8.2-1.1-14.6-2.7c-19.5-4.8-52.2-12.9-113.3-4.6-.4.1-.8.3-1 .6-.2.3-.3.7-.2 1.1l3.8 16.2c.1.5.5.9.9 1l2.5.9c2.2.8 3.1 3 3.4 4.2.4 1.4.7 3 1.1 4.6 1.8 7.6 4 17 7.9 25.9-7.6 8.2-13.4 15.3-16.2 18.9-.5.7-.8 1.5-.7 2.4.1.8.5 1.5 1 2 .5.7 1.9 2.6 4.6 3.4 2.4.7 4.6 1 6.6 1 7.8 0 13.4-4.7 17.5-9.4 6.7 5.9 15.6 9.7 27.8 9.7 43.9 0 52.1-24.5 57.5-40.7 3.3-9.8 5.4-15.3 11.4-15.3 6.1 0 8.3 5.6 11.6 15.4 5.4 16.1 13.5 40.6 57.4 40.6 12.4 0 21.4-4 28.2-10.1 4.2 4.8 9.8 9.8 17.8 9.8 2 0 4.2-.3 6.6-1.1 2.6-.8 4.1-2.7 4.6-3.4.6-.5.9-1.2 1-2 .1-.9-.1-1.7-.7-2.4-2.9-3.7-8.9-11-16.7-19.4 3.8-8.7 6-18 7.7-25.4.3-1.5.7-3 1-4.5zm-238.6 54.5c-2.1-.6-3.1-2.3-3.1-2.3-.1-.2-.2-.3-.4-.4-.1-.1-.1-.2-.1-.2 0-.1 0-.2.1-.3 2.7-3.4 8.2-10.1 15.3-17.9 2.5 4.9 5.5 9.6 9.4 13.5-6.9 7.9-13.1 10.1-21.2 7.6zm244.3-3.3c.1.1.1.2.1.3 0 .1 0 .2-.1.2l-.4.4s-1 1.7-3.1 2.3c-8.2 2.5-14.5.2-21.6-8 3.9-4 6.9-8.7 9.3-13.7 7.4 8.1 13 15 15.8 18.5zm-9.5-47.2c-4.8 20.6-12.1 51.7-45.8 51.7-41.8 0-49.2-22.3-54.7-38.6-3.1-9.3-5.8-17.4-14.3-17.4-8.3 0-11 8-14.1 17.3-5.5 16.3-12.9 38.7-54.8 38.7-33.7 0-41-31.1-45.8-51.7-.4-1.7-.8-3.2-1.1-4.7-.8-3.1-2.6-5.3-5.2-6.2l-1.7-.6-3.2-14c59.5-7.9 91.5 0 110.7 4.7 6.6 1.6 11.4 2.8 15.3 2.8s8.7-1.2 15.3-2.8c19.2-4.7 51.2-12.6 110.7-4.7l-3.2 14-1.7.6c-2.5.9-4.4 3.2-5.2 6.2-.5 1.5-.8 3.1-1.2 4.7z"/><path d="M383.9 232c0-4.1-13.7-4.1-13.7 0 0 2 3.4 3.1 6.8 3.1 3.5 0 6.9-1 6.9-3.1zm-6.8 1.7c-3.4 0-5.4-1.1-5.4-1.7s2.1-1.7 5.4-1.7c3.4 0 5.4 1.1 5.4 1.7s-2.1 1.7-5.4 1.7zM141.8 232c0 2 3.4 3.1 6.8 3.1s6.8-1.1 6.8-3.1c.1-4-13.6-4-13.6 0zm6.8 1.7c-3.4 0-5.4-1.1-5.4-1.7s2.1-1.7 5.4-1.7 5.4 1.1 5.4 1.7-2 1.7-5.4 1.7zM356 227.6c-7.9-2-36.2-7.4-68 5.5-5.7 2.3-9.4 8-9.1 14.1.9 22.6 7 52.6 48.7 52.6 12.9 0 23.1-3.8 30.2-11.4 11.3-12.1 12.7-30.8 11.8-44.5-.6-7.9-6-14.4-13.6-16.3zm-67.5 6.8c15.7-6.4 30.5-8.2 42.4-8.2 11.9 0 20.8 1.8 24.7 2.8 5.3 1.3 9.4 5.1 11.4 10h-.1c-.1 0-14.3 1.7-36.4 3.5-9 .7-20.2 1.6-32.9 2.2h-.8c-.1 0-.2 0-.3.1-5 .3-10.2.5-15.6.7-.2 0-.3.1-.5.1.4-5.1 3.5-9.4 8.1-11.2zm39.1 64c-39.9 0-46.2-28.5-47.2-50.4.2.1.3.1.5.1 5.8-.2 11.4-.4 16.7-.7 28.4.1 40.9 18.3 51.9 34.4 1.6 2.4 3.2 4.7 4.8 6.9.2.2.4.4.7.5-6.8 6.1-15.9 9.2-27.4 9.2zm29.2-11.1c0-.1-.1-.3-.2-.4-1.6-2.2-3.1-4.4-4.7-6.8-8.8-12.9-19.4-28.3-39.2-33.7 6.5-.4 12.4-.9 17.6-1.3 10.4 5.8 21.4 14.7 33.6 27.3.3.3.6.4 1 .4h.1c-1.8 5.4-4.4 10.4-8.2 14.5zm9-17c-11-11.2-21.1-19.6-30.6-25.5 19.5-1.6 31.9-3.1 32-3.1.2 0 .4-.1.5-.2.2.8.3 1.6.3 2.5.5 6.7.5 16.7-2.2 26.3zM238 233c-31.7-12.9-60-7.5-68-5.5-7.6 1.9-13.1 8.5-13.6 16.4-.9 13.6.5 32.4 11.8 44.5 7.1 7.6 17.3 11.4 30.2 11.4 41.7 0 47.8-30 48.7-52.6.3-6.2-3.4-11.8-9.1-14.2zm-67.6-4.1c7.7-1.9 34.9-7.2 65.7 4.9-8 .9-14.7 1.5-22.6 2.2-5.5.5-11.6 2.6-18.3 6.3-21.8-1.7-35.8-3.4-36-3.4h-.3c2.1-4.9 6.2-8.6 11.5-10zM157.9 244c.1-.9.2-1.8.4-2.6.2.2.4.3.7.3.1 0 12.5 1.5 32 3.1-9.6 6-19.7 14.4-30.7 25.7-2.8-9.7-2.8-19.8-2.4-26.5zm40.5 54.4c-11.5 0-20.6-3.1-27.4-9.2.3-.1.6-.2.8-.5 1.5-2.1 3-4.2 4.6-6.5 11.4-16.5 24.3-35.1 55.1-34 5.1.2 8.8.3 13.6.3.2 0 .3 0 .4-.1-.9 21.9-7.3 50-47.1 50zm46.8-52.7c-4.8 0-8.4-.1-13.5-.3-32.4-1.3-46.4 19-57.6 35.2-1.6 2.3-3 4.4-4.5 6.4-.1.2-.2.3-.2.5-3.9-4.2-6.5-9.2-8.3-14.5h.3c.4 0 .7-.1 1-.4 12.3-12.6 23.4-21.6 34-27.5 6.5-3.6 12.4-5.7 17.6-6.2 8.5-.7 15.7-1.5 24.7-2.4.5-.1 1-.4 1.2-.9 3.5 2.3 5.7 6.1 6 10.2-.4-.1-.5-.1-.7-.1z"/></svg>)
