Warm Chickpea and Lentil Salad
This salad combines nutty lentils and creamy chickpeas with sautéed vegetables, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Served warm, it makes a nourishing main dish or a perfect side to grilled meats or fish.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 35 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
For the salad base:
1 cup dried green or brown lentils (or 2 ½ cups cooked)
1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & pepper, to taste
Toppings & garnish:
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
Toasted nuts or seeds (pumpkin or almonds) for crunch
Instructions
Cook lentils:
Rinse lentils and place in a pot with 3 cups water.
Bring to a boil, then simmer 20–25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain.
Saute vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil.
Add onion, carrot, and garlic; saute 5–7 minutes until softened.
Stir in cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Combine:
Add cooked lentils and chickpeas to skillet.
Toss well and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Assemble:
Pour dressing over warm chickpea-lentil mixture.
Stir in parsley, mint, and top with feta or nuts if using.
Serve:
Best enjoyed warm, but can also be served at room temperature.
Notes & Tips
Add roasted vegetables (like zucchini, peppers, or eggplant) for extra flavor.
Keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days, making it great for meal prep.
For extra protein, top with a grilled chicken breast or salmon fillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?
Yes – just drain and rinse. Skip the boiling step and add them directly to the skillet.
Q: Can I serve it cold?
Yes! It makes a great chilled salad the next day.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~340 kcal
Protein: 16g
Carbs: 45g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 13g