Mushroom Salad with Lentils and Caramelized Onions
A nourishing, savory, deeply flavorful salad made with tender lentils, golden caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms, fresh herbs, and a bright lemon-herb dressing. Perfect warm or at room temperature.
Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salad
1 cup cooked green or brown lentils (or ½ cup uncooked)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, thinly sliced
250 g (about 2.5 cups) mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or mixed)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons toasted almonds or walnuts
Optional add-ins: feta, spinach, arugula, cherry tomatoes
For the Lemon Herb Dressing
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup
Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Lentils
Rinse ½ cup lentils.
Add to a pot with 2 cups water + pinch of salt.
Simmer 20–25 minutes until tender but not mushy.
Drain and set aside.
2. Caramelize the Onions
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add sliced onions + pinch of salt.
Cook 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until golden brown and soft.
Remove and set aside.
3. Saute the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add mushrooms and cook on high heat until golden and their water evaporates (6–7 minutes).
Add garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook 1 more minute.
4. Combine the Salad
In a large bowl:
Add lentils
Add caramelized onions
Add sauteed mushrooms
Add parsley + nuts (if using)
Mix gently.
5. Make the Dressing
Whisk together:
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Dijon
Honey
Salt & pepper
Pour over salad and toss.
6. Serve
Enjoy warm or room temperature.
Great as a main or side dish!
Tips & Variations
Add crumbled feta for creaminess.
Stir in fresh spinach until slightly wilted for extra greens.
Add roasted sweet potatoes for a heartier meal.
Swap lentils with quinoa for a lighter version.
For extra flavor, splash with balsamic glaze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
Q: Which mushrooms work best?
Cremini or button are great; shiitake adds deeper umami.
Q: Can I serve it cold?
Yes, but the flavors shine more when warm.
Nutritional Information
Approximate:
Calories: ~280
Protein: 13g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 14g
Fiber: 9g