Black Bean Lentil Salad with Cumin-Lime Dressing
This protein-rich bean and lentil salad is perfect for make-ahead lunches, snacks, potlucks, picnics, and more. Easy and satisfying!
AuthorKaitlin - The Garden Grazer
Prep Time:10 minutes mins
Cook Time:20 minutes mins
Total Time:30 minutes mins
CourseMain Dish, Salad, Side Dish
CuisineGluten-Free, Oil-Free, Vegan
Servings6 (1 cup servings)
- 1 cup green/brown lentils* (uncooked)
- 15 oz. can black beans
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely diced (or 2-3 green onions for milder flavor)
- 6 oz. grape/cherry tomatoes (or 2 roma tomatoes)
- 2/3 cup fresh cilantro (large stems removed)
- Avocado for serving (optional)
For the cumin-lime dressing:
- 2 Tbsp. lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. ground cumin (or less)
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. salt (more/less to taste)
Cook lentils: In a medium saucepan over high heat, boil 4 cups water. Rinse lentils and add to boiling water. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until tender (not mushy). Drain when finished.
Meanwhile, make the dressing: Place all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Set aside.
Finely dice the bell pepper, red onion (or green onions), and tomatoes. Roughly chop the cilantro, large stems removed.
In a large bowl place black beans (rinsed and drained), bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, cilantro, and cooked lentils. Re-stir dressing, then pour over top and toss to combine. Salt to taste or add more lime juice if desired.
Serve immediately or let it chill covered in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors combine further. Add diced avocado right before serving if desired.
*Canned lentils: You can also use a 15 oz. can lentils in place of cooking your own. (This results in slightly less lentils in the dish, but it works just fine.)
Dressing: The dressing is light and subtle, so increase if desired.
Spicy: Add chipotle powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to taste.
Yield: Recipe makes about 6 cups salad.
Recipe adapted from Kalyn's Kitchen.
Calories: 197 kcal | Carbohydrates: 35 g | Protein: 13 g | Fat: 1 g | Saturated Fat: 1 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Potassium: 667 mg | Fiber: 16 g | Sugar: 3 g | Vitamin A: 905 IU | Vitamin C: 38 mg | Calcium: 58 mg | Iron: 4 mg