Cold lentil salads are the perfect foundation for a bunch of veggies, a great way to use up all those beautiful veggies from your garden or your farmer’s market. They’re simple, quick, and full of goodness. In just 30 minutes, they transform into the perfect base for any meal, making them ideal for those summer days when you can’t bear the thought of spending hours over a boiling pot. Let’s be honest—who has the patience for that in the heat? Certainly not me.
But lentils aren’t just for summer. Their heartiness makes them a comforting sidekick when the weather cools, pairing beautifully with a bowl of soup or nestled next to a frittata. Speaking of bowls, I’ve recently become a bit obsessed with these low bowls I found on Amazon. They’re just the right size for serving everything from soups to salads, and they add a touch of understated elegance to any meal.
Elevate Your Cold Lentil Salads: Try Sprouting
Want to elevate your lentil game? Try sprouting them! Sprouted lentils bring a fresh, vibrant quality to your dishes. They’re perfect for salads, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you can make a big batch of Sprouted Lentil Fritters. Freeze them for those days when you need a quick yet delicious meal.
Lentil salads are a fantastic way to showcase those gorgeous vegetables from your garden or the farmer’s market. They’re hearty, full of flavor, and anything but boring. Dive into some of my favorites, like the Lentil Taco Salad or the Moroccan Lentil Salad. They’re the epitome of a perfect summer meal—simple, vibrant, and utterly satisfying.
1. French Cold Lentil Salad with Cucumber, Bell Pepper & Fresh Herbs
French Lentil Salad With Cucumber, Bell Pepper, And Fresh Herbs
Try this French lentil salad with all the Mediterranean veggies. Make a big pot and eat for days. Loaded with cucumber, peppers, lentils, herbs, and garlic, it hits all the taste notes! (recipe by The Mediterranean Dish)
2. Green Olives & Feta Lentil Salad
Green Olives & Feta Lentil Salad
This lovely green olives & feta lentil salad is loaded with briny deliciousness. Feta, green olives, mustardy dressing, and ribbons of kale. (recipe by Love and Lemons)
3. Kale Cold Lentil Salad With Lemon Dressing
Kale Lentil Salad With Lemon Dressing
Using the time-saving hack of canned lentils, this lemony lentil salad recipe is chock full of kale, peppers, lentils, and cucumbers and does not require any cooking. Perfect for when turning on the stove is the last thing you want to do! (recipe by Peas and Crayons)
4. Black Lentil Salad with Kale and Pomegranate
Black Lentil Salad with Kale and Pomegranate
This striking black lentil salad is studded with pomegranate arils and mixed with freshly chopped kale for a red and green palette (a bonus for winter holiday cooking)! Unlike so many cold lentil salads featuring lemon dressing and feta, this recipe uses delicious red wine vinaigrette and is finished with creamy goat cheese crumbles. (recipe by Its A Veg World After All)
5. Garlicky Lebanese Lentil Salad with Mint & Parsley
Lebanese Lentil Salad with Mint & Parsley
This garlicky Lebanese style lentil salad is chock full of fresh herbs (mint, parsley), married with fresh lemon juice and you can make it with many different types of lentils. This recipe screams healthy and delicious. (recipe by Kayns Kitchen)
6. Easy Lentil Taco Salad
Easy Lentil Taco Salad
Seasoned lentils are served on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce with juice tomatoes, sweet corn, and buttery avocado. Topped with a creamy cashew salsa dressing, this lentil taco salad is sure to be a new favorite! This recipe is vegan, gluten-free + grain-free with a nut-free option. (recipe by Making Thyme for Health)
7. Summer Lentil Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
Summer Lentil Salad with Lime Vinaigrette
This summery lentil salad is a Mexican-inspired salad filled with green lentils, tomatoes, cucumber, corn, and cilantro, topped with a zesty lime vinaigrette. (recipe by Occasionally Eggs)
Bonus! I love the addition of sunflower shoots and pea tendrils to really amp up the flavor and nutrient value of this salad.
8. Indian Yellow Lentil Salad (Moong Dal Chaat)
Indian Yellow Lentil Salad (Moong Dal Chaat)
This Indian yellow lentil salad can also be made with split-skinned green mung beans. Described as refreshing and perfect for hot weather. Full of Indian spices and using yellow lentils, this recipe will get you out of your lentil salad rut. (recipe by Vegan Richa)
9. Spiced Moroccan Lentil Salad
Spiced Moroccan Lentil Salad
This Moroccan Lentil Salad is infused with fragrant Moroccan spices, crunchy celery, toasted almonds, dried apricots, orange zest, and loads of fresh herbs. Vegan and GF. (recipe by Feasting at Home)
10. Simple Lentil Salad
Simple Lentil Salad
A simple lentil salad with cooked lentils, herbs, and an easy mustard vinaigrette. This base recipe can be added to in any number of ways. (recipe by Occasionally Eggs)
