✅ Vegan | High-Protein | 🕒 25 Minutes | Nutritious and Filling
Introduction:
Craving a meal that’s both hearty and incredibly wholesome? This High-Protein Lentil and Spinach Salad is a truly delicious and nutrient-packed dish, perfect as a light yet satisfying lunch or a robust side for dinner! Earthy lentils provide a fantastic plant-based protein boost, while fresh baby spinach and vibrant bell peppers add beautiful color, a satisfying crunch, and an array of essential vitamins.
What ties this amazing salad together is a bright, zesty lemon-Dijon dressing that brings a tangy flavor complementing the ingredients beautifully. Topped with toasted nuts for extra texture and healthy fats, this Vegan Lentil and Spinach Salad is a balanced, filling meal that supports your energy and overall wellness. Quick to prepare and full of plant-based goodness, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to eat clean and vibrant, all in just 25 minutes!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils (drained and rinsed if using canned)
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup toasted walnuts or almonds, chopped
For the Zesty Lemon-Dijon Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Combine Salad Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, fresh baby spinach, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper until well combined and emulsified.
- Dress and Toss: Pour the zesty lemon-Dijon dressing evenly over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss everything well to combine, ensuring all components are beautifully coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, generously sprinkle the chopped toasted walnuts or almonds on top for an added layer of crunch and healthy fats. Serve your Delicious Vegan Lentil and Spinach Salad immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Lentil and Spinach Salad:
This Delicious Vegan Lentil and Spinach Salad is the epitome of wholesome eating that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. Its delightful combination of tender lentils, crisp vegetables, and crunchy nuts creates a truly enjoyable texture in every bite. The bright, tangy dressing perfectly complements the earthy and fresh flavors, making this salad incredibly nutritious and filling. It’s a remarkably high-protein and easy-to-prepare option, proving that healthy, plant-based meals can be effortlessly delicious and immensely satisfying. You’ll find this a truly delightful addition to your recipe collection!
Health Benefits:
Every ingredient in this Lentil and Spinach salad offers remarkable health advantages:
- Lentils: These small but mighty legumes are an excellent source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, crucial for muscle repair, sustained energy, and digestive health. They are also rich in iron, vital for blood health, and folate, important for cell function.
- Spinach: A true nutritional powerhouse, spinach is loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, along with minerals like magnesium and calcium, all supporting strong bones, robust immune function, and overall vitality.
- Bell Peppers: Providing a vibrant crunch and natural sweetness, bell peppers are exceptionally high in antioxidants and Vitamin C, which supports radiant skin health and helps reduce inflammation throughout the body.
- Walnuts/Almonds: These healthy nuts offer beneficial omega-3 fatty acids (especially walnuts), plant-based protein, and powerful antioxidants, contributing significantly to heart health and brain function.
- Lemon and Dijon Mustard Dressing: Beyond creating a refreshing zest, lemon juice boosts Vitamin C intake and aids digestion. Dijon mustard adds flavor without excess calories and contains beneficial compounds from mustard seeds.
From My Kitchen to Yours:
This Delicious Vegan Lentil and Spinach Salad is more than just a quick recipe; it’s a celebration of plant-based goodness and hearty satisfaction. With its perfect balance of textures, nourishing components, and a zesty dressing, it’s a dish that feels both incredibly satisfying and deeply enriching every time. Whether you’re preparing it for a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch, or as part of your meal prep, this amazing vegan and gluten-free Lentil and Spinach salad will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for healthy simplicity and ultimate nourishment.
Looking for more delightful and wholesome vegan meals?
👉 Explore our full collection of Healthy Vegan Recipes for more plant-based delights you’ll love!
