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    Recipes » Vegetarian

    Caprese Lentil Salad

    Published: Jul 14, 2014 · Updated: Jun 17, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Caprese Lentil Salad is an easy, vegetarian, and gluten-free salad that's served cold, so it's great for the summer. Keep this healthy, high-protein salad in the fridge to always have lunch, snack, or dinner at the ready.

    clear bowl with lentils, mozzarella, walnuts, tomatoes, and basil on a straw mat

    This Caprese Lentil Salad is one of those meals that even when you're full and the salad has long since been gone, you still think about it.

    It's also pretty easy to make.

    While the salad takes a little more time than most salads because you have to cook the lentils, there's not much hands-on work.

    First, you'll sauté the onion which will bring out its natural sweetness and complement the tomatoes and balsamic vinegar quite nicely.

    Meanwhile, rinse and sort through your lentils.

    Also, chop your tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, and mince the garlic.

    If you don't have good tomatoes, then you might want to roast them.

    After the onion is cooked, just put it in a bowl to cool.

    And add the lentils to the saucepan you used to sauté the onion. Then just cover with water and bring to a boil. Cover the saucepan, reduce heat, and let simmer for about 30-35 minutes until your lentils are tender but not mushy.

    Drain the lentils immediately and stir together with the sautéed onion, chopped tomatoes, and garlic.

    Whisk together balsamic vinegar, remaining oil, and some salt, and pour over the lentil mixture.

    Give that a good stir and add in the basil and mozzarella. You can serve it immediately or stick it in the fridge to cool. It's good no matter what temperature it is.

    white plate with fresh spinach and lentil salad surrounded by fresh tomatoes and a bowl of lentil salad

    Oh and if you're feeling fancy, just add a few chopped walnuts for a little added crunch. Yum!

    Oh how I love this salad... it's chock full of fiber [almost half of what you need in one day!], a great source of vegetarian protein, packed with veggies, and mighty tasty. It's a wonderful summer salad that can be served as a meal or a side dish.

    clear bowl with lentils, mozzarella, walnuts, tomatoes, and basil on a straw mat

    Caprese Lentil Salad

    Caprese Lentil Salad is an easy, vegetarian and gluten free salad that's served cold, so it's great, high protein meal for the summer.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Author: Meme

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoon olive oil divided
    • 1 onion diced
    • 1 cup lentils dry
    • 2 tomatoes diced (about 1.5 pounds)
    • 1 clove garlic minced or crushed
    • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
    • 4 oz fresh mozzarella cubed
    • 1/4 cup walnuts chopped & preferably toasted {optional}

    Instructions

    • Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to a saucepan over medium-high heat.
    • Sauté onion in oil for about 10 minutes until soft and lightly browned. Remove from saucepan and set aside.
    • Add lentils to the saucepan, and cover with enough water to completely cover lentils with about one inch of water. Bring to a boil.
    • Cover the saucepan, reduce heat, and let simmer for about 30-35 minutes until your lentils are tender but not mushy.
    • Drain the lentils immediately and stir together with the sautéed onion, chopped tomatoes, and garlic.
    • Whisk together balsamic vinegar, remaining tablespoon of oil, and salt, and pour over the lentil mixture. Give that a good stir and add in the basil and mozzarella.
    • You can serve immediately or stick in the fridge to cool. It's good no matter what temperature it is. Sprinkle with walnuts just before serving, if using. Enjoy!

    Notes

    *Makes about 5-6 cups
    *Omit mozzarella for a dairy-free salad.
    *Use pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds in place of the walnuts for nut-free. Or omit.
    Did you try this recipe?Be sure to leave a comment & recipe rating below. Bonus points for tagging @memeinge & #livingwellkitchen on Instagram! THANK YOU! xo

    Meme

    This post was originally published on July 14, 2014. Text, recipe, and photos have been updated.


    Caprese Lentil Salad Nutrition Facts

    Nutrition Facts
    Caprese Lentil Salad
    Serving Size
     
    1 cup
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    271
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    12
    g
    18
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    3
    g
    19
    %
    Cholesterol
     
    14
    mg
    5
    %
    Potassium
     
    487
    mg
    14
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    26
    g
    9
    %
    Fiber
     
    10
    g
    42
    %
    Sugar
     
    4
    g
    4
    %
    Protein
     
    13
    g
    26
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    585
    IU
    12
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    8.9
    mg
    11
    %
    Calcium
     
    134
    mg
    13
    %
    Iron
     
    3
    mg
    17
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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    Comments

    1. genevieve @ gratitude & greens says

      July 15, 2014 at 9:57 am

      I can never stand 'diet' salads- I always have to have a super decked out salad with tasty bits (like your lentils). I happen to have all the ingredients for this so I might give this caprese a whirl later, it looks so good!

      Reply
      • Meme says

        July 15, 2014 at 10:09 am

        Thanks Genevieve! It really is quite delicious {and quite healthy, to boot}, so I had to make another batch 🙂

        Reply
    2. Jessica @ Nutritioulicious says

      July 15, 2014 at 12:57 pm

      Yum! Love this twist on the traditional. Great way to add more protein and fiber!

      Reply
      • Meme says

        July 19, 2014 at 10:46 pm

        Thanks!! It is mighty delicious and kept me full for hours

        Reply
    3. Kelli @Hungry Hobby says

      July 15, 2014 at 1:35 pm

      Love salads like this one which are good for you and actually fill you up!

      Reply
      • Meme says

        July 19, 2014 at 10:45 pm

        Me too! Nothing worse than a salad that leaves you hungry and feeling deprived. This one definitely does not!

        Reply

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    Meme (a brunette female) is holding umbrella and spinning around in front of the Eiffel Tower wearing a denim jacket, skirt, and blue shoesHi, I'm Meme -- a thirty-something girl from Alabama living in San Diego! Join me as I prove that living a guilt-free, healthy lifestyle can be budget friendly, delicious & fun!
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