Lush Lentil and Kale Salad

Name: Lush Lentil and Kale Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup green or brown lentils; 4 cups kale, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup almonds or walnuts, toasted; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Clean Eating Recipes

I always crave a meal that's not just filling, but also packed with nutrition and flavor. This Lush Lentil and Kale Salad is my go-to dish for a light lunch or a vibrant dinner side. With the hearty texture of lentils and the crispness of kale, this salad provides a satisfying crunch. Toss in a zesty lemon dressing and a sprinkle of feta, and you've got a delectable dish that's perfect for any occasion. I promise, once you try it, this salad will become a staple in your kitchen too!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-13T11:37:30.983Z

During one of my busy weeks, I found myself needing a nutritious meal that I could whip up quickly, and that's when I stumbled upon this delightful Lush Lentil and Kale Salad. The combination of lentils and kale provides not only a richness in flavor but also a remarkable balance of protein and greens. I love adding a touch of toasted nuts for an extra crunch, which makes every bite feel gourmet.

What I discovered is that allowing the lentils to soak in a tangy dressing while they cool enhances their flavor immensely. It’s a simple yet effective method: just prepare your vinaigrette ahead, and let it infuse until you’re ready to serve. This salad has become a favorite not only for its taste but also for how effortlessly it fits into a healthy diet.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Hearty and filling with comforting lentils
Nutritious kale packed with vitamins and minerals
Bright and zesty lemon dressing to elevate the flavors
Customizable with your favorite nuts and seeds

      

The Importance of Kale and Lentils

Kale serves as the nutrient powerhouse of this salad, offering a range of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants that elevate your health benefits. When selecting your kale, look for leaves that are vibrant in color and free of wilted spots. The texture can be a bit tough, so I suggest massaging the leaves for a few minutes before adding other ingredients to help soften them and enhance the overall mouthfeel.

Lentils not only contribute protein and fiber, making this salad hearty, but they also lend a wonderful creaminess when cooked properly. Aim for green or brown lentils, which hold their shape well during cooking. You’ll know they are ready when they are tender but still have a slight bite, similar to al dente pasta. Be sure to drain them well; excess moisture can dilute the flavors of the dressing.

Zesty Lemon Dressing Insights

The dressing is truly the star in this Lush Lentil and Kale Salad, bringing all the ingredients together. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled for the brightest flavor. If you're sensitive to acidity, try adding a splash of honey or maple syrup to balance it out. The Dijon mustard not only adds flavor, but it also acts as an emulsifier, helping to keep the oil and lemon juice mixed without separating.

Make sure to adjust the seasoning to your personal preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick, while additional herbs like fresh dill or parsley can enhance the freshness of the salad. Mixing the dressing in a jar with a tight lid allows for easy storage and quick whisking before serving.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients to create a nutritious and colorful salad.

Salad Ingredients

1 cup green or brown lentils
4 cups kale, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup almonds or walnuts, toasted

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Once the ingredients are ready, we can proceed to the assembly of the salad.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your salad.

Cook the Lentils

Rinse the lentils under cold water and place them in a pot with 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and allow to cool.

Prepare the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped kale, cooled lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to combine.

Top with Feta and Nuts

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and toasted nuts on top of the salad and give it a final toss before serving.

Your Lush Lentil and Kale Salad is ready to serve!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize your salad by adding other vegetables or substituting different nuts based on your preference. Letting the salad sit for a bit before serving helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This salad is perfect for meal prep; the lentils and kale can be cooked and stored separately in the fridge for up to four days. You can combine the ingredients right before serving to maintain the freshness of the kale and the crunchiness of the nuts. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to toss everything together, as mixed salads tend to become soggy if left too long.

If you find you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. However, I recommend adding fresh ingredients like nuts and feta just before enjoying the leftovers to preserve their texture and flavor.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this salad based on the ingredients you have on hand. For instance, you can substitute quinoa or farro for lentils to change up the grain base, offering different textures and flavors. If you prefer a vegan option, simply leave out the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based variant to keep the creaminess.

Adding seasonal vegetables like roasted bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even some avocado can elevate the dish further. These variations not only introduce new tastes but also enhance the nutritional profile of your salad, making each batch unique.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the lentils and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Just assemble the salad and add the dressing right before serving.

→ Is there a vegan option for the dressing?

Absolutely! You can replace the feta cheese with avocado slices for a creamy texture and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.

→ How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though the kale may become softer over time.

→ Can I use other greens besides kale?

Yes, spinach or arugula would work well as alternatives, and will bring their own unique flavors to the salad.