Tired of boring salads? Meet your new favorite lunch! This isn’t just any salad; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor. We’re combining earthy, elegant beluga lentils—often called the ‘caviar of lentils’—with crisp-tender broccoli florets, crunchy toasted almonds, and sharp red onion. The real star, though, is the tangy and sweet honey-mustard dressing that ties everything together. It’s a warm, satisfying meal that’s packed with protein and fiber, keeping you full and energized for hours. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easily made vegan!
Ingredients
• Salad
• ½ cup / 100g black beluga lentils, rinsed and soaked 8 hours or overnight
• 1 head broccoli, about 4 cups / 400g florets
• 1 small red onion or shallot, about ⅔ cup / 80g sliced into rings
• ¼ cup / 30g chopped almonds, toasted
• Honey-Mustard Dressing
• 4 Tbs / 60ml olive oil
• 1 Tbs / 15ml apple cider vinegar
• 2 tsp / 10ml raw honey or agave nectar for vegan option
• 2 tsp / 10g Dijon mustard
Instructions
1. Cook the Lentils & Broccoli: Drain and rinse the soaked lentils. Place them in a medium pot with 1 cup / 240ml of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 18 minutes. Add the broccoli florets to the pot, cover, and steam for 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is crisp-tender and the lentils are al dente.
2. Prepare the Dressing: While the lentils cook, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey (or agave), and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth and emulsified.
3. Combine and Serve: Carefully drain any excess water from the pot. Transfer the warm lentils and broccoli to a large serving bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to coat everything. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with the sliced red onion and toasted almonds before serving.
Nutritional Information
• Nutrition Information
• Per serving (serves 4)
• Calories: 301
• Protein: 10 g
• Total Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 90 mg
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 4 g
Pro Tips
• For a fully vegan salad, simply use agave nectar or maple syrup in place of honey in the dressing.
• Soaking the lentils isn’t just for faster cooking; it also makes them easier to digest and helps your body absorb more of their nutrients.
• Meal Prep Tip: Cook the lentils and broccoli ahead of time and store in the fridge. Keep the dressing, onions, and almonds separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness and crunch.
• Try this salad with cauliflower florets; just add them to the cooking water 2 to 3 minutes sooner than you would the broccoli.
FAQ
Q: Is this beluga lentil salad a good source of vegetarian protein
A: Yes, this salad is an excellent source of plant-based protein. Each serving contains 10 grams of protein, primarily from the beluga lentils and toasted almonds, making it a satisfying and energizing vegetarian meal.
Q: How can I make this lentil salad completely vegan
A: To make this recipe 100% vegan, simply substitute the raw honey in the dressing with an equal amount of agave nectar or maple syrup. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based.
Q: Can I use a different type of lentil for this recipe
A: Absolutely. While beluga lentils are recommended for their firm texture and elegant look, you can substitute them with French green (Puy) lentils, which also hold their shape well. Brown or red lentils can be used, but they tend to become softer and may not be ideal for this salad’s texture.
Q: What is the best way to meal prep this vegetarian salad
A: For optimal freshness, cook the lentils and broccoli and allow them to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the honey-mustard dressing, sliced red onion, and toasted almonds in separate containers. Combine everything and toss just before serving to maintain the crunch and vibrant flavors.
