Simple Lentil Salad Recipe for Weight Watchers | Simple Nourished Living (2024)

FAQs

How do you incorporate lentils into meals? ›

Lentils are great in soups, as an addition to salads, and as a vegetarian protein source in recipes traditionally made with meat. Similar to rice, lentils take on whatever flavors you add to the pot. Instead of plain water, cook lentils in a broth or stock.

Nutrition In Basic Lentil Salad

One serving provides 250 calories, 36 grams of carbohydrate, 10 grams of protein and 8 g fat. It's a great source of fiber, providing per serving.

The Bottom Line

Lentils are a nutritious food that's low-fat and high in protein and fiber. While they make a delicious addition to a soup, stew or salad, you should not eat them raw. No matter which type of lentils you buy, you can easily cook them by boiling your lentils in water on the stove.

You can also add salt, aromatics like a halved onion, herbs, and spices to the pot before the lentils and the water, like beans, or wait until they're done cooking to flavor them.

Lentils are high in fibre, and complex carbohydrates, while low in fat and calories. Their high protein content makes lentils a perfect option for those looking to boost their protein intake. They are naturally gluten-free, making them a delicious staple in a gluten-free kitchen.

Lentils. Lentils have more protein than any other bean (including chickpeas, white beans, and black beans). One cup contains a hefty 18 grams of protein, while the same amount of chickpeas has 14 grams.

Chicken contents about 22 grams to 25 grams of protein per 100 grams of chicken. However, pulses contain only about 7 grams of protein per 100 grams of the pulse. There are no pulses which have a protein content higher than chicken. Lentils have about 24 grams of protein when they are raw.

The best side dishes to serve with lentils are roasted vegetables, yellow rice, couscous, caramelized onions, gobi manchurian, tomato basil soup, brown rice, grilled flatbread, Greek salad, cucumber raita, quinoa, and naan bread.

How to prepare lentils. Lentils do not require it but can be soaked in order to reduce cooking time by about half. Before cooking, rinse lentils in cold water, pick over to remove debris or shrivelled lentils, then drain.

Should lentils be soaked before cooking? ›

So, always wash and soak them before cooking. Split dals take 6 to 8 hours to soak whereas heavy legumes, such as Rajma, Chana or Chole, should be cooked after soaking for 12 to 18 hours to get the right taste and texture. The best option is to soak the lentils and legumes overnight.