If you haven’t gathered yet, we’re big lentil fans around here! What’s not to love about these ultra-versatile, protein-packed legumes? From tasty appetizers to hearty, crowd-pleasing entrées and more, there’s SO much you can do with them. To help get you inspired, we’ve gathered all of our BEST lentil recipes, including sides, salads, soups, mains, and more! Scroll through and find a new lentil recipe to make this week!
(Note: Dietary symbols listed throughout for easy navigation!)
What’s so great about lentils?
Lentils are a part of the legume family and can be used in a large variety of recipes due to their neutral flavor. They’re an extremely nutritious and inexpensive source of plant-based protein, fiber, and also folate, phosphorous, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and more! Plus, their consumption has been associated with a lower incidence of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancers (source).
These flavorful, creamy refried lentils are infused with smoky spices and chilis and made in 1 pot in less than 30 minutes! Say hello to the perfect side for Mexican night.
Simple, flavorful curried yellow lentils seasoned with fresh spices, garlic, and ginger and swimming in a curried coconut sauce. The perfect plant-based side!
Curried Cauliflower Rice with Lentils & Crispy Shallot (Mujadara-Inspired)
A grain-free, healthier take on Middle Eastern-inspired mujadara with cauliflower rice, lentils, and crispy shallot! A satisfying, affordable, flavorful side dish or main.
Creamy, Mediterranean-inspired lentil dip with sautéed garlic and shallots plus a 2-minute garlic-dill sauce. A protein-packed, vegan and gluten-free appetizer or side dish.
Super delicious kale salad topped with red grapes, lentils, and curry roasted cauliflower. Served with a tahini-green curry paste dressing! Just 30 minutes required for this flavorful side or entrée.
Comforting lentil soup with a little bit of spice, a lot-a-bit of flavor, and just the right amount of creaminess. A nourishing, plant-based meal made effortless with the help of the Instant Pot!
Warming Red Lentil Sweet Potato Soup (Instant Pot!)
Creamy sweet potato and red lentil soup infused with coconut milk and warming spices. The ultimate fall and winter dish. Made in the Instant Pot and perfect for meal prep!
Creamy, Indian-inspired 1-pot curried cauliflower soup with carrots, ginger, and red lentils! Subtly spiced, quick and easy to make, and perfect for meal prep!
9-ingredient vegan Fesenjān made with lentils! A hearty stew of toasted walnuts, pomegranate molasses, onion, and spices. A comforting, Persian-inspired, plant-based meal!
1-pot goodness in the form of curried lentil soup! Rich with flavor, fiber, and protein and incredibly comforting. The perfect 30-minute healthy meal or side!
Hearty red lentil chili made in 1 pot with simple ingredients! A smoky, flavorful, protein- and fiber-rich plant-based meal perfect for cold nights and feeding a crowd.
An easy, everyday recipe for lentil soup with potatoes, carrots, kale, and simple herbs and seasonings. The perfect plant-based main or side that requires just 10 ingredients, 1 pot, and about 30 minutes to make.
Hearty, comforting curry lentil soup with potatoes and kale! Big curry flavor in this 1-pot soup that comes together in less than 45 minutes. The perfect satisfying, healthy, plant-based meal.
Incredible vegan lentil “meatloaf” with wholesome, whole-food ingredients like lentils, nuts, sweet potato, and mushrooms! Just 10 ingredients required for this flavorful, comforting entrée.
Super delicious and hearty mushroom lentil stew gravy over mashed potatoes! Entirely vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free. A delicious and easy-to-make 10-ingredient meal or side!
Incredibly delicious vegan moussaka with layers of roasted eggplant, hearty tomato lentil sauce, and roasted garlic cashew bechamel! Just 10 ingredients and simple methods required.
A colorful take on classic shepherd’s pie with lentils, vegetables, and a fluffy sweet potato topping. You’ll love this 10-ingredient plant-based meal!
An amazingly nourishing, delicious bowl with roasted sweet potatoes, cauliflower rice, curried lentils, and cilantro chutney. Just 30 minutes and SO tasty!
Creamy lentil green curry prepared in 1 pot! Easy, quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. Serve with rice of choice for a hearty, wholesome, plant-based meal.
Simple, 30-minute spicy red pasta sauce with red lentils for added protein and fiber. Serve over gluten-free pasta for a delicious and hearty plant-based meal!
A hearty, 10-ingredient Vegan Shepherd's Pie that's loaded with veggies and savory lentils and topped with fluffy mashed potatoes. So flavorful and satisfying that you won't miss the meat!
Your recipes sound delicious!
I’m wondering if it is imperative to use the specified lentil (as in don’t sub red for green or brown)? I usually have both green and red on hand; are they interchangeable?
Hi Susie, it will depend on the recipe, but sometimes they can be subbed. Red lentils will cook faster than green and are more prone to being mushy. We’d suggest checking the comment section on a specific recipe to see if we or other readers have offered suggestions. Hope that helps!
Susie says
Your recipes sound delicious!
I’m wondering if it is imperative to use the specified lentil (as in don’t sub red for green or brown)? I usually have both green and red on hand; are they interchangeable?
Hi Susie, it will depend on the recipe, but sometimes they can be subbed. Red lentils will cook faster than green and are more prone to being mushy. We’d suggest checking the comment section on a specific recipe to see if we or other readers have offered suggestions. Hope that helps!