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    Home » Vegan » Lentil Salad with Cranberries

    Lentil Salad with Cranberries

    Published: Dec 23, 2022 by Pavani · Leave a Comment

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    This warm lentil salad with cranberries is an easy to make and scrumptious dish. A perfect vegetarian/ vegan side dish for any meal.

    I use whole brown lentils, but you can make this recipe with green lentils as well. Cranberries add a slight sweetness and toasted walnuts add amazing nuttiness to the dish.

    Green plate with lentils, cranberries and walnuts.

    Table of contents

    • About the recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
      • Cook Lentils
      • Make the dressing
      • Assemble the salad
    • Expert Tips
    • You might also like
    • Recipe Card

    About the recipe

    I think it is very important to have some easy salad recipes in ones repertoire. Like this Thai quinoa salad and this pasta salad with back beans are two of my favorites.

    Here I have another tasty warm lentil salad that is very easy to make and absolutely delicious. It is packed with flavor and protein. Plump cranberries and nutty toasted walnuts make this recipe a super hit with even picky eaters.

    green plate with warm lentil salad topped with walnuts & berries.

    It is a great item on a holiday menu or even for potlucks. You can adapt the recipe and add nuts or cheese (feta would be excellent) to make it even more holiday worthy.

    A slight sweet and tart dressing gives this brown lentil salad recipe an amazing flavor. Serve either at room temperature or chilled. This is a perfect dish to make ahead of time.

    Top view of green bowl with lentil salad with cranberries.

    Ingredients

    For the details of the exact quantities of each ingredient and the list of ingredients needed, check the printable recipe card below.

    Here are the ingredients you need to make this vegan lentil salad with cranberries:

    • Lentils ~ use either brown or green lentils. The best part of these lentils are that you do not have to soak them before hand.
    • Cranberries ~ you can substitute with golden or black raisins.
    • Walnuts ~ or use your favorite nut here.
    • For the dressing you will need:
      • Extra virgin olive oil
      • Agave nectar ~ if not vegan, you can sub with honey.
      • Lemon/ lime juice.
      • Salt and pepper.
      • Cilantro or parsley.
    Ingredients needed, details in recipe card.

    Instructions

    For the detailed instructions on how to make the recipe with exact timings, check the printable recipe card below.

    Cook Lentils

    Combine lentils, water and salt in an Instant pot or a large saucepan. Cook on high pressure for 8~10 minutes or until the lentils are tender, but not mushy.

    Drain any excess water and transfer the lentils to a medium size bowl. Set aside to cool slightly.

    3 panel photo showing the cooking of brown lentils in Instant Pot.

    Make the dressing

    In a small bowl. combine olive oil, agave nectar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Whisk well.

    2 panel photo showing the mixing of dressing ingredients.

    Assemble the salad

    Pour dressing over the lentils in the bowl. Add toasted walnuts, cranberries and mix well to combine. Serve the salad right away or chill until ready to serve.

    3 panel photos showing the assembling of lentil salad with cranberries.
    Spoon holding lentils over a green plate.

    Expert Tips

    • You can use either green or brown lentils in this salad recipe.
    • Substitute cranberries with golden or black raisins.
    • Feel free to use any of your favorite nuts here. Toast them before using.
    • If not vegan, use honey in the dressing instead of agave nectar.
    • You can also skip the nuts all together.
    • Serve lentil salad warm or chilled.
    • Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up 3 days in the fridge.

    You might also like

    Here are a few more delicious lentil recipes that you might like:

    • Potato Lentil Stew Recipe (Aloo Masoor Dal)
    • Lemon Rasam Recipe
    • Pesara Pappu Charu Recipe
    • Slow Cooker Sambar Recipe
    Top view of green bowl with lentil salad with cranberries.

    I love hearing from you!! If you’ve tried this and liked it, then don't forget to let me know. Give a star rating and let me know in the comments below. Also tag me in your creations on Instagram @cooks_hideout. I love sharing photos when people make my recipes. You can use the hashtag #cookshideout too.

    Recipe Card

    Green plate with brown lentil salad.

    Lentil Salad with Cranberries

    This warm lentil salad with cranberries is an easy to make and scrumptious recipe. A perfect vegetarian/ vegan side dish for any meal.
    Author: Pavani
    Print Pin Rate
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time: 20 mins
    Cook Time: 30 mins
    Total Time: 50 mins
    Course: Salad
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup Brown Lentils, rinsed & drained
    • 3 cups Water
    • To taste Salt & Pepper
    • ½ cup Walnuts, toasted and chopped
    • ½ cup Dried Cranberries

    For the Dressing:

    • 1 tablespoon Extra virgin Olive oil
    • 2 teaspoons Agave Nectar
    • 1 tablespoon Lemon/ Lime juice
    • 1 tablespoon Cilantro or Parsley, finely chopped
    • To taste Salt & Pepper

    Instructions

    Cook Lentils:

    • Combine lentils, water and salt in an Instant pot or a large saucepan. Cook on high pressure for 8~10 minutes or until the lentils are tender, but not mushy.
      To cook in a saucepan, use 4 cups water. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the lentils are tender, but not mushy.
      Drain any excess water and transfer the lentils to a medium size bowl. Set aside to cool slightly.

    Make the dressing:

    • In a small bowl. combine olive oil, agave nectar, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Whisk well.

    Assemble the Salad:

    • Pour dressing over the lentils in the bowl. Add toasted walnuts, cranberries and mix well to combine. Serve the salad right away or chill until ready to serve.

    Video

    Notes

    • You can use either green or brown lentils in this salad recipe.
    • Substitute cranberries with golden or black raisins.
    • Feel free to use any of your favorite nuts here. Toast them before using.
    • If not vegan, use honey in the dressing instead of agave nectar.
    • You can also skip the nuts all together.
    • Serve lentil salad warm or chilled.
    • Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up 3 days in the fridge.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 13mg | Potassium: 535mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 16g | Vitamin A: 30IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 4mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @cooks_hideout or tag #cookshideout!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Srivalli

      December 25, 2011 at 1:19 am

      Great looking picture...

      Reply
    2. Maayeka

      December 25, 2011 at 4:53 am

      very healthy and new combo for salad..nice recipe

      Reply
    3. Vardhini

      December 25, 2011 at 5:26 am

      Healthy and refreshing salad.VardhiniEvent: Sinful DelightsEvent: Stuffed Paratha

      Reply
    4. Sonali Pradhan

      December 25, 2011 at 9:21 am

      healthy salad,....very nice combo....wishing u n ur family merry christmas !http://onlyfishrecipes.blogspot.com/

      Reply
    5. Deeps @ Naughty Curry

      December 25, 2011 at 9:59 am

      never eaten brown lentil salad... interesting 🙂

      Reply
    6. veena krishnakumar

      December 25, 2011 at 10:58 am

      Healthy salad.Lovely pic too

      Reply
    7. Sharmilee! :)

      December 25, 2011 at 2:39 pm

      Healthy salad...

      Reply
    8. Global Tastes & Travels Inc.

      December 25, 2011 at 4:14 pm

      lentils and cranberries..2 of my favorite ingredients...never ate them together before

      Reply
    9. chicha.in

      December 25, 2011 at 4:56 pm

      hii.. Nice Post Thanks for sharing

      Reply
    10. Nalini's Kitchen

      December 26, 2011 at 3:06 am

      Healthy salad,never had this combo and a wonderful click.

      Reply
    11. Priya Suresh

      December 26, 2011 at 9:32 am

      Wat a healthy salad, quite a new combo for me.

      Reply
    12. Cool Lassi(e)

      December 27, 2011 at 3:12 am

      Very healthy and filling salad!

      Reply
    13. Gayathri's Cook Spot

      December 28, 2011 at 1:33 pm

      Very nutritious salad...

      Reply

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    5 shares