Do you ever plan your weekly grocery run based on cleaning out the pantry? When you've got things on hand that need to be used up, it saves both time and money!
Lentils are one ingredient hanging out in the cupboard just waiting to be made into something delicious. They are part of the legume family, but they're known for being a vegetarian protein source and super easy to cook. Just take a look at these 57 easy lentil recipes that range from red lentil soups and lentil stews to lentil salads. But first, a deeper dive into what lentils are, exactly.
Related: 100+ Best Vegan Recipes
Lentils are seeds that grow in pods and have a lens-like shape. Lentils, just like rice and pasta, are one of the most flexible staples to have on hand, at all times. Lentils are also nutritious and protein-packed, so they can be used both as a side or a filling main course.
Related: 45 Best Vegan Casseroles
How Do I Cook lentils?
If you are a lentil novice, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, lentils should be rinsed with cold water, sorted through to remove any debris and then drained well.
Next, lentils do not have to be soaked before cooking, but many people choose to do so because it cuts cooking time in about half (usually).
Finally, if you are boiling lentils on the stove top, remember to choose a pan larger than the amount of lentils for they will almost triple in size as they cook. A good tip is to use a 3:1 ratio of cooking liquid (water or stock) to lentils. So, for every cup of lentils, you want to prepare, have three cups of liquid.
Related: 25 Vegetarian Lentil Recipes To Keep You Full
When it comes to what to make with lentils, we've included recipes for French Onion Lentil Stew and Tuscan Lentil Soup, Vegan Lentil Meatloaf and Lentil Meatballs—even Fried Halloumi Lentil Salad and Lentil Pizza Crust. There's a whole myriad of lentil recipes to try with this versatile legume.
Here are 57 protein-packed, easy lentil recipes featuring the favorite pantry staple. Browse through them, and make sure to pin your favorites!
Harissa Chicken and Lentil Bowl With Arugula and Herbs
Ragan Wallake
This "kitchen sink recipe" is filled with unique flavors, including lentils, herbs and greens.
Get the recipe: Harissa Chicken and Lentil Bowl With Arugula and Herbs
Related: 42 Super Simple Rice Bowl Recipes
Instant Pot Creamy Red Lentil Soup
Barbara Schieving
There’s something soothing about coming home from work and sitting down to a steaming bowl of creamy red lentil soup. Add in a hunk of whole-grain bread and you’ve got a complete meal.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Creamy Red Lentil Soup
Easy Lentil Soup
Ben Rayl
Looking for a quick, easy and hearty recipe? You just found it!
Get the recipe: Easy Lentil Soup
Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Theresa Graco
This lentil salad is delicious eaten cold or at room temperature, plus it is easy to transport to any cookout or backyard barbecue.
Get the recipe: Mediterranean Lentil Salad
Lentil Chickpea Burgers
Sarah Copeland
These lentil chickpea burgers are packed full of nutrients and make a wonderful vegetarian option for burger night.
Get the recipe: Lentil Chickpea Burgers
Lentil Soup
iStock
This vegetarian-friendly soup is 100 percent delicious and 100 percent good for you.
Get the recipe: Lentil Soup
Quick Lentil Salad
America's Test Kitchen
Pack this easy lentil salad in your lunch for a boost of plant-based protein and fiber.
Get the recipe: Quick Lentil Salad
Crock Pot Sausage and Lentil Stew
Krista Marshall
This hearty, filling slow cooker meal is just what you want on a cold day.
Get the recipe: Crock Pot Sausage and Lentil Stew
Lentil and Chard Soup
Elizabeth Cecil
This soup is a great use of leftovers and is topped with crunchy crisps for a contrast in texture.
Get the recipe: Lentil and Chard Soup
Slow Cooker Lentil Veggie Stew
Catherine McCord
A dump-and-go recipe you can start in the morning and come home to after a long day.
Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Lentil Veggie Stew
Related: 30 Best Slow Cooker Stew Recipes
Red Wine Lentil Soup
iStock
You can easily swap the chicken broth for a vegetable version for a vegetarian meal.
Get the recipe: Red Wine Lentil Soup
Coconut Red Lentil Curry
From My Bowl
This creamy coconut and red lentil curry is ready in 30 minutes and you only need eight ingredients to make it! A cozy, hearty and flavorful dinner.
Get the recipe: Coconut Red Lentil Curry
Instant Pot Sweet Potato Lentil Curry
Happy Foods Tube
An easy recipe for Instant Pot sweet potato lentil curry. This comfort food is perfect for a busy weeknight.
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Sweet Potato Lentil Curry
French Onion Lentil Stew
Well and Full
This vegan stew is packed with savory, plant-based flavor!
Get the recipe: French Onion Lentil Stew
Vegan Lentil Loaf
Yummy Mummy Kitchen
This is the best vegetarian and vegan meatloaf! This easy lentil loaf is stuffed with veggies and lentils, and is even better than the classic!
Get the recipe: Vegan Lentil Loaf
Roasted Cumin Carrot Lentil Salad With Cashew Cheese
Nourishing Amy
Tender toasted cumin carrots and golden cauliflower with protein-packed lentils and a green leaf salad with fresh tomatoes. Served with a thick, creamy and easy homemade cashew cheese, this vegan, gluten-free and balanced salad is great for lunch or dinner.
Get the recipe: Roasted Cumin Carrot Lentil Salad With Cashew Cheese
One-Pot Red Lentil Chili
Minimalist Baker
Hearty red lentil chili made in one pot with simple ingredients! A smoky, flavorful, protein and fiber-rich plant-based meal perfect for cold nights and feeding a crowd.
Get the recipe: One-Pot Red Lentil Chili
Lentil Meatballs in Indian Curry Sauce
Bianca Zapatka
Crispy baked vegan lentil meatballs tossed in a creamy Indian curry masala sauce and served over mashed potatoes. These meatless balls are simple, healthy, protein-rich and easy to make.
Get the recipe: Lentil Meatballs in Indian Curry Sauce
Gluten-Free Red Lentil Pizza Crust
Rebooted Mom
This red lentil pizza crust is super easy to whip up, gluten-free and great for a meatless meal. It pairs up super with homemade marinara sauce, and fresh cheese.
Get the recipe: Gluten-Free Red Lentil Pizza Crust
Vegan Lentil Salisbury Steak
Rabbits and Wolves
Lentils mimic Salisbury steak so beautifully in this vegan take on this classic dish. Smothered in mushroom gravy, it is so delicious, super easy and filled with protein!
Get the recipe: Vegan Lentil Salisbury Steak
Related: 55 Easy Steak Dinner Ideas
Yellow Lentil Dal (Easy Indian Lentil Soup)
Bianca Zapatka
A healthy and delicious dairy-free vegan yellow lentil dal with coconut milk—quick and easy to make—perfect to warm up on cold days.
Get the recipe: Yellow Lentil Dal (Easy Indian Lentil Soup)
Roasted Sweet Potato Lentil Salad
Recipe Runner
This salad is the perfect balance of earthy and sweet flavors. It is plant-based but hearty enough to serve as a main dish.
Get the recipe: Roasted Sweet Potato Lentil Salad
Curried Lentil Salad
Love and Lemons
Prepare to fall in love with this lentil salad recipe! It's filled with bold curry flavor, it's fresh, satisfying and even tastes great on day two.
Get the recipe: Curried Lentil Soup
Protein Black Bean and Lentil Soup
Skinny Ms
This energy-inducing, filling soup is ready in only 30 minutes, so you can whip up a batch in no time at all. And, because it uses all plant-based ingredients, it’s relatively inexpensive as well.
Get the recipe: Protein Black Bean and Lentil Soup
Fried Halloumi Lentil Salad
The Almond Eater
This halloumi lentil salad is made with cooked lentils, roasted tomatoes, zucchini and fried halloumi. It’s a fresh, vegetarian lunch option topped with a simple avocado dressing.
Get the recipe: Fried Halloumi Lentil Salad
Lentil Wheat Sandwich Bread
Vegan Richa
The bread is hearty, sturdy and filling and, at the same time, soft and moist because of the cooked lentils.
Get the recipe: Lentil Wheat Sandwich Bread
Harvest Butternut Squash Lentil Salad
Recipe Runner
Tossed in a sweet cider vinaigrette, this harvest butternut squash lentil salad is a healthy and delicious salad that works as a side dish or meatless main dish.
Get the recipe: Harvest Butternut Squash Lentil Salad
Curried Lentils With Kale and Coconut Milk
Alexandra Cooks
Using a mixture of both green lentils which hold their form and red lentils which tend to break down, this recipe for curried lentils with kale and coconut milk has a beautiful combination of textures and flavors.
Get the recipe: Curried Lentils With Kale and Coconut Milk
One-Pot Cheesy Mexican Lentils, Black Beans and Rice
Recipe Runner
A healthy, vegetarian, gluten-free dinner the whole family will love!
Get the recipe: One-Pot Cheesy Mexican Lentils, Black Beans and Rice
Tuscan Lentil Soup
Life Made Simple Bakes
This hearty Tuscan-inspired soup is packed full of veggies and protein! It’s a breeze to make and can easily feed a crowd!
Get the recipe: Tuscan Lentil Soup
Related: 65 Best Fall Crock Pot Soups
Instant Pot Lentil Tacos
Peas and Crayons
These Instant Pot tacos are quick and easy to make! Whether you serve them mild or spicy they’re sure to rock your weeknight dinner routine and even taste great the next day!
Get the recipe: Instant Pot Lentil Tacos
Smoky Lentil and Quinoa Soup
Simple Veganista
This homemade smoky soup recipe is vegan, nutrient-dense, filling and a perfect lunch or supper. Using staple ingredients, it’s super easy to make in one pot and includes a slow cooker option too.
Get the recipe: Smoky Lentil and Quinoa Soup
Sun-Dried Tomato and Arugula Lentil Salad
Jar of Lemons
This delicious salad consists of possibly the best things on this planet. Sweet sun-dried tomatoes, creamy goat cheese (or vegan cheese), savory lentils, fresh arugula, spinach and tomatoes.
Get the recipe: Sun-Dried Tomato and Arugula Lentil Salad
Vegan Lentil Burger
Contentedness Cooking
This vegan burger is perfect with the sweet and spicy flavors of the creamy maple mustard sauce.
Get the recipe: Vegan Lentil Burger
Crunchy Lentil Salad
A Simple Palate
The most delicious crunchy lentil salad! Packed with veggies, sweet grapes and roasted hazelnuts—then topped with a simple yet flavorful lemony herb dressing.
Get the recipe: Crunchy Lentil Salad
Vegan Taco Salad
Running on Real Food
This vegan taco salad features delicious lentil taco meat, tortilla chips, avocado, tomato, corn, beans and quick and easy vegan sour cream.
Get the recipe: Vegan Taco Salad
Lentil Salad With Baby Carrots and Red Onion
Quite Good Food
A hearty lentil salad with maple and balsamic roasted baby carrots and red onion, tossed with baby kale and dressed with chimichurri sauce.
Get the recipe: Lentil Salad With Baby Carrots and Red Onion
Curry Red Lentil Stew With Kale
Simple Veganista
This stew features tender lentils, tomatoes, onion, ginger and flavorful spices mixed with chickpeas. Plus kale for a healthy weeknight meal that’s easy to make!
Get the recipe: Curry Red Lentil Stew With Kale
Spicy Roasted Carrots With Tahini Lentil Salad
Occasionally Eggs
This easy roasted carrot salad is mixed with lentils and greens, then topped with a creamy dairy-free tahini dressing for an easy weeknight dinner great all year.
Get the recipe: Spicy Roasted Carrots With Tahini Lentil Salad
Balsamic Lentil Salad
Destination Delish
A healthy and vibrant salad chocked full of hearty lentils and crunchy vegetables tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
Get the recipe: Balsamic Lentil Salad
Related: 55 Best Bountiful Fall Salads
Moroccan Spiced Lentil Chickpea Soup
Rebel Recipes
Rich, wholesome lentils and chickpeas in a lovely, warming and spiced tomato sauce.
Get the recipe: Moroccan Spiced Lentil Chickpea Soup
Lentil Quinoa Bowl
Running on Real Food
These bowls are full of nutrition and perfect for meal prep. They feature red lentils, quinoa, roasted squash and carrots, broccoli and lemon tahini sauce for a filling, buddha bowl-style meal.
Get the recipe: Lentil Quinoa Bowl
Lentil Soup With Lemon and Turmeric
Inspired Taste
Make this soup with lentils, carrots, turmeric and fresh lemon whenever you're in need of some healthy comfort food. It’s savory, satisfying and utterly delicious.
Get the recipe: Lentil Soup With Lemon and Turmeric
Spiced Lentil Burgers With Tahini Slaw
Dishing Out Health
These burgers and slaw are made with pantry-staple ingredients and come together in 30 minutes. Vegan, gluten-free, freezer-friendly and nutrient-packed.
Get the recipe: Spiced Lentil Burgers With Tahini Slaw
Lentil Bolognese
The Almond Eater
This easy bolognese recipe is a quick weeknight meal that just so happens to be vegan and gluten-free. It’s filled with flavor and a great way to switch up pasta—plus, it comes together in under 30 minutes!
Get the recipe: Lentil Bolognese
Lentil Crust Pizza
Cup of Kale
Vegan, healthy, low-carb lentil crust pizza. A four-ingredient, quick weeknight dinner that's ready in 25 minutes. Just add your toppings, and make it your own!
Get the recipe: Lentil Crust Pizza
Gluten-Free High-Protein Lentil Tortillas
Easy Cheesy Vegetarian
These lentil tortillas are low in fat and high in protein—and they're gluten-free too! Easy to make, with just two main ingredients.
Get the recipe: Gluten-Free High-Protein Lentil Tortillas
Lentil Tabouli Salad
Feasting at Home
This simple lentil tabouli salad is full of Middle Eastern flavor! Filling lentils are paired with summer tomatoes, lemon, mint, parsley and a unique combination of spices, and keeps for several days, perfect for midweek lunches or potlucks!
Get the recipe: Lentil Tabouli Salad
Lebanese Mujadara
Feel Good Foodie
Mujadara is a Middle Eastern lentil and rice recipe made with caramelized onions. You only need three ingredients to make this simple vegan, protein-rich meal.
Get the recipe: Lebanese Mujadara
Warm Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
The Healthy Maven
Warm the soul with this warm lentil and sweet potato salad with sautéed kale and a delicious balsamic dressing. A perfect midday lunch or soothing dinner recipe for any night of the week.
Get the recipe: Warm Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
Related: 30 Must-Have Sweet Potato Dishes
Lentil Meatballs With Curry Sauce
Dietician Debbie
Who needs take-out when you can make these delicious vegan lentil meatballs with curry sauce served over brown rice and topped with chopped cashews?
Get the recipe: Lentil Meatballs With Curry Sauce
Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup
Midwest Foodie
This creamy, flavor-forward, vegan lentil tortilla soup is the perfect quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe: Vegan Lentil Tortilla Soup
Summer Lentil Salad
Kitchen Confidante
Make the most of heirloom tomatoes and cool, crunchy cucumbers in this summer lentil salad. It pairs beautifully with a flavorful roast chicken, grilled steak, simple fish —almost anything! And with hearty lentils, it is wonderful as a vegetarian main dish as well.
Get the recipe: Summer Lentil Salad
Curry Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Soup
Simple Veganista
This glowing curry sweet potato and red lentil soup recipe feature nourishing sweet potatoes and protein-rich red lentils, simmered together with a tart green apple, aromatic ginger, curry, cilantro, onion, garlic and coconut milk!
Get the recipe: Curry Sweet Potato and Red Lentil Soup
Pressure Cooker Sweet Potato Chickpea Red Lentil Soup
This hearty and delicious sweet potato, chickpea and red lentil soup ticks all the boxes: healthy, vegan and gluten-free. Quick to make it in your Instant Pot or stove.
Get the recipe: Pressure Cooker Sweet Potato Chickpea Red Lentil Soup
Lentil and Mushroom Stew Over Potato Parsnip Mash
Dishing Out Health
Lentil and mushroom stew over potato and parsnip mash is a hearty vegetarian meal the whole family will love. Fiber-rich and decadently delicious, this recipe will satisfy even the most devout carnivores.
Get the recipe: Lentil and Mushroom Stew Over Potato Parsnip Mash
Related: 35 Best Crock Pot Potato Recipes
Easy Lentil Potato Soup
Cooking LSL
Quick and simple to make, this easy soup is a chunky, hearty and comforting meal—perfect for the cold weather. Nutritious lentils, rich in protein and fiber, combined with potatoes for a healthy and flavorful soup.
Get the recipe: Easy Lentil Potato Soup
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