One of my favorite things about this time of year is playing around with fun, summertime ingredients and making delicious, fresh, flavor-filled salads! If you’ve been around here for awhile, then you know that I used to HATE salads. I wanted my food COOKED! But since really learning about what ingredients compliment each other, making homemade dressings, and adding in ingredients that truly add so much flavor and the right textures, I can say that I now LOVE (like, really love) salads.
Friends, I’m so excited to share one of my FAVORITE spring/summer salads with you guys today! It’s quick, easy, and sure to impress. Made with both fresh and sun-dried tomatoes, this lentil arugula salad is so incredibly flavorful! Easily make it vegan by using vegan crumble cheese instead of goat cheese, or pair it with your favorite protein. Let’s make this yummy Sun-Dried Tomato & Arugula Lentil Salad!
RELATED: 15+ Healthy Spring Salad Recipes
Ingredients
All you need to make this Sun-Dried Tomato & Arugula Lentil Salad are 6 simple ingredients!
- Lentils – Green or brown lentils both work great! You can make your own lentils or buy these pre-cooked lentils for salads.
- Arugula – The peppery taste of arugula is wonderful in this recipe!
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – The flavor that sun-dried tomatoes add to this delicious lentil arugula salad is unbeatable! These sun-dried tomatoes are my favorite to keep on hand.
- Grape Tomatoes – I also like adding freshly cut grape tomatoes to this salad, but it can be optional as we do also already have sun-dried tomatoes.
- Walnuts – Chopped walnuts add texture and healthy fats to this yummy salad.
- Goat Cheese – There’s nothing like creamy goat cheese in this arugula lentil salad to balance the flavors!
- Vegan Turmeric Ginger Dressing – Last but not least, this Vegan Turmeric Ginger Dressing is my favorite for this recipe. The flavors in this dressing really bring it all together! Other options for dressings are this Creamy Lemon Tahini Dressing or Classic Lemon Vinaigrette.
How to Cook Lentils for Salads
One of my favorite things is to make a big batch of lentils all at once and then have them on hand for recipes throughout the week. They are such a great source of vegetarian protein and are perfect for adding to soups, salads, toast, and so much more! Here’s how to cook lentils for salads:
- Rinse the lentils.
- Using a 4:1 ration, bring water to a boil.
- Add in the lentils.
- Cook green lentils for 18-20 minutes and brown lentils for 20-22 minutes.
- Drain any excess water and add to your salads!
Cooked lentils can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months!
Brown Lentils vs. Green Lentils
Both brown and green lentils are great options for soups and salads! Brown lentils tend to take a little less time to cook and are softer. While green lentils tend to have a bit more protein, brown lentils have a little bit more fiber. Both types of lentils are high in folate and fiber, making them wholesome and perfect for healthy recipes!
How to Make an Arugula Lentil Salad (in 4 Easy Steps!)
Making an arugula lentil salad is INCREDIBLY easy. Here’s how to whip this recipe up in 4 easy steps!
- Cook the lentils.
- Combine arugula, tomatoes, walnuts, goat cheese, and dressing or vinaigrette.
- Mix in the cooked lentils.
- Enjoy!
Want to add more protein? Roasted chicken is a great pairing with this salad!
What to Make with Leftover Lentils
Need recipe ideas for leftover lentils? Here’s what to make!
- Vegetarian Lentil & Sweet Potato Curry
- BEST Lemon Balsamic Lentil Salad
- Tomato & Lentil Breakfast Bruschetta
- The BEST Coconut Lentil & Chickpea Curry
- Hearty Vegan Lentil Soup Recipe
Did you make this Sun-Dried Tomato & Arugula Lentil Salad? Be sure to give it a rating below and tag your photos @jar.of.lemons!
Sun-Dried Tomato & Arugula Lentil Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup dry lentils
- 2-3 cups arugula
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved)
- 2 Tbsp crushed walnuts
- 2 Tbsp goat cheese crumbles (or vegan cheese crumbles)
- 2-4 Tbsp Vegan Turmeric Ginger Dressing
Instructions
- Cook the lentils according to package directions.
- Top the arugula with sun-dried tomatoes, halved grape tomatoes, walnuts, goat cheese, and dressing.
- Add the cooked lentils to the salads and enjoy!
Adriana says:
What a wonderful combination! Lentils are perfect for salads. Add texture and nutrition. I loved it!
Elizabeth says:
Amazing recipe! So delicious!
Addison says:
This salad has the best flavors and toppings! Yes please!