Lentil & Black Bean Salad

Reasons to Love Lentils

Let’s hear it for lentils! These little legumes may not have the star power of quinoa or the social media clout of chickpeas, but they absolutely deserve a place in your pantry—and your salad bowl. Here’s why:

1. Lentils are loaded with plant-based protein, making them a fantastic option for vegetarians, vegans and anyone looking to add a little extra muscle to their meals. In this salad, they team up with black beans for a double dose of protein power.

2. If you’re using canned lentils, they’re ready to go with a quick rinse. But if you’re cooking them from scratch, good news—unlike other dried beans, lentils don’t need to be soaked, and they cook in about 15-20 minutes. That means you can whip up a hearty, nutritious meal in less time than it takes to re-watch that Friends Thanksgiving episode starring Brad Pitt. For the hundredth time.

3. With plenty of fiber, lentils help keep you full, support digestion, and stabilize blood sugar levels. If you love a salad that actually satisfies, lentils are the way to go.

4. Lentils are a blank canvas, ready to take on the flavors of whatever you mix them with. They’re mild on their own, but that’s a good thing! They’re all about mingling with the dressings, spices and seasonings you throw their way. 

5. They’re affordable and easy to find. Lentils are one of the most budget-friendly protein sources out there. And whether you buy them dried or canned, you won’t have to visit a specialty store to find them.

Bottom line? Lentils are humble salad heroes that deserve more hype!