25 Tasty Lentil Recipes for Healthy and Easy Weeknight Meals
From hearty soups to refreshing salads, these tender legumes make healthy dinners so easy.
Of all the convenient pantry staples commonly found in the kitchen, lentils are probably one of the most underrated ones out there — not only are these humble legumes full of healthy protein and fiber, they're also inexpensive, tasty, and super easy (and quick) to cook with! Best of all, these healthy plant-based proteins are the perfect ingredient for an easy low-calorie yet still-filling meal, from hearty soups and stews to flavorful curries, salads, and even pasta dishes. Luckily, if you're not exactly sure how to cook up these tasty legumes in your next meal, we've rounded up some of the best lentil recipes for you to try ASAP — including an aromatic dish of red lentil curry, a variety of fresh salads, and (of course) some of the coziest lentil soups, stews, and chilis. Whether you're simmering them in your slow cooker or looking to whip up something quick and easy, these lentil recipes will fill you up for a satisfying and delicious meal for any time of day — and will definitely have you calling them your new favorite pantry staple.
Lentil "Bolognese Spaghetti"
The best way to get your daily serving of lentils? In a bowl of bolognese spaghetti, of course.
Get the recipe for Lentil "Bolognese Spaghetti" »
RELATED: 50+ Easy Pasta Recipes for the Perfect Weeknight Dinner
White Bean Cassoulet With Pork and Lentils
It doesn't get any better than a hearty slow-cooked casserole full of pork, bacon, and flavorful veggies.
Get the recipe for White Bean Cassoulet with Pork and Lentils »
Chutney-Glazed Shrimp With Lentils
Combine tender lentils with mango chutney, shrimp, and zucchini for a simple yet scrumptious meal.
Salmon With Grapefruit and Lentil Salad
Not only is this dish protein-packed and heart-healthy, it also only takes 15 minutes to cook!
Get the recipe for Salmon with Grapefruit and Lentil Salad »
Pressure Cooker Winter Squash and Lentil Stew
Healthy and hearty, this tasty soup recipe is so easy to whip up in your pressure cooker.
Get the recipe for Pressure Cooker Winter Squash and Lentil Stew »
Seared Scallops With Lentil Salad
Looking for the ultimate healthy pairing? It's definitely these seared scallops served over fresh lentil salad.
Spicy Curried Lentils
If you're looking for your next go-to lentil curry recipe, this flavorful slow-cooker dish is full of flavor and 100% worth the wait.
Chipotle Lentil Chili
Is there anything better than a cozy, warming bowl of tasty chili? (The answer is no, obviously.)
Seared Salmon With Lentil Salad
Rich, filling lentils add amazing texture to this salmon dinner paired perfectly with fresh greens.
Warm Wild Mushroom and Lentil Salad
Load up this wild mushroom dish with lentils, red onion, and blue cheese slices for an earthy and savory meal.
Balsamic Chicken With Apple, Lentil and Spinach Salad
For the perfect sweet and tart combo, pair a flavorful balsamic chicken with a light salad full of canned lentils, green apple, and celery.
Get the recipe from Woman's Day »
RELATED: 60+ Chicken Breast Recipes That Are Anything But Boring
Sausage With Lentils and Spinach
We opt for sweet Italian sausage in this recipe, but this dish can go well with just about any of your favorite proteins.
Lentil Stew With Butternut Squash
Because there's truly nothing like a slow-cooker stew to keep you cozy all day and night.
Curried Tomato Coconut Lentils With Gingery Yogurt
Eat this savory dish of curried lentils by itself, or serve it over some rice or greens — either way, don't forget that heap of creamy gingery yogurt.
Instant Pot Lentil Soup
A delicious lentil soup couldn't be easier with an Instant Pot: Just add ingredients, press start, and wait!
RELATED: 22 Best Instant Pot Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners
Lentil Broccoli Falafel Bowls With Jalapeño-Herb Tahini
Here's an simple way to level up your basic lentil recipe: Make delicious falafel out of them!
Lentil Hummus
Of course, falafel wouldn't be complete without a hummus dip to go with it — which is why you need to make extra batches of this lentil hummus ASAP.
Smoked Paprika Steak and Lentils With Spinach
Add smoked paprika and garlic — then serve with delicious black lentils — for an easy way to spice up a steak dinner.
Get the recipe from Woman's Day »
RELATED: 28 Simple Steak Recipes That Are Easier to Make Than Reservations
Spinach-Lentil Soup
Warm, mouthwatering spices and hearty veggies make this cozy dish an instant comfort soup classic.
Lentil Bolognese
Can't get enough of lentil bolognese? Here's a vegetarian version that's just as hearty — you can even use zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti.
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