Hearty Lentil Recipes

Lentils may be small in size, but they are powerful when it comes to your health. They are rich in protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants that help fight inflammation, protect your cells, and support your immune system. Lentils can also help manage blood sugar levels, which is especially helpful for people with diabetes, but good for everyone. On top of that, their high fiber content supports gut health, helps with weight control, and keeps your heart strong. Worried about gas? Check out the tips in this article.

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Hearty Lentil Salad

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Pack this lentil salad for lunch. Serve over steamed brown rice. I would pack an apple for dessert. My favorite is the Honeycrisp variety.

75% water-fiber foods – lentils, potatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, fresh parsley, brown rice, apple
25% foods – oil, feta

Crunchy Lentil Wrap

Make it a Full Plate Meal: This portable wrap is perfect for on-the-go meals. Serve with a fresh orange and three raw veggies you may have on hand, like cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, celery, and tomatoes.

75% water-fiber foods – lentils, hummus, spinach, cucumber, carrots, bell peppers, celery, tomatoes, orange
25% foods – pesto, whole grain wrap

Savory Breakfast Lentil Bowl

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Enjoy the breakfast bowl as directed in the recipe. If you don’t eat eggs, serve the lentils over polenta.

75% water-fiber foods – lentils, onion, garlic, bell peppers, spinach, avocado, fresh cilantro/parsley, whole grain cornmeal
25% foods – oil, eggs

Crispy Lentil and Herb Patties

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Plate your patties with hummus, tabouleh, and a whole-wheat pita.

75% water-fiber foods – lentils, onion, garlic, fresh parsley, fresh dill, fresh mint, hummus, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions, bulgur wheat
25% foods – oil, whole wheat pita

French Onion Shepherd's Pie

Make it a Full Plate Meal: Serve the pie with a side salad and fresh pear slices for dessert.

75% water-fiber foods – onion, garlic, tomato paste, lentils, potatoes, cauliflower, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, radishes, red onion, carrots, pears
25% foods – milk, butter, olive oil, dressing

Bonus: Pumpkin Lentil Bars

Enjoy as a healthier sweet treat.

75% water-fiber foods – red lentils, unsweetened apple sauce, pumpkin, rolled oats
25% foods – milk, maple syrup, dates, chocolate chips

👉 Water-fiber foods are 75% zone foods – whole, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, beans, and cooked whole grains.