Power Up Your Weeknights with Bulgur Wheat & Black Lentil Salad for Energy & Flavor: Eggs are optional
Whip up a hearty and nutritious salad packed with protein and fiber with this bulgur black lentil salad recipe! This dish is bursting with flavor and comes together in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a delightful addition to your potluck spread.
First, start by rinsing both the bulgur wheat and black lentils. In a 3-quart pot, combine them with water, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 18 minutes. While the lentils and bulgur cook, you can prepare your favorite vinaigrette or whip up a simple one by whisking a good quality extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Jump to the full recipe below!
Jump to RecipeImportantly, once the bulgur wheat and lentils are cooked, remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes. This allows the bulgur and lentils to absorb the remaining liquid and develop a fluffy texture. Fluff the mixture with a fork and transfer it to a large bowl. Now comes the fun part – toss the bulgur and lentil mixture with your chosen vinaigrette. Every bite will be a delightful explosion of flavors thanks to the tangy dressing and the earthy undertones of the lentils.
Health Benefits…
This salad isn’t just delicious, it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Bulgur wheat, a cracked wheat product, is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy throughout the day. Black lentils are superstars when it comes to plant-based protein and fiber. Fiber keeps you feeling full and aids digestion, while protein helps build and repair tissues.
This Bulgur Black Lentil Salad recipe is also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals. Black lentils are loaded with iron, which is crucial for oxygen transport in the body. Bulgur wheat contributes vitamin A, which plays a vital role in vision and immunity.
How to Customize the Recipe!
Feel free to customize this salad to your liking. Diced red bell pepper adds a vibrant touch and a satisfying crunch. Chopped cucumber or tomatoes provide a refreshing element. You can even turn this into a complete meal by adding boiled eggs, grilled chicken, or shrimp on top. You can also check out our Ultimate Nutritional Powerhouse Salad topped with baked salmon. Or get the recipe for our Nutrient Packed Roasted Beat Salad.
So ditch the boring salads and embrace the goodness of bulgur wheat and black lentils. This recipe is a testament to how healthy and flavorful vegetarian meals can be!
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Nutritional information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe
Bulgur Black Lentil Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup bulgur rinsed thoroughly
- 1/2 cup black lentils rinsed thoroughly
- 2 cups water
- 1 clove garlic peeled and smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 tablespoons red pepper tomato salad dressing (recipe in notes)
OPTIONAL
- red bell pepper seeded and diced
- fresh cilantro
- grape tomatoes
- boiled eggs or your favorite cooked protein
Instructions
- Add all ingredients, except the vinaigrette, in a 2 quart stock pot. Cover with a tight lid. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer 18 minutes. Allow to rest covered for 10 minutes.1/2 cup bulgur, 1/2 cup black lentils, 2 cups water, 1 clove garlic, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Remove the cover, fluff with a fork. Transfer into a salad bowl and toss with the vinaigrette.4 tablespoons red pepper tomato salad dressing
- Serve as warm or cold salad. Add boiled eggs or some grilled chicken or shrimps if you like. Enjoy.
