Description
A quick, colorful, and nourishing lentil bowl packed with bold spices, fresh vegetables, and creamy avocado. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, with minimal cooking required.
Ingredients
- Lentils:
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) lentils, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 medium English cucumber, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast
- Juice of 1 medium lime (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional)
- For Serving:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Add rinsed lentils to a large mixing bowl. Stir in red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, sunflower seeds, salt, and black pepper.
- In a small bowl or jar, mix olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, coriander, red pepper flakes, nutritional yeast, lime juice, and maple syrup. Blend until smooth.
- Pour dressing over lentil mixture and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- To serve, divide rice between two bowls. Top with greens, marinated lentils, avocado slices, and fresh herbs.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving. Enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Can be served warm or cold, depending on preference.
- Use quinoa, farro, or bulgur instead of rice for variety.
- Omit red pepper flakes for a mild version.
- Prepare lentil mixture ahead of time for easy lunches.
- Add lime juice over avocado to prevent browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 14g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg