10+ Summer Lentil Recipes Perfect for Warm Weather Enjoyment

Summer is a great time to enjoy fresh and healthy meals, and lentils are a fantastic option. Lentils can be transformed into delicious and satisfying dishes that are perfect for warm weather. With their ability to pair well with a variety of vegetables and flavors, lentils can be the star of your summer meals.

Whether you’re looking for something light for lunch or a hearty dinner option, summer lentil recipes can fit the bill. You can easily explore different flavors and textures, making your meals exciting and nutritious.

1) Zesty Lemon Lentil Salad

This Zesty Lemon Lentil Salad is a refreshing dish perfect for summer. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes.

The salad features tender lentils tossed with lemon juice, fresh herbs, and colorful veggies. The zesty dressing adds a bright flavor that makes this dish really stand out.

It’s not just tasty; it’s also packed with nutrients. This salad can be served on its own or as a side dish at barbecues and gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cucumber (diced)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix well.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

2) Mediterranean Lentil and Feta Mix

This Mediterranean Lentil and Feta Mix is a refreshing dish perfect for summer. It combines protein-packed lentils with bright vegetables and the tangy flavor of feta cheese. You can enjoy it as a main course or a side.

Start with cooked lentils and mix in diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers. Add crumbled feta for creaminess. A simple dressing of lemon juice and olive oil brings everything together.

You can also toss in fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra flavor. This salad is easy to make ahead and perfect for picnics or potlucks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1 cup diced bell pepper
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup chopped parsley or mint
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper.
2. Add crumbled feta and chopped herbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and lemon juice.
4. Pour dressing over the lentil mix and toss gently.
5. Season with salt and pepper, then serve chilled or at room temperature.

3) Hearty Lentil and Tomato Toss

This Hearty Lentil and Tomato Toss is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of summer. It’s fresh, easy to make, and packed with nutrients.

Start by cooking lentils until tender. Toss them with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. A drizzle of olive oil adds richness, while lemon juice gives a bright flavor.

Serve it chilled or at room temperature. This dish is perfect as a side or a light main course. It can be a great option for picnics too!

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (green or brown)
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like parsley or basil)

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil.
3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender.
4. Drain and cool the lentils.
5. In a bowl, mix lentils, tomatoes, cucumbers, oil, and lemon juice.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

4) Spicy Lentil and Arugula Delight

This Spicy Lentil and Arugula Delight is a fresh and flavorful dish perfect for summer. With its zesty kick, it’s sure to brighten up your meal.

Start by cooking your lentils in vegetable broth until they are tender. Add spices like cumin and cayenne for that extra heat.

Mix in some fresh arugula for a peppery touch. Toss everything together with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

You can also add cherry tomatoes and red onions for added flavor and color. Enjoy this vibrant salad as a light lunch or a side dish!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups fresh arugula
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• Juice of 1 lemon

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils and add them to a pot with vegetable broth.
2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
3. Drain any excess liquid and let the lentils cool.
4. In a large bowl, combine lentils, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
5. Sprinkle with cumin and cayenne pepper.
6. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss well. Enjoy!

5) Roasted Corn and Lentil Bowl

This Roasted Corn and Lentil Bowl is a delicious and healthy dish perfect for summer. It combines sweet roasted corn with protein-rich lentils for a filling meal. You can customize it with your favorite veggies and toppings.

Start by roasting fresh corn until it’s golden and tender. Mix it with cooked lentils, diced bell peppers, and chopped red onions. Add a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick.

Top it off with fresh herbs, like cilantro or basil. For added creaminess, you can include avocado slices. This bowl is great for lunch or dinner and is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 2 ears of corn, roasted
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Fresh herbs (cilantro or basil)
• 1 avocado, sliced (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Roast corn in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
2. Cook lentils according to package instructions.
3. Combine corn, lentils, bell pepper, and onion in a bowl.
4. Add lime juice and toss gently.
5. Serve topped with fresh herbs and avocado slices.

6) Lentil Salad with Sumac Yogurt

This Lentil Salad with Sumac Yogurt is refreshing and packed with flavor. The combination of lentils, herbs, and tangy yogurt creates a light yet satisfying dish. It’s perfect for a summer meal or as a side dish.

The star ingredient is sumac, which adds a lemony taste that brightens the salad. You can enjoy this dish as a main course or a hearty side.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup thick unsweetened plant-based yogurt
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• Juice and zest of half a lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon sumac
• 1/4 cup cooked shallots
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped mint
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together the yogurt, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, zest, and sumac.
2. In another bowl, combine lentils, shallots, almonds, raisins, parsley, mint, and vinegar.
3. Serve the lentil mixture topped with the sumac yogurt. Enjoy!

7) Berry Beet Lentil Salad

This Berry Beet Lentil Salad is vibrant and packed with flavor. You will enjoy the mix of roasted beets, fresh berries, and lentils. It’s a perfect dish for summer gatherings or a light lunch.

Begin by roasting your beets until they are tender. Once cooled, cut them into bite-sized pieces.

Next, cook your lentils until they are soft but still firm. Combine the lentils and beets in a bowl. Then, add your favorite berries, like strawberries or blueberries, for a sweet touch.

For a refreshing dressing, mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle it over the salad and toss gently.

Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients:

• Roasted beets
• Cooked lentils
• Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries)
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper

Cooking Instructions:

1. Roast beets until tender at 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook lentils according to package instructions.
3. Cut cooled beets into bite-sized pieces.
4. Mix beets and lentils in a bowl.
5. Add fresh berries.
6. Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
7. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss.
8. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

8) Lentil & Herb Quinoa Medley

This Lentil & Herb Quinoa Medley is a light and nutritious dish perfect for summer. It combines the goodness of lentils and quinoa with fresh herbs. You’ll enjoy the flavors while staying healthy.

Start by cooking quinoa and lentils together in vegetable broth. This adds a savory taste to the dish. Once cooked, toss in chopped parsley, mint, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing touch.

Add your choice of diced cucumbers or tomatoes for extra crunch. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil to enhance the flavor.

This dish is not only tasty but also rich in protein and fiber, making it a great option for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 1 cup lentils
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped mint
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 cucumber, diced (optional)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
• Olive oil, to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa and lentils under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa, lentils, and vegetable broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.
5. Fluff with a fork, then mix in herbs and lemon juice.
6. Add diced cucumber and tomatoes if using.
7. Drizzle olive oil and mix well. Serve warm or chilled.

9) Lentil and Avocado Mash-Up

This Lentil and Avocado Mash-Up is a perfect summer dish. It combines the creaminess of avocado with the hearty texture of lentils.

Start by cooking green or brown lentils until they are tender. Next, mash ripe avocados in a bowl.

Mix the lentils with the mashed avocado, and add a sprinkle of salt and pepper for taste.

You can also include diced onions, tomatoes, or fresh herbs for extra flavor. Serve this mash on whole-grain toast or enjoy it as a dip with veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 ripe avocado
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: diced onions, tomatoes, or fresh herbs

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the lentils according to package instructions until tender.
2. In a bowl, mash the avocado until smooth.
3. Mix in the cooked lentils.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Optional: stir in diced onions, tomatoes, or herbs.
6. Serve on toast or as a dip.

10) Crunchy Cucumber Lentil Blend

This Crunchy Cucumber Lentil Blend is a refreshing and healthy summer dish. It’s perfect for a light lunch or as a side for your favorite meals. You will enjoy the mix of textures and flavors.

Start with cooked lentils for a protein boost. Add crunchy cucumbers for freshness and colored bell peppers for sweetness. Toss in some herbs to brighten the dish. A light lemon dressing will tie everything together.

This salad is easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 large cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
2. Add chopped parsley.
3. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Then, pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
5. Chill before serving for best flavor.