23 Best Lentil Recipes

Looking for some delicious lentil recipes to cover your Meatless Mondays and beyond? Whether you’re in the mood for hearty soups and stews or vegan meatballs, the options are seriously endless!

1.Lentil Salad

Looking to boost the protein in your salads? This one’s a game-changer. Packed with a colorful mix of peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, and carrots, you can always add your favorite veggies to make it your own.

Drizzle it with a light and refreshing lemon-olive oil dressing for a super healthy side dish that’s perfect any time of day.

2.Coconut Red Lentil Dahl

Coconut Lentil Curry is where Indian flavors shine bright. This dish comes alive with coconut milk, onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, curry powder, and coriander–essentials that pack a flavorful punch.

Imagine the aroma of warming spices blending with the richness of coconut milk, creating a dish that’s as hearty as it is aromatic. Serve it over a bed of rice for a satisfying vegetarian meal, or use it as a vibrant substitute for rice in your favorite chicken curry.

Either way, it’s a deliciously comforting option that’s sure to hit the spot.

3.Sweet Potato Lentil Curry with Crispy Sesame Chickpeas

Looking for a flavorful twist on dinner? This Thai-inspired dish brings together sweet potatoes, red lentils, and coconut milk, all infused with the bold zing of Thai curry paste.

It’s a perfect mix of spicy, tangy, and sweet, creating a meal that’s as satisfying as it is healthy. Easy to make and packed with nutrients, this recipe is a win-win for your taste buds and your well-being.

4.Lentil Bolognese

Lentil bolognese is a fresh spin on a classic, offering a plant-based take that’s just as satisfying. This hearty dish blends lentils, vibrant veggies, and rich tomatoes to create a deep, flavorful sauce.

Packed with protein and robust flavors, it’s a nourishing meal that’s sure to please. Serve it over pasta, and you’ve got a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

Perfect for anyone who loves a meat-free meal that’s full of flavor!

5.Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

This recipe is a hearty, satisfying delight that proves you don’t need meat to make a dish amazing. The combination of lentils and mushrooms offers a fantastic texture that’s both hearty and flavorful.

Plus, the taste is absolutely incredible! If you’re cutting carbs, no worries–swap out the potatoes for some creamy mashed cauliflower. It’s a game-changer that keeps the dish just as delicious without the extra carbs.

6.Braised Lentils with Beets

Looking for a side dish that’s as vibrant as it is delicious? Beets bring a bold, earthy flavor to the table, and while they might not be everyone’s cup of tea, they’re a fantastic match for chicken, fish, or a hearty red wine-braised beef.

If you’re a fan of that earthy taste, these beets will add a pop of color and flavor to any meal.

7.Lentil Tabouli Salad

Looking for a fresh twist on weeknight dinner? This lentil tabouli salad is a delicious mix of lentils, juicy tomatoes, tangy lemon, and fresh herbs. What really sets it apart is the warm, aromatic spices–cinnamon and allspice–that give it a delightful Lebanese flair.

Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and packed with flavor. Best of all, it stays fresh for days, making it a perfect go-to for meal prep or a quick, flavorful meal any time.

8.Creamy Lentil Hummus

Craving something creamy and delicious for your next party? This lentil hummus is a game-changer! It’s packed with the same delicious flavors as traditional hummus–think garlic, lemon, and tahini.

The twist? Instead of chickpeas, this version uses lentils. Brown lentils give it that classic hummus color, but feel free to get creative with your favorite type.

It’s a tasty, creamy dip that’s perfect for any gathering!

9.Lentil Sausage Soup

Sausage lentil soup is the ultimate cozy meal. With its spicy kick from the sausage, earthy flavor from the lentils, and crisp freshness from the veggies, all wrapped up in a tangy broth, this soup is a true delight.

It’s hearty, nutritious, and packed with protein and iron to keep you going. Perfect for chilly days when you need a warm, satisfying meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

10.Hearty Spaghetti with Lentils & Marinara Sauce

This dish is a game-changer for anyone looking to swap out ground meat without missing out on flavor. The resemblance to traditional ground meat makes it incredibly easy to substitute, and the best part? It looks just like something grandma would whip up.

If you’re a fan of a good sauce-to-pasta ratio, consider adding a bit more marinara–the lentils will soak it right up, leaving you with a perfectly coated dish every time.

11.Hearty Lentil Stew

This hearty, veggie-packed recipe is perfect for a cozy meatless Monday. Lentils add such great bulk to a stew, and they’re a fantastic way to make your dish more filling.

Always rinse your lentils and add them dry to your stew–they’ll cook right along with everything else, soaking up all that delicious flavor.

12.Easy Vegan Meatloaf with Lentils and Chickpeas

Chickpeas are incredibly versatile, and they shine in this hearty recipe. While chickpea blondies are delicious, today we’re focusing on a satisfying lentil dish.

The mix of chickpeas, lentils, and flax seeds creates a dense, almost meaty texture that’s super satisfying. For the smoothest result, blend the lentils and chickpeas in a food processor.

If you prefer a bit more texture, mashing them by hand works perfectly too!

13.Spicy Red Lentil Curry

Switch things up with this bold tomato-based curry that brings the heat! Perfect for a spicy kick, it’s just as delicious on its own as it is paired with coconut rice or roasted sweet potatoes.

Don’t forget the flatbread–trust us, you’ll want it to soak up every last bite of that flavorful sauce!

14.Lentil Chili

When the weather starts to cool down, it’s time to break out the crockpot and cozy up with a hearty batch of chili. While I usually stick to beef, this lentil version might just win me over.

Packed with lentils, onion, tomatoes, and bell pepper, it’s a flavor-packed base that you can customize to your liking. Want to take it to the next level? Toss in some roasted sweet potato for natural sweetness, corn for a burst of freshness, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.

It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day!

15.Red Lentil Lasagne

Looking for a ground beef alternative? This dish is a hearty swap that’s sure to please. Imagine layers of tender lentils, crisp carrots, celery, garlic, and sweet red bell pepper, all nestled between pasta sheets.

The crowning touch? A creamy blend of cottage cheese and cheddar that ties everything together. It’s a lighter, fresher take on the classic that’s just as satisfying.

16.Easy Lentil Meatballs

Quick, easy, and packed with flavor, these gluten-free vegan meatballs are ready in just 20 minutes with only 10 ingredients. Sauté the onion and lentils, blend everything together, shape into meatballs, and bake until golden.

Serve them over a spicy marinara with a side of creamy polenta for a delicious, plant-based meal.

17.Vegan Lentil Tacos

Looking for a fresh twist on tacos? This recipe delivers big flavor without the beans! I love mashing mine just enough to keep things interesting. The best part? Make a big batch and let everyone build their own.

It’s delicious with chicken, shrimp, or spiced sweet potatoes–perfect for any taco Tuesday!

18.Vegan Sloppy Joes

Get ready for a blast from the past with these sloppy joes! They’re all about that classic, messy flavor you love, but with a twist–no meat in sight. These have a deliciously close-to-pulled-pork taste and are another fantastic excuse to break out the liquid smoke.

It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor.

19.Lentil Mushroom Ragu Recipe

This vegan pasta sauce is a total game-changer! Made with mushrooms, walnuts, red lentils, and tomatoes, it’s a flavorful mix that works perfectly for pasta, polenta, or even those lentil meatballs from number six.

Don’t let the list of ingredients fool you–it all comes together in one pot and whips up in no time. After just 25 minutes of simmering, you’ll have a sauce so good you’ll want to scoop it up with fresh bread.

It’s the perfect addition to any meal!

20.Lentil Burgers

Lentils can do more than just make great meatballs–they can also be blended into a fabulous burger patty. These patties freeze like a charm, so you can whip up a batch and stash them in the freezer for those hectic evenings when you need a quick dinner.

21.Tuscan Lentil & Kale Soup

Fire-roasted tomatoes bring a smoky depth to this soup, making it truly special. Don’t love kale? No problem! Spinach makes a delicious substitute, keeping the soup warm and satisfying.

It’s the perfect cozy meal to warm your heart and home.

22.Lentil Stuffed Buns

These snacks are perfect for grabbing on the go–whether you need a quick lunch or something to bring to a BBQ. They’re easy to take along and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

While there’s a great recipe for homemade whole wheat buns, using store-bought biscuit dough can save you time without sacrificing flavor. It’s a win-win for convenience and taste!

23.Creamy Red Lentil Carrot Soup

This creamy red lentil carrot soup is a weeknight dinner game-changer. Ready in just 30 minutes, it blends the natural sweetness of carrots with the velvety texture of red lentils.

A hint of curry adds a warm, comforting touch, making it a simple yet deeply satisfying option for those cozy evenings when you want something easy and nourishing.