Lentils are full of fiber, protein and many essential nutrients we sometimes overlook. Below are 15 healthy, easy lentil recipes that celebrate this humble, versatile ingredient.
Most of us have tried lentil curry or lentil soup, but lentils also shine in salads, wraps and one-pan dinners. This collection offers a variety of tasty ways to cook lentils—so flavorful you may forget about meat or fish.
If you want more fiber, protein and delicious meals in your rotation, try these simple lentil recipes. Lentils can support weight management, improve digestion and contribute to heart health.
They’re a favorite for good reason: inexpensive, nutrient-dense, low in calories and endlessly adaptable. A little onion, garlic and a few spices are often all they need to become a comforting, satisfying dish.
Reasons To Love Lentils
- Support weight loss by being filling (high in protein and fiber) while low in calories
- Help keep blood sugar stable
- Provide folate, iron, fiber and plant protein
- Can lower cholesterol
- Prevent constipation thanks to high fiber
- Simple and quick to prepare
- Cook faster than many other legumes like beans or chickpeas
- Extremely versatile across cuisines and meal types
- Delicious and satisfying
15 Easy and Healthy Lentil Recipes
Below are 15 recipes featuring lentils in soups, curries, wraps, salads and one-pot meals. Each entry includes a short description and points you to the original recipe for full details.
1. Homemade Lentil Soup Recipe
A classic, comforting lentil soup—simple, wholesome and filling. It’s the kind of soup that feels like home and makes a complete meal when paired with whole grain bread or a salad.
2. Evolved Lentil Wraps
These popular wraps combine cooked lentils with fresh herbs, vegetables and a garlic sauce. Inspired by Mediterranean flavors, they’re perfect for lunches or quick dinners.
3. Bulgur, Red Lentil & Butternut Squash Skillet
A one-pan lentil and bulgur “risotto” with roasted butternut squash. High in fiber and iron, this skillet meal is quick to make and very satisfying.
4. Simple One-Pot Lentils
Minimal hands-on time and big flavor. Combine lentils with tomatoes, aromatics and spices, simmer for about 20 minutes and you have a comforting, nutritious dinner.
5. Easy Lentil Tacos
Use pre-cooked lentils seasoned with taco spices as a plant-based filling. Serve in flour tortillas for a hearty taco or in lettuce leaves for a lighter option—ready in about 10 minutes.
6. Mini Pitas With Spicy Lentils
Spiced turmeric lentils tucked into mini pitas with a smear of vegan cream cheese make a flavorful, portable snack or meal. Simple to prepare and full of texture.
7. Broccoli and Red Lentil Detox Soup
A vibrant, spicy soup blending red lentils and broccoli. It’s quick, nourishing and requires only one pot and an immersion blender for a smooth finish.
8. Lentil Curry Recipe
A creamy coconut lentil curry that comes together in one pan. Warm spices and coconut milk make this a comforting, high-fiber dinner that pairs well with rice or flatbread.
9. Six Ingredient Lentil Recipe
A super-simple lentil mix made with six core ingredients—great on toast, in wraps or alongside a fresh salad and avocado. Minimal prep, maximum versatility.
10. Lentil Wraps 3.0
A variation on lentil wraps with a different cooking method and a garlicky sauce. Fresh greens, crunchy vegetables and warm lentils create a balanced, flavorful wrap.
11. Red Lentil, Spinach and Bulgur Soup
A warming, hearty soup featuring red lentils, bulgur and spinach. This plant-based bowl is comforting on cold days and makes excellent leftovers.
12. Healthy Lentil Bowls Recipe
Fresh lentil bowls served with tomato-cucumber salad and a garlicky tahini dressing. Bright, satisfying and balanced—ideal for meal prep or a quick weeknight meal.
13. Lentil Bolognese Sauce
A plant-based bolognese using lentils and mushrooms instead of tofu. It gives classic pasta sauce texture and depth while staying meat-free and nutrient-rich.
14. Vegan Potato Lentil Salad
A flavorful potato-and-lentil salad with a creamy lentil-based dressing. Delicious on toast, in a sandwich, or enjoyed on its own as a hearty salad.
15. Curry Lentil Soup Recipe
A bold soup with red lentils and rice simmered in a coconut-curry broth. Spicy, slightly sweet and deeply flavorful—comforting and filling.
More Easy Healthy Recipes:
I hope you enjoy these lentil recipes. If you try one, I’d love to hear your feedback!
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Healthy Easy Lentil Recipes
15 healthy and easy lentil recipes – from lentil curry and lentil soup to lentil wraps and salads, in this collection you’ll find the best ways to cook lentils!
5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 medium onions, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 cup butternut squash, chopped (or other vegetable)
- 1/2 cup red lentils (soaked)
- 1/2 cup bulgur, coarse
- 1/2 cup mint leaves, washed
- 1/3 cup tomato sauce or 2 small tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 tsp cumin, ground
- 1/2 tsp coriander, ground
- 1/2 tsp turmeric, ground
- 1/2 – 1 tbsp hot red pepper flakes (or paprika)
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 tbsp olive oil. Add chopped onion, minced garlic and butternut squash and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring.
- Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Stir to combine and toast the spices briefly.
- Add tomatoes or tomato sauce, then stir in the soaked red lentils, bulgur and 1/2–1 tsp salt (adjust later if needed).
- Add about 2/3 cup hot water, stir, cover and cook over medium heat for 7–8 minutes. Add the mint, then cook another 7–8 minutes until lentils and bulgur are tender.
- Remove from heat and drizzle about 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir to combine.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or extra mint and serve warm.
Notes
The original recipe source for this lentil and bulgur skillet is available from the recipe author.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
3
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 216
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 411mg
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 8g
Sugar: 7g
Protein: 7g