Spring Framework Lentil Salad
A hearty lentil salad with a creamy tahini dressing, named after the Spring Framework's versatility. This middle eastern-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 45 minutes pairs green lentils, chickpeas, stalk celery into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup green lentils
- 1 cup chickpeas
- 1 stalk celery
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 3 tbsp tahini
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium pot, bring 3 cups water to a boil. Add 1 cup green lentils and 1 cup chickpeas. Simmer for 20 minutes until tender. Drain and let cool.
- Step 2: Chop 1 stalk celery into 1/4-inch pieces. Dice 1 medium red bell pepper into 1/2-inch cubes. Mince 2 garlic cloves.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine cooled lentils, chickpeas, celery, and bell pepper. Add 1 tsp cumin.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 5: Pour dressing over lentil mixture. Toss until evenly coated. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spring Framework Lentil Salad take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Spring Framework Lentil Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep green lentils from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Spring Framework Lentil Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Spring Framework Lentil Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Spring Framework Lentil Salad vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★★
Best recipe I've made this month.