Brazil Nut Free Pomegranate & Mint Lentil Salad with Cucumber
Bright, jewel-toned, and packed with fresh flavor, this lentil salad is the kind of dish that looks impressive but comes together with minimal fuss. Green or French lentils hold their shape beautifully after cooking, giving you that satisfying bite alongside cool cucumber and juicy bursts of pomegranate. The cumin-turmeric dressing ties everything together with a warm, citrusy depth that makes each forkful feel a little more special than your average grain bowl. Fresh mint and scallion greens keep things lively, while optional parsley adds an extra layer of herby brightness if you have it on hand. Every ingredient here is naturally free from tree nuts of any kind — no swaps needed, no label-checking required. It works just as well as a make-ahead lunch as it does alongside grilled proteins or roasted vegetables at dinner. Simple, wholesome, and genuinely delicious, this is the kind of salad that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the lentils
- 1 cup green or french lentils, rinsed
- 2 ½ cups water
- ½ tsp salt
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
For the salad
- 1 english cucumber, diced (about 2 cups)
- ¾ cup pomegranate arils
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves, roughly torn
- 3 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
- ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the rinsed lentils, water, and ½ tsp salt in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape, 20–25 minutes. Drain any remaining water and spread the lentils on a large plate or sheet pan to cool for 10 minutes.
- 2
While the lentils cool, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, turmeric, black pepper, and ¼ tsp salt in a small bowl until the dressing is uniform and slightly thickened.
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