PCOS Friendly Pomegranate & Mint Lentil Salad with Cucumber
Bright, jewel-toned, and packed with texture, this lentil salad is the kind of dish that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort. Green or French lentils are a standout choice here because they hold their shape beautifully after cooking, giving you that satisfying bite rather than a mushy base. Lentils are also a slow-digesting, high-fiber protein source that supports steady blood sugar — a key priority when managing hormonal balance through food. The dressing leans on extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, cumin, and turmeric, all of which bring anti-inflammatory properties without relying on anything processed or refined. Pomegranate arils add a burst of natural sweetness and antioxidants, while cool cucumber and fresh mint keep every forkful feeling light and refreshing. Everything comes together in one bowl with no complicated techniques, making it easy to prep ahead and keep in the fridge for a nourishing lunch or side throughout the week. It's the kind of salad that genuinely makes eating well feel effortless.
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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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