There are lots of different types of lentils that will appear in this list. Let’s run through them all, so you know the differences. Enter your email & we’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from us every week! By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Hurry the Food Up. Brown Lentils: This popular type of lentil holds its shape well and has a nutty flavor. It works well in a nice vegan meatloaf, or to add some texture to a vegetable soup. Green Lentils: Green lentils are one of the lentils that holds its shape best – that’s why it’s a good one to use in salads. These have a slightly more peppery flavor than brown lentils Red Lentils/Yellow Lentils: These are the lentils you are probably familiar with from dahls and other curry. They are not sold as whole lentils, rather they are ‘split’, so they break down into a mush. Also great for thick hearty soups. Speciality Lentils (beluga, puy): These are the fancy kind! Beluga lentils (aka black lentils) take their name from their resemblance to the caviar of beluga whales. They are rich and earthy in flavor. Puy lentils are another speciality variety of lentils, so named after the fact that they can only be grown in the volcanic earth of a certain region of France. So those are the kinds of lentils you can expect to find, but what kind of dishes are we talking about? I have split this list into 4 categories: starters and snacks, soups and stews, pasta recipes and ‘other’ (where you can find a bit of everything from patties, to tacos to pancakes!) Enjoy the delicious flavors that lentil recipes have to offer!
The list of vegan lentil recipes!
Let’s get into the list! Are you ready to discover some delicious new recipes?
Vegan lentil recipes: snacks/starters
Protein: 3gCalories: 122kcalReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: YumVeganLunchIdeasBonus: quick, simple, healthy and delicious This rich and earthy mushroom vegan pate is delicous, savoury and deep in flavour. It is the perfect starter or accompaniment to a sharing platter. Protein: 4gCalories: 112kcalReady in: 40 minutesRecipe by: EasyCookingWithMollyBonus: incredibly easy, tasty and satisfying Vegetable Kabab (Vegan & Glutenfree – Fried, Baked Version, Air Fryer) delicious, easy and extremely popular Indian snack, is made using mixed vegetables, lentil, and a few spices. They are excellent to serve with drinks or any of your party. The mixture can be frozen for up to 2 weeks. Protein: 1gCalories: 34kcalReady in: 1 hour (prep time 10 minutes)Recipe by: ChampagneTastesBonus: rich, flavorful This vegan-friendly Beluga Lentil Caviar recipe features black beluga lentil salad served on top of crackers with cream cheese, and is the perfect cold weather appetizer for your dinner party! Protein: 4gCalories: 72kcalReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: PlantBasedOnABudgetBonus: simple, gluten-free Simple and flavorful vegan pakora (spiced chickpea flour fritters) using just a handful of ingredients (including broccoli and onion – but the veggies are versatile), are easy to make, baked or air-fried rather than fried, naturally gluten-free, and ready in under 30 minutes! Protein: 4gCalories: 72kcalReady in: 25 minutesRecipe by: PlantBasedOnABudgetBonus: simple, gluten-free Simple and flavorful vegan pakora (spiced chickpea flour fritters) using just a handful of ingredients (including broccoli and onion – but the veggies are versatile), are easy to make, baked or air-fried rather than fried, naturally gluten-free, and ready in under 30 minutes!
Vegan Lentil Recipes: Salads
Bonus: quick, delicious, super nutritious, healthy recipe Fitness Lentil Bean Salad. Ridiculously high in protein post-workout salad. 40g per bowl. Ready in 7 minutes. Tasty and effective. Bonus: quick, easy, tasty and so healthy! Turkish Lentil Salad with a honey mustard dressing. Easy and quick, ready in 7 minutes. Full of fiber, protein and vitamin K. Bonus: delicious, quick, easy, healthy and so good High protein, iron and fibre in exotic Arugula and Lentil Salad that’s healthy and vegan. Only 12 minutes to make with easy to find ingredients. Check out the recipe card now! Bonus: high protein, healthy Looking for an easy tabbouleh recipe? Get a load of our lentil tabbouleh – a protein packed take on the classic dish! Bonus: superfood, super filling In this superfood salad brown lentils and quinoa are jazzed up with crunchy almonds, tangy olives and creamy avocado. Bonus: hearty, delicious This protein packed vegan lentil and potato salad is a perfect weight loss recipe (if you like this, why not check out our fave low calorie salad recipes too). It’s filling, healthy and nutritious, while still tasting amazing! Protein: 14.8gCalories: 414kcalReady in: 35 minutesRecipe by: DownShiftologyBonus: delicious, nutritious and full of health benefits salad Sweet potato noodles salad is a combination of spiralized sweet potato noodles, cabbage, lentils, sautéed onions and Swiss chard. It’s topped off with fresh herbs, toasted pine nuts and a zesty Dijon vinaigrette. Protein: 18gCalories: 435kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: CarolinesCookingBonus: quick, amazingly delicious and healthy salad This easy warm or cold salad is a tasty combination of lentils, roast veggies, roast grapes and an easy dressing. Great as a side or main in itself. Protein: 16gCalories: 334kcalReady in: 40 minutesRecipe by: VeggieInspiredBonus: full of nutrition, flavorful High protein lentils, caramelized roasted veggies, crunchy coleslaw, tangy BBQ sauce – these Power Bowls have it all! Texture and flavor dynamite! And they’re so easy to make…perfect for a weeknight meal! Protein: 9gCalories: 355kcalReady in: 1 hour 15 mins (prep 15 mins)Recipe by: PlatingsAndPairingsBonus: refreshing, party perfect Make this copycat Costco Quinoa Salad at home for a healthy, hearty, and delicious grain-based salad studded with fresh veggies and fresh lemon dressing. Protein: 10gCalories: 233kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: DebraKleinBonus: oil free, speedy This vegan lentil salad is easy to make, highly nutritious, absolutely delicious and beautiful too. No oil mustard miso dressing whisks together quickly for a complete meal in under 30 minutes (quick veggie meals are the way to go!). Protein: 13gCalories: 430kcalReady in: 1 hour 5 minutesRecipe by: TheHonorSystemBonus: gluten-free, healthy This Vegan Buddha Bowl recipe features the most luscious lemon tahini dressing. It is a delicious gluten-free grain bowl with a rainbow of vegetables. Perfect for healthy meal prep.
Vegan lentil recipes: soups/stews
Bonus: easy, healthy and nutritious soup Follow our foolproof simple cooking steps for the perfect coconut curry lentil soup. Packed with protein, fiber and a high-summer taste! Bonus: tasty, nutritious and full of health benefits, can be stored for a while in the fridge The sexiest lentil stew you have ever eaten. A nutritional powerhouse, this recipe is here to kickstart your year – and your health. Bonus: tasty, spicy and healthy meal, can be stored for a while in the fridge Who said meat-free recipes can’t deliver? This meatless (aka vegan) chili proves that you can still enjoy your favourite meals, but in a new, animal-friendly way. Bonus: quick, healthy, tasty and satisfying soup Easy Curried Butternut Squash and Coconut Soup. A delicious blend of coconut sweetness and curried squash make this an absolute fall treat. Bonus: simple, spiced A beautiful vegan soup starring cauliflower and lentils, spiced with a taste of Morocco. High in protein, works for lunch or dinner. Another delicious vegan lentil soup. Bonus: healthy, full of fibre Looking for a healthy vegan soup to add to your repertoire? This lentil vegetable soup is the perfect option! In my opinion this the best lentil soup recipe I’ve found! Bonus: quick, tasty and full of flavour A simple and delicious recipe for a classic dahl. Full of fragrant spices like cinnamon, curry powder. Serve with a dollop of soy yoghurt. Protein: 7gCalories: 214kcalReady in: 40 minutes (just 5 minutes to prep)Recipe by: StaceyHomeMakerBonus: quick preparation, easy, delicious and full of health benefits, This creamy vegan lentil chickpea soup is loaded with tender artichokes, protein and fiber-rich legumes, spinach, and the most flavorful golden broth (if that sounds tasty to you, you need to try our vegan chickpea recipes too). This easy to make soup is made in one pot and it’s ready in 40 minutes! Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Protein: 9gCalories: 242kcalReady in: 45 minutes (just 10 minutes prep)Recipe by: VeggieInspiredBonus: healthy, nutritious, spicy and so tasty Pumpkin Lentil Chili – the perfect balance of sweet and spicy in this hearty vegetarian chili. Protein: 7gCalories: 214kcalReady in: 40 minutesRecipe by: HappyKitchenRocksBonus: creamy but light Gluten free, vegan sweet potatoes and lentil soup is a healthy and tasty meal that will satisfy both your hunger and your tastebuds. Protein: 9gCalories: 242kcalReady in: 40 minutesRecipe by: HappyKitchenRocksBonus: smokey, delicious Easy and delicious Vegan Roasted Carrot Soup with lentils and Moroccan spices. This velvety, rich and healthy carrot soup has a unique and perfectly balanced flavor! Protein: 21.5gCalories: 509kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: ThePastaProjectBonus: simple, hearty An easy and nutritious traditional one-pot vegetarian/vegan pasta and lentil soup recipe from Umbria in Central Italy. An authentic Italian pasta recipe. Protein: 17gCalories: 381kcalReady in: 3 hours (prep 15 mins)Recipe by: EasyChickpeasyBonus: creamy, smoky This lentil tortilla soup is creamy and hearty while also tasting surprisingly fresh. This easy and healthy soup gets its creamy factor from coconut milk, and its protein from lentils and beans. The smoky, savory flavor this soup has without any meat is unbeatable! Protein: 20gCalories: 400kcalReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: ForkfulOfPlantsBonus: high protein, freezeableDeliciously spiced lentils and cauliflower come together to make this hearty brown lentil dahl, with a thick and creamy gravy. Filled with fiber and protein, it’s an ideal vegan freezer filler which is super simple to make. Bonus: gluten-free, simple Dal khichdi is a great weight loss dinner! It’s healthy, light but still filling, and a source of complete protein. Try it now!
Vegan Lentil Recipes: Pasta
Bonus: comforting, healthy Love a good bolognese but trying to eat less meat? Try our healthy, plant-based lentil bolognese – you’ll never look back! Protein: 17gCalories: 546kcalReady in: 1 hour 30 minutesRecipe by: AlineMadeBonus: creamy, delicious The best vegan lentil lasagna with béchamel sauce – an absolute dream for all lasagna fans! Try this easy recipe and learn how to make vegan lasagna! Protein: 15gCalories: 401kcalReady in: 1 hour 10 minutesRecipe by: RainbowNourishmentsBonus: wholesome, comfort food Vegan gnocchi bake with a lentil bolognese sauce and creamy bechamel sauce! This baked gnocchi is easy to make and the perfect vegan comfort food. Protein: 25gCalories: 386kcalReady in: 45 minutesRecipe by: TheVeganLarderBonus: cheap, simple This basic (but really very brilliant) Vegan Lentil Bolognese recipe is a staple in our kitchen. Lentils are not only delicious, they’re cheap, filling, full of protein and incredibly versatile, and have a lovely meaty texture that just works in this classic vegan version of Bolognese sauce.
Other vegan lentil recipes
Bonus: mega quick, healthy, versatile and delicious meal These awesome high-protein vegetarian lentil patties can be used as lentil burgers or fritters. A flax egg binds them together. Bonus: quick, healthy, spicy and super tasty! 😉 These veggie lentil tacos are our new go-to meal. SO TASTY and stacked with lentil protein and fiber, it’s time to take dinner up to the next level. Protein: 4gCalories: 115kcalReady in: 10 minutesRecipe by: MyPurePlantsBonus: super quick, easy, delicious and rich in protein breakfast Hiding red lentils in this protein pancake recipe will give you highly nutritious, light and fluffy vegan protein pancakes. Not to mention gluten-free. Protein: 18gCalories: 506 kcalReady in: 30 minutes (5 minutes prep)Recipe by: VeganOnBoardBonus: healthy, delicious and quick Can’t decide whether to make risotto or dal for dinner? Have the best of both dishes with this flavoursome and protein rich one-pot butternut squash and lentil risotto. Protein: 2gCalories: 31kcalReady in: 10 minutesRecipe by: LifeCurrentsBlogBonus: super fast, easy, healthy and so delicious These Easy Lentil Tacos with Smashed Avocado are so good. The filling comes together in about 5 minutes, and is loaded with flavor. They’re super healthy, loaded with good for you protein, fiber, and veggies! These vegan, gluten free tacos will be a family favorite for taco Tuesday, or any day! Protein: 18gCalories: 248kcalReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: ThisHealthyKitchenBonus: quick easy, healthy and so delicious pizza recipe 🙂 For a protein packed pizza alternative give this lentil pizza crust a try. It delivers big flavour, delicious crunch, and is free from gluten. Protein: 10gCalories: 288kcalReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: LittleSunnyKitchenBonus: fast, fresh, healthy and so delicious Vegan lentil wraps made with a fresh salad, and dill yogurt sauce. They are healthy, filling, dairy free, nut free with a gluten-free option available. They are perfect for lunch boxes, picnics, or to be served as a main dish for lunch or dinner. Protein: 7gCalories: 173kcalReady in: 45 minutes (just 20 minutes prep)Recipe by: VeggieInspiredBonus: easy, healthy and nutritious Red Lentil Quinoa Fritters – spiced with turmeric, cumin and a touch of cinnamon, these crispy fritters are oil free and baked, not fried. An easy, high protein, meatless dinner that will delight your senses. Protein: 25gCalories: 422kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: LittleSunnyKitchenBonus: quick, easy, healthy and so delicious This vegan shepherd’s pie is packed with plant-based protein and incredible flavours! It’s so easy to make, and ready in under an hour. Protein: 16gCalories: 465kcalReady in: 30 minutesRecipe by: LittleSunnyKitchenBonus: easy, healthy, delicious and full of flavor Mujadara is a Middle Eastern lentil rice dish served with flavorful caramelized onions that were fried in olive oil. This simple dish is naturally vegan, made with just pantry ingredients so it’s incredibly frugal, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes! Protein: 9.4gCalories: 211kcalReady in: 1 hour 15 minutesRecipe by: APlantifulPathBonus: festive, flavorful You won’t miss the meat with this hearty vegan lentil loaf! It’s filled with veggies and lentils, and is full of flavor. It a wonderful holiday entree, and is also easy enough for weekday meals. Protein: 5gCalories: 92kcalReady in: 20 minutesRecipe by: TheVeganLarderBonus: simple, colorful Yummy burgers stuffed full of plant based goodness, Lentils, Beetroot and spices (if you vibe with this, you’ll love our other vegan burger ideas)! Easy to make and delicious to eat! Protein: 11.4gCalories: 333kcalReady in: 50 minutesRecipe by: GiveRecipeBonus: party food, easy Turkish Lentil Meatball aka Mercimek Koftesi is a fantastic party food. These are super easy and inexpensive to prepare and loved by everyone. Nobody is able to stop once they try one. Bonus: nutty, tasty A tasty bowl of lentils with vegetables in a tahini sauce and cashews. This delicious recipe for veggie comfort food is just what an autumn day calls for.
How many calories are in lentils?
Red and yellow lentils have 226 kcal per cooked cup. Brown and green lentils have 230 kcal per cooked cup. Beluga lentils have 170 kcal per cooked cup. Puy lentils have 400 kcal per cooked cup.
Are lentils good for vegans?
Yes! Lentils are a great source of plant based protein, containing between 13-36 grams of protein per cooked cup of lentils (depending on the type of lentil). The best part is that they are also low in fat (less than 1g fat per cooked cup), and high in fiber (21-56 grams of fiber per cooked cup!).
What do lentils go well with?
Many things, because they have a fairly bland flavor profile. Red lentils go well in curries and brown and green lentils are great in salads, soups and to make burgers with. All lentils go well with rice and other grains. Did you know that lentils combined with whole grain rice makes a complete protein?
What flavors go well with lentils?
Most savory flavors! Brown and green lentils particularly lend themselves to fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme and oregano, while red lentils are well suited to smokier, more fragrant flavors like curry powder, paprika and cumin. A good tip is to cook your lentils in low sodium vegetable broth, as this gives them a richer, saltier flavor. I hope you enjoyed this collection of vegan lentil recipes (why not try vegetarian lentil dishes next?)! They really are the best lentil recipes out there. Let me know what your favorite ways to eat lentils are in the comments below.
