Are you tired of boring, bland health foods that make you want to give up on nutrition? Get ready to revolutionize your meal prep with this mouthwatering Mexican-style lentil detox salad that's not just a feast for your taste buds, but a powerhouse of nutrients that will kick your wellness journey into high gear! Packed with vibrant colors, zesty flavors, and incredible health benefits, this recipe is about to become your new secret weapon for feeling amazing from the inside out.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked lentils
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup corn
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the lentils if they are not already cooked. Rinse 1 cup of dry lentils under cold water and remove any debris. In a medium saucepan, add the lentils and cover them with about 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside to cool.
- While the lentils are cooking, prepare the vegetables. Dice 1 bell pepper into small pieces and chop 1/2 red onion finely. Set these aside in separate bowls.
- Once the lentils have cooled, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, and 1 cup of corn (you can use canned, frozen, or fresh corn depending on your preference).
- Next, chop 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro and add it to the bowl with the lentils and vegetables. This will add a fresh flavor to the salad.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of lime juice, along with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. This will be your dressing.
- Pour the lime juice dressing over the lentil mixture and toss everything gently to combine. Make sure all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be done in the refrigerator if you prefer it chilled.
- Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice if necessary.
- Serve the Mexican-style lentil detox salad in bowls or on a platter. Enjoy it as a light meal or as a side dish!
Tips
- Lentil Perfection: Always rinse your lentils thoroughly and avoid overcooking. The ideal texture should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro and lime juice for the most vibrant flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice if possible.
- Customize Your Detox: Feel free to add extra vegetables like diced cucumber or avocado for more nutrition and texture.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Protein Power-Up: For extra protein, consider adding grilled chicken or tofu to make it a more substantial meal.
- Chill Factor: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Spice It Up: For those who love heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of chili flakes to give the salad an extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 12g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
