16 Easy Lentil Recipes That Are Big on Flavor, Not on Cost

Make your meals healthier and more affordable with these 16 easy lentil recipes. Loaded with plant-based protein and bold flavor, these dishes are perfect for meal prep, quick dinners, and saving money—without sacrificing taste.

Powerhouse Lentils

Lentils are majorly underrated in the United States, but they shouldn't be! This inexpensive pantry staple is packed with plant-based protein, fiber, iron, and essential nutrients making it a powerhouse ingredient that supports heart health, stabilizes blood sugar, and keeps you feeling full longer. Even better, they’re budget-friendly, making them a smart choice for anyone trying to eat well without breaking the bank. You can make tons of wholesome, super satisfying dishes with lentils that won't drain your wallet or force you to spend hours in the kitchen!

Meal Prep Hero

This collection of 16 easy lentil recipes proves that lentils are far more versatile than your average soup. Expect rich curries and cozy stews to fresh salads, flavorful burgers, and even creamy snacks! These recipes highlight the many creative ways to use this humble legume. Dried lentils cook quickly, store well, and freeze beautifully, making them a meal prep dream. You can batch cook them ahead of time (try it in the Instant Pot!) and easily mix them into a variety of meals throughout the week.

These recipes offer something for everyone in the family. Plant-based? Got it. Tring to eat more whole foods? Us too! Just looking to simplify your grocery list? You're going to love these! Enjoy bold flavors, simple ingredients, and nourishing results with these inspiring lentil meals.

Salads and Snacks

Harvest Lentil Salad

Havest lentil salad has roasted butternut squash, arugula, pomegranates, goat cheese and pumpkin seeds, and a tangy cinnamon vinaigrette. Make a meal out of it or serve as a side dish.

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Southwestern Sweet Potato & Lentil Jar Salads

These sweet potato & lentil jar salads have the most amazing chili lime vinaigrette! Make them ahead and enjoy throughout the week for an easy, healthy on-the-go lunch.

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Mango Cashew Lentil Salad with Coconut Lime Dressing

Bring bright, tropical flavors to your lunch table with these tropical lentil bowls. With fresh veggies, sweet mango, crunchy cashews, brown lentils and a creamy coconut lime dressing, it's healthy but satisfying and delicious.

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Masala Spiced Lentil Hummus

Classic hummus gets a total remix with this masala spiced lentil hummus! Swapping chickpeas for lentils makes it even creamier, and adding turmeric, curry powder and garam masala gives it a tasty Indian flavor twist.

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Coconut and Carrot High Protein Muffins

These carrot lentil protein muffins are a great kid-friendly snack, filled with sneaky lentils to add healthy protein, fibre and nutrients. You'd never guess there were lentils in them!

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Soups and Stews

Hearty Lentil Soup

This lentil soup is thick and hearty, loaded with lentils, vegetables and fresh herbs. A tasty vegan soup recipe that works great for meal prep!

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Slow Cooker Ethiopian Chicken & Lentil Stew

A hearty and flavorful slow cooker Ethiopian chicken stew made with Ethiopian spices, lentils and sweet potatoes.  Bring some exotic flavors to your dinner table!

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Thai Curry Sweet Potato Soup

Creamy Thai curry sweet potato soup is full of nourishing ingredients including red lentils, sweet potatoes and coconut milk that will fill you up while keeping things healthy.

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More Lentil Recipes

Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Lentil Curry

This slow cooker butternut squash lentil curry is creamy and flavored with warm spices, butternut squash, coconut milk and lime juice! Works great as a comforting vegan dinner, or for meal prep.

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Mushroom Lentil Bruschetta Burger

This mushroom and lentil burger is a delicious veggie burger option: with the perfect texture that combines brown lentils, mushrooms, sunflower seeds and rolled oats. Topped with a sweet and tangy tomato bruschetta topping, these are perfect for summer!

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Moroccan Instant Pot Lentils

Moroccan Instant Pot lentils made with sweet potato, tomatoes, carrots, and warming spices! Vegan comfort food at it's finest, this recipe is gluten-free, freezer-friendly, and delicious.

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Zucchini Lentil Breakfast Burritos (Make Ahead)

A healthy, freezer-friendly breakfast burrito recipe that you can make ahead of time and reheat quickly in the morning.

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Easy Red Lentil Dal

This red lentil dal recipe is thick, creamy, and full of Indian spices. The ultimate vegan comfort food, made in one pot using pantry staples, and ready in 40 minutes! Gluten-free, vegan, and meal prep friendly.

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Spicy Thai Lentil Curry

Spicy, bold, and incredibly flavorful, this Thai red lentil curry is proof that humble ingredients can work together to create magic! With a simple ingredients list, and no need to even sauté, this recipe works great for a weeknight dinner, or for meal prep.

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Vegan Bolognese

This vegan bolognese is hearty, rich, and packed with plant-based protein. Made with red lentils, mushrooms, walnuts, and a ton of vegetables! Not only is it approved by picky meat-eaters and kids, but it's also perfect for stocking the freezer!

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Instant Pot Dal

This easy Instant Pot dal is the ultimate vegan comfort food. Made with red lentils and richly seasoned with Indian spices, it's thick, hearty, and filling. The Instant Pot makes it even easier to make!

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If you like easy lentil recipes, you might like these, too:

• 24 Black Beans Recipes Perfect For Meal Prep
• Chickpea Meal Prep Three Ways
• 5 Vegan Freezer Meals in One Hour
• How To Meal Prep - A Beginner's Guide
• Budget Friendly Meal Prep Tricks
• 21 Vegan Crock Pot Recipes