Name: Lentil Salad with Avocado, Cherry Tomato, and Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Cuisine: American

Balancing Bowls Verified

January 30, 2026

Packed with flavor and contrasting textures, this bright and nutritious salad is hearty enough for a main dish and works well as a side. Lentil salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and lime cilantro vinaigrette is an excellent make-ahead salad for meal planning or bringing to a potluck. Thanks to the high acid content in the limes cilantro vinaigrette, the avocado stays green even when you make it the day ahead of time.

Lentil Salad with Avocado, Cherry Tomato, and Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette

Lentil Salad with Avocado, Cherry Tomato, and Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette cover

From the Cook

1/10

Lentil Salad with Avocado, Cherry Tomato, and Lime Cilantro Vinaigrette

Balancing Bowls Verified

Ingredients

WarningSulphites allergen identified

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked French green lentils, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and diced jalapeno.

Finally, add the dressing and thoroughly mix.

Smart Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

0
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Tips & Tricks (5)

Lime Vinaigrette Emulsion Trick 🥗
Whisk the vinaigrette ingredients vigorously or use a blender to create a smooth, well-integrated emulsion that coats the lentils evenly.
Lentil Texture Perfection 🫘
Rinse lentils before cooking and simmer gently to prevent mushy texture, aiming for a tender but still slightly firm bite.
Avocado Freshness Hack 🥑
Dice avocado last and toss with a little extra lime juice to prevent browning and maintain vibrant green color.
Flavor Layering Technique 🌶️
Toast cumin briefly in a dry pan before adding to the vinaigrette to enhance its nutty, aromatic qualities and deepen the overall flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Moisture Control 🥄
When preparing in advance, keep the vinaigrette and chopped vegetables separate from the lentils until just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.

Intelligent Tags

About the Cook

Balancing Bowls

I'm Nora! Balancing Bowls is the product of a slightly chaotic life, a need to make and grow things, and a love of creative cooking. If you're here because you're trying to feed your family well without losing your mind, you're in the right place.