Vegan Lentil Recipes
This collection of vegan lentil recipes covers all the best ways to use different types of lentils in your kitchen. From tacos to soups and curries and even desserts, you will love these healthy, budget-friendly lentil recipes.
Types of Lentils
The most common types of lentils used in the recipes below are red lentils and green/brown lentils but you may also come across French or black lentils from time to time.
- Red and yellow lentils. Red lentils have a short cooking time and are soft and mushy once cooked. You’ll find them commonly used in dahls and other Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. They work well in curries, soups and stews and have a sweet, nutty flavour.
- Green and brown lentils. Brown and green lentils are probably the most common and may even just be labeled “lentils” without an additional descriptor. They hold their shape well during cooking and are great for salads, soups, stews, burgers and meatloaf.
- Black and Beluga lentils. Beluga lentils are named for their resemblance to caviar. They have an earthy flavor and soft texture and work well in salads.
- French lentils. French lentils, or sometimes specifically Le Puy lentils, named after the Puy region in France, are darker and smaller in size than standard green lentils. They hold their shape very well when cooked so make a great choice for salads. Note that French lentils have a more distinct flavor than other varieties – they’re a bit nutty and peppery!
Lentil Nutrition
Why eat lentils? Well, lentils are an excellent source of nutrients!
Lentils are a good source of protein in a plant-based diet, containing roughly 9 grams of protein in a 100-gram serving but that’s not all they contain or offer in the way of health benefits.
- Lentils have the second-highest antioxidant content among tested legumes and offer significant levels of iron, zinc and folate.
- Lentils appear to improve glycemic control when eaten with meals and even after.
- Lentils may offer significant anti-inflammatory effects.
One serving of lentils also contains about 20 grams of complex carbohydrates necessary for energy production, 8 grams of fiber, and 3 milligrams of iron. They are relatively low in fat and calories with only about 115 calories in a serving and 0.3 grams of fat.
Best Lentil Recipes
Enjoy these hearty, healthy and delicious plant-based lentils recipes that are easy to make and can be made gluten-free and oil-free, if needed.
This lentil stew with kale and sweet potato is easy to make in 1 pot in 40 minutes. It's hearty, filling, naturally gluten-free, high in protein and tastes even better the next day!
These vegan red lentil quinoa bowls are full of nutrition and perfect for meal prep. They feature red lentils, quinoa, roasted squash and carrots, broccoli and lemon tahini sauce for a filling, buddha bowl-style meal. This recipe is gluten-free.
This easy to make Creamy Coconut Lentil Curry takes less than an hour (mostly hands-off time) to make and is packed full of delicious Indian flavors. The recipe is gluten-free and can be made oil-free. Make extra because it only gets better the next day!
This healthy, vegan lentil nourish bowl is packed with wholesome ingredients like green lentils, roasted potatoes, steamed kale and roasted onions and carrots. This recipe is gluten-free and can be oil-free.
This bowl has comfort food written all over it. Made with green lentils, homemade marinara sauce and broccoli, topped with vegan parmesan - it's easy to make but packed with flavour!
A popular red lentil tomato soup that's easy to make, wonderfully flavoured and packed with nutrition!
If you love red curry, you will love this delicious and flavourful stew made with red lentils and cauliflower.
This simple, healthy vegan lentil pasta sauce is easy to make and pairs well with pasta or zucchini noodles.
These baked lentil falafels are ready in just 30 minutes and deliver tons of flavour, a crispy crunch and soft, pillowy insides. Made with healthy ingredients lentils, cilantro, mint, garlic, and lemon and baked instead of fried! This recipe calls for some oil but they're so amazing, I had to include them.
These fun veggie tostadas are surprisingly quick and easy to make, especially if you’ve cooked the lentils ahead of time. Top them with a yummy, tangy avocado cilantro sauce and your favorites like salsa, cabbage, onion and carrot.
This vegan lentil kale salad with roasted broccoli is made with just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients. Enjoy this warm salad when you want something easy to make but still nourishing and healthy. This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Made with wholesome ingredients like walnuts and sunflower seeds, these lentil veggie burgers have a classic flavor that pairs well with any toppings. These can be made gluten-free by using GF breadcrumbs.
The most amazing lentil shepherd's pie! This recipe is easy to make and just perfect for a healthy, satisfying comfort food meal the whole family will love.
These spicy, sweet and sour Kung pao lentils are easy to make in one pot in 30 minutes for a delicious weeknight dinner that is gluten-free and vegan. The earthy lentils and Asian flavors of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce work perfectly together. Serve these vegan lentils with brown rice to turn it into a complete meal!
A thick and hearty lentil soup packed full of flavor and easily made in an Instant Pot. The ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal!
This curried red lentil soup is easy to make with just a handful of everyday ingredients. This recipe is gluten-free, oil-free and sugar-free.
One of the most popular recipes from Running on Real Food, this red lentil dahl is always a hit! Serve on its own or with your favorite rice for a complete meal. You can also stir in some greens for extra nutrition!
This lentil taco mixture is easy to make with simple ingredients and highly versatile. Use it in tacos, burritos, salads and more
This protein and fiber-rich curried lentils and quinoa dish is easy to make, full of flavor and wonderfully nutritious. This recipe is gluten-free.
These warm and hearty, red curry lentils are easy to make in one pot and full of delicious Thai-inspired flavour. This recipe is perfect for meal prep as the flavours only improve with time.
This delicious, oil-free, vegan butternut squash lentil soup is rich in fiber and protein, whole food plant-based and easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.to
This hearty salad features green lentils and roasted veggies like sweet potato, onion and carrot, all brought together with a simple maple balsamic dressing.
The vegan lentil loaf is hearty, delicious and made with pantry staples! It’s customizable to be gluten-free, oil-free and can be made ahead. Try it for a delicious, protein and fiber-rich main dish. Great for holidays too!
Everyone needs a delicious, simple lentil salad recipe! This healthy version is made with cooked lentils and diced fresh diced carrots, celery, bell pepper, onion, parsley and lemon juice – perfect to make ahead for lunch for the week as the flavors only get better overnight!
Delicious, fan-favourite lentil meatballs that are perfect for a comforting home-cooked meal.
This curried lentil bowl features steamed kale, roasted vegetables, and delicious garlic and turmeric coconut curried lentils. This hearty, plant-based bowl is lovely served warm in the Fall and Winter months but can also be served cold as a healthy, filling salad.
This hearty red lentil stew takes just minutes to prep before simmering away in a slow cooker! This recipe is gluten-free, oil-free and perfect for a warm meal on a chilly day.
This curried squash and lentil stew is loaded up with nourishing veggies like butternut squash, carrot, sweet potato, onion, mushroom, garlic and spinach. Gluten-free and oil-free.
I can't think of a better way to use up leftover red lentils, can you? These fudgy brownies are made with simple ingredients and are gluten-free.
Our final recipe is another dessert! Yep - red lentil and oat chocolate chip blondies! This recipe is vegan, gluten-free and has 5 grams of protein per serving.
More Recipes
Looking for more recipes like this? Check these out:
- Plant-Based Instant Pot Recipes
- Plant-Based Slow Cooker Recipes
- Healthy Vegan Soup Recipes
- Plant-Based Pantry Staple Meal Plan
