Grilled Vegetable and Lentil Salad with Chickpeas

This Grilled Vegetable and Lentil Salad with Chickpeas is a vibrant and nutritious midnight dish, combining hearty lentils, protein-rich chickpeas, and a medley of grilled vegetables. It's a satisfying option that’s both flavorful and packed with healthy ingredients, perfect for late-night cravings.

Ingredients

• Green lentils - 100 grams
• Chickpeas (canned, drained) - 1 cup
• Zucchini - 1 medium, sliced
• Bell pepper (red or yellow) - 1 medium, diced
• Cherry tomatoes - 1 cup, halved
• Red onion - 1 small, sliced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Lemon juice - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Feta cheese (optional) - 50 grams, crumbled

Steps

1. Rinse the green lentils under cold water and then cook them in a pot with 300 ml of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes until tender.
2. While the lentils are cooking, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. In a bowl, combine sliced zucchini, diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and black pepper.
4. Grill the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until they are tender and have grill marks.
5. Once the lentils are cooked, drain any excess water and let them cool slightly.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lentils, grilled vegetables, and chickpeas.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. Pour this dressing over the lentil and vegetable mixture and toss to combine.
8. If desired, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 18 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein and fiber, aiding in digestion and satiety.
• Rich in antioxidants from the vegetables, supporting overall health.

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