Indian Spinach Salad with Lentils & Cauliflower Recipe

Indian Spinach Salad with Lentils & Cauliflower is a delicious and healthy dish that combines the goodness of spinach, lentils, and cauliflower with flavorful Indian spices. Here’s a simple recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, washed and chopped
• 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils (masoor or moong dal)
• 1 cup cauliflower florets, blanched and chopped
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup roasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds (optional, for added crunch)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Start by cooking the lentils:
   • Rinse the lentils under cold water and drain.
   • In a saucepan, combine the lentils with enough water to cover them by an inch.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
   • Cook for 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender but not mushy.
   • Drain any excess water and let them cool.
2. Blanch the cauliflower:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the cauliflower florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
   • Drain and immediately transfer the cauliflower to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
   • Drain again and set aside.
3. Prepare the dressing:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, paprika or chili powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
4. Assemble the salad:
   • In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cooked lentils, blanched cauliflower, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, bell peppers, cilantro, and mint (if using).
   • Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
5. Optional: Sprinkle roasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds over the top for added texture and flavor.
6. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
7. Serve your Indian Spinach Salad with Lentils & Cauliflower immediately as a healthy and flavorful side dish or a light meal. Enjoy!

Feel free to customize this salad by adding other vegetables or ingredients you love, such as roasted chickpeas, feta cheese, or avocado slices.