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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Optional: Sprinkle roasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- 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.
